On December 26, 2024
Local News

James T. Bowse Health Trust announces 2025 grant awards

On Thursday, Dec. 11, Rutland Regional Medical Center’s James T. Bowse Health Trust (BHT) committee announced funding for three important projects in the Rutland region.

The ARC-Rutland Area, Inc., Come Alive Outside, and the Tapestry Program of Rutland City Public Schools have been awarded funds over the next three years to implement important projects in the Rutland community. Each project addresses priority needs identified in the 2021 Community Health Needs Assessment with a focus on improving health equity in the areas of housing, childcare/parenting, mental health, and supporting the aging community. As the Bowse Health Trust transitions to using the recently completed 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment priority areas, these projects will also address critical needs identified for populations of focus within the community.

ARC- Rutland Area Inc.

The Enhanced Vital Community Enrichment Program will be a transformative project to improve health outcomes and reduce health inequities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across 18 towns in the Rutland region. The initiative will promote independence and connection through life skills, wellness, and social opportunities while addressing loneliness through expanded social activities.

Come Alive Outside

The Outdoor Community-Led Affinity Group Project aims to enhance mental health, social inclusion, and physical well-being for priority populations in the Rutland region. The project will establish sustainable outdoor affinity activity groups tailored to diverse community needs. The goal is to reduce health disparities for historically marginalized groups through accessible and inclusive nature-based experiences.

The Tapestry Program of Rutland City Public Schools- Kindergarten Readiness Camp will provide a vital bridge from home or early childcare to school, preparing students and families to transition into primary education confidently. By familiarizing students with school routines and fostering connections with peers while offering parents opportunities to learn about school and community support, the program will strengthen resiliency, confidence, and community ties for families entering the educational system.

For nearly 30 years, the BHT has awarded grant funds to collaborative community programs that measurably improve Rutland County residents’ health. The selection process engages a wide variety of community leaders to choose innovative programs that help improve the community’s health. Ongoing reflection and collaboration with the BHT Committee help agencies secure year two and year three funding, as awards are based on the grantee’s attainment of goals and outcomes.

These three new grantees and current grant recipients, along with 60+ programs funded in the past, touch and improve the lives of Rutland County residents. The opening of the next grant cycle will be announced in May 2025, as grants are awarded annually.

The volunteer Health Trust Committee includes Renee Bousquet, Chair; Mary Beerworth; Nanci Gordon; Doug Norford; Lisa Ryan; Chrispin White; and Joe Kraus.

For more info, visit: rrmc.org/about/bowse-trust.

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Pride in Rutland: Flags, resistance, and showing up

June 25, 2025
By Emily Pratt Slatin Pride returned to downtown Rutland this June with more color, noise, and purpose than ever before. What began as a joyful celebration quickly became something deeper—something that felt like resistance. And belonging. And a promise that no one in this community has to stand alone. The day kicked off with the…

Plan to manage 72,000 acres of the Telephone Gap project is finalized

June 25, 2025
Staff report The U.S. Forest Service issued its final plan for managing 72,000 acres of public and private land on June 16. The proposed Telephone Gap Integrated Resource Project area is located on the Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF) within the towns of Brandon, Chittenden, Goshen, Killington, Mendon, Pittsfield, Pittsford, and Stockbridge. “The Telephone Gap project is…

Hot air balloons took flight over Quechee

June 25, 2025
By James Kent This past weekend, June 21-22, people came from all over New England to participate in the 45th annual Hot Air Balloon Festival. Music, food, games, and fun were available for all ages throughout the weekend, but the main attraction was the hot air balloons. And for those looking to see these gigantic,…

Killington residents push for skate park as town reimagines recreation future 

June 25, 2025
By Greta Solsaa/VTDigger As Killington celebrates the 50th anniversary of its recreation center, some residents are pushing to make a skate park a new permanent fixture of the town’s summer offerings.  The town crafted its recreation master plan to holistically determine how to best use its resources to serve residents in the future, Recreation Department Director Emily Hudson…