“I’m so glad to be coming to Project … it’s good for me to get out and socialize.”

– Marion, participant

“I am thankful David and I had such a good experience with Project Independence and appreciate all the folks who were so kind, knowledgeable and supportive. We are blessed to have such a valuable asset in our community.”

– Amanda, spouse

“I am forever grateful for the support my parents and I received from the staff at Project Independence! I am often grumbling about eldercare in Vermont, but YOU ALL are a big exception. Highest praises for everything you do in supporting folks to age at home (and support for those who don’t, too!).”

– Megan, daughter

“Thank you for all Project does to support [our mutual clients] – the nurses are really going above and beyond – it’s noticed and appreciated.”

– Rachel VanDenburgh, Age Well, Case Manager

“My husband attends Project Independence in Middlebury at least four days a week and truly loves it there. The amazing staff is unfailingly supportive and attentive to all the participants’ needs as well as offering family support from a very caring perspective. Given his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, my husband (and I) would be unable to get through the week without this program of appropriate activities, delicious meals, companionship, and care for him. I am very fortunate to be able to continue to do most of my daily activities knowing that he’s safe, active, and engaged with others. Dementia tends to be a hidden problem in our communities, and I am extremely grateful for this superior quality program here in Middlebury.”

– Susan, spouse

“He LOVES it! He raves about the staff and the folks he spends the day with. He raves about the great variety of activities. He raves about the food. He raves about the building itself. You all hit it out of the park there. Your stellar reputation is well deserved. 

“I got the deep feeling that he felt cared for, safe, engaged, and I also got a sense of relief from him that he was treated as a whole adult person and had autonomy and choices. I love that he’s going to look forward to coming there and that he will have lots to talk about when I pick him up.”

– Doreen, spouse

“Thank you to Elderly Services for the wonderful, caring note about Carol and her time at Project Independence. Quite honestly, it started the tears all over again, but they were tears of joy. I can’t express enough the sense of happiness that Carol was able to experience every day while she was at Project. All you guys are amazing, and I will forever be grateful for the role you played in Carol’s life.”

– Mickey, spouse

“I am beyond thankful for a program such as project; it’s the only thing he really looks forward to these days.”

– Capricia, daughter

“Our experience with Project Independence couldn’t have been better. My husband always came home happy, and learning of some of his experiences was so heartwarming. Without exception, the staff was ALWAYS so kind, caring, compassionate and flexible.”

– Karen, spouse

“My mother-in-law began attending Project Independence approximately a year ago. Today she attends four days a week. Her whole outlook on life, her health and her happiness has changed for the better. Her diet has drastically improved. She feels a part of the community and has stories to share with us. Project has without a doubt saved her from going to a nursing home. They also have saved my family. Without Project we would have to give a lot of time and support to my mother-in-law, which was very stressful and difficult. We are the sandwich generation, we are raising a child and also caring for an aging parent. Project is helping us all thrive. I don’t know what we’d do without Project Independence. We are so thankful.”

– Debi, daughter-in-law

“I want to offer my wholehearted gratitude to Project Independence for the marvelous service you have provided our family over the past year. I can’t say enough how very much we have appreciated the kindness, the skill and the experience, of staff and volunteers at Project. It has truly been a godsend to us, offering  compassionate care and engagement at a time when it was just what he needed. I have especially valued your wisdom and empathy as we have talked one on one about my difficulties and challenges navigating my husband’s care. You have all been a treasure to us, and we will both miss Project in the weeks ahead.

“I feel sad to be saying goodbye to you all, staff and volunteers. It is with enormous gratitude in my heart that I thank you for your truly extraordinary service to my husband, to myself — and to the community.”

– Sarah, spouse

“Our sister is so happy. Thank you for taking the time to work with her and help her feel comfortable. It’s great to see her out at least once a week and enjoying herself! Thank you again — it has already made a difference in her life.”

– Kate, sister

“As a family, we simply cannot tell you how much we appreciate the years you have all devoted in contributing to our mom’s happiness and well-being. The level of care, respect, integrity, kindness, and warmth shown to mom was never in question. And our family was always offered support, and afforded a level of comfort, knowing that Mom was safe. She always spoke very fondly of her experiences there and of all of you. With sincere appreciation,”

– Erin, daughter

“I don’t know where we would be without Project! Thank you all for everything you do for Joe! Project Independence has changed my husband from someone who sat on the couch all day, becoming weaker and increasingly depressed, to someone who can continue to live at home and now looks forward to each day.  The staff, the stimulation and being surrounded by others with the same, if not greater, limitations that he has, have been a game changer for him! Thank you!”

– Virginia, spouse

“I can’t thank you and all the staff there for all you did for Clayton and for others with similar needs, and I want you to know how much I appreciate that. Without Project Independence providing such a great support service for him and us we would be worn out and at our wit’s end. My wife, my brother and I really benefit from the activities and interpersonal interactions and respite services that are provided by the caring and dedicated staff there.”

– Philip, brother

“Mom passed away. She had fallen asleep the Thursday night before after telling her grandsons that she’d had a really good day at ‘school’ (Project Independence), that she’d had fun with music and art, and that the dessert that day was really good. She ate a great dinner with us all, wanted to go to bed early, and never woke again.

“We can not express how much the love and care you gave her meant to us all, and the support you gave us as a family made a huge difference in our ability to see the light and joy.

“We send our love and thanks.”

– Kris and family

“Just wanted to pass along a positive message. I have a patient who started going to Project three afternoons a week about a month ago. Both he and his brother report DRAMATIC improvement in his attitude and overall mood. They are really appreciative (as am I ). 

“Thank you for all you do!”

– Elizabeth, care anager

“The level of caring, compassion and community that Project has provided and continues to provide to so many is unmatched.”

– Sgt. Casey Covey, Middlebury Police Department (and former staffer at Project Independence)