On October 10, HCRS staff hosted our annual meeting, bringing together staff, partners, and community members for a night of celebration and reflection. The evening highlighted the immense dedication of HCRS staff, honored community partnerships, and underscored a year filled with significant achievements in expanding access to care statewide.
Celebrating Years of Service
HCRS honored employees who reached 5 to 35 years of service, collectively representing an astounding 715 years of commitment to supporting our communities. From seasoned veterans celebrating 35 years, to those marking their first 5-year milestone, the dedication and impact of our team members is immeasurable.
The full list of honorees showcased the breadth and depth of experience that powers HCRS’ mission every day:
35 Years: Kathy Duhamel, Lori Schreiner, Brad Sewall
30 Years: Joan Egbert, George Karabakakis, Shirley Roy
25 Years: Karon Eagles
20 Years: Jeanette Austin, Terry Flood, Heather Lockwood, Jennifer Marandino, Hal Moore, Tamara Simmiolkjier, Rose Wheeler, Cora Willis-Cooper
15 Years: Erin Boxer, Cindy Dominique, Keri LaVarnway, Jillian Tripp
10 Years: Danielle Blake, Christine Block, Dawn Bradshaw, Megan Chapman, Joshua Dallaire, Joshua DiGiovanna, Bethany Freitas, Faraja Kurubai, Shaun Milek, Currie Murphy, Jessica Ostrander, Makayla Smith
5 Years: David Anderson, Jon Paul Bautel, Anne Bilodeau, Michael Blanchard, Maryann Boese, Yee-Wah Brabant, Sharon Bruce, Catherine Chivers, Khalila Cliche, Darcy Cole, Laura Corbet, Kacie Eaton, Katherine Erskine, Curtis Fields, Kelly Hyson, Scott Joy, Stephen Jurentkuff, Zeke Kreitzer, Hilary Lockwood, Mary Misavage, Caitlin Mitchell, Rosie Nevins-Alderfer, Nicole Pelletier, Jason Pierce, Sarah Pierce, Derek Sensale, Ashleigh Soares, Sean Stark, Corazon Swanberg, Jesse Tidd, Darcy Whitworth
Standing Ovation Awards for Exceptional Staff
A special round of applause went to five outstanding team members who have exemplified HCRS’ core values through their work: Joshua Dallaire, Suzanne Henderson, Caitlin Miller, Susan Montesi, and Kait Skogstad. Their dedication and passion inspire us all.
Celebrating Community Partnerships
The evening also recognized Brattleboro Memorial Hospital with the prestigious James Bartley Community Partner Award. Their steadfast support and collaborative spirit have made a lasting difference in ensuring that community members receive the care they need.
Expanding Access: A Year of Milestones
2024 was a transformative year for HCRS as we continued our mission to break down barriers and expand access to essential services. Key achievements included:
- Launch of Enhanced Mobile Crisis Program: HCRS led the rollout of this statewide initiative in collaboration with Vermont’s nine other community mental health agencies. The program now provides 24/7, in-person crisis support for mental health and substance use emergencies, offering real-time help to all Vermonters.
- Care Coordination Services: Through our CCBHC grant, HCRS began offering comprehensive Care Coordination services to residents across southeastern Vermont, bridging gaps and streamlining support.
- A New User-Friendly Website: Our updated website (hcrs.org) now ensures that accessing vital information and services is easier than ever.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended and contributed to our annual meeting. Your presence and support are invaluable as we continue our mission to provide compassionate care and expand access to essential services across Vermont. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier future for all!
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