James T. Bowse Health Trust Announces 2025 Grant Awards

RUTLAND, VT – Rutland Regional Medical Center’s James T. Bowse Health Trust (BHT) committee is pleased to announce 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 our 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 our community. Learn more about the Community Health Needs Assessment.

ARC- Rutland Area Inc.: 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: 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 confidently transition into primary education. 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 close to 30 years the BHT has awarded grant funds to collaborative community programs which measurably improve the health of Rutland County residents. The selection process engages a wide variety of community leaders to choose innovative programs that help improve the health of our community. Ongoing reflection and collaboration with the BHT Committee helps agencies to secure year two and year three funding, as awards are based on the grantee attainment of goals and outcomes.

Our 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 on an annual basis.

Members of the volunteer Health Trust Committee include Renee Bousquet, Chair; Mary Beerworth, Nanci Gordon, Doug Norford, Lisa Ryan, Chrispin White, and Joe Kraus.

View the Bowse Health Trust Annual Report and the application information here. For more information, please contact Jamie Bentley, Community Impact Specialist at 802.282.9585 or by email.

All grant guidelines, application information, and the Community Health Needs Assessment are available on RRMC.org. For more information email the Bowse Health Trust.