Project Independence is a nationally recognized adult day center providing a closely supervised daytime home away from home for elderly adults whose independence has lessened due to chronic illness, disability, or very advanced age.

Elderly Services has operated Project Independence since 1981.

Where: Located in The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Center for Elderly Services at 112 Exchange St. in Middlebury, Vt.

When: We are open Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Who: Our participants are elders who come from diverse backgrounds, with varying degrees of physical, cognitive, and social needs. Our staff includes activity leaders, van drivers, registered nurses, social workers and cooks.

What: Individualized care plans reflect each person’s abilities, needs, and interests. Participants represent a broad range of educational backgrounds. Activities are planned for those with sharp minds as well as for those with memory problems.

Regular activities. These include musical entertainers, creative art, cooking, word games, trivia, exercise, indoor/outdoor sport games, current events, drama group, readings, spelling bee, visits from local schools, travel talks, discussion groups, visiting pets, field trips to museums and farms, and more.

Meals. Every day we serve a light breakfast, delicious hot noon dinner, afternoon snack, and supper, offering a mix of traditional comfort food and gourmet touches. We accommodate special dietary needs.

Specialized care. We provide medication management, nursing care, toileting, medical monitoring, mobility assistance, van pick-up and drop-off, individual support counseling, walks, resource referrals, caregiver support-group, and eldercare counseling.

Transportation. We operate a transportation system throughout Addison County that includes handicapped-accessible vans and specially trained drivers on our staff.

Center fees. An hourly fee is established annually by the ESI Board of Directors, based on the cost of operation. Certain participants may be eligible for Veterans Administration or Medicaid waiver fee coverage. Elderly Services offers a financial aid program to make our center affordable with partial scholarship aid.

How: Come and visit Project Independence for a tour or interview, or call us anytime at 802.388.3983.