James T. Bowse Health Trust Announces 2026 Grant Awards

RUTLAND, VT — Rutland Regional Medical Center’s James T. Bowse Health Trust (BHT) committee is excited to announce new funding for three transformative projects that will strengthen the health and vitality of the Rutland region. The Boys & Girls Club of Rutland County, Rutland County Head Start, and Vermont Adult Learning have each been awarded three-year grants to launch impactful initiatives that will benefit children, families, and adults across our community. These projects directly address top priority needs identified in the 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment, with a strong emphasis on advancing health equity in Access to Care, Community Connection, and Community Safety. To learn more about the Community Health Needs Assessment please visit www.rrmc.org/about/community-health-needs-assessment

The Boys & Girls Club of Rutland County-Community Transportation Project will work to support children, youth, and families with access to essential services such as education, afterschool programs, and healthcare. With focus on transportation, the Boys & Girls Club will remove barriers for families and youth by coordinating additional transportation resources in our community.

Rutland County Head Start- Developmental Classroom supports existing classrooms at Head Start and Early Head Start by equipping the rooms, staff, and partners with tools to identify developmental needs early and intervene effectively. This project will increase access to interventions strengthening child health and school readiness. BHT funding will transform the pilot program into a sustainable model of early intervention.

Vermont Adult Learning- Health Works is launching a Healthcare workshop series providing insight into the wide range of career pathways in healthcare and opportunities for growth within the field. VAL students and community members across the Rutland region will connect with healthcare employers, training providers, and prospective employees to discuss current job openings, employment expectations, and the skills needed to succeed. 

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 support 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. 

The BHT is pleased to welcome the three new grantees who join our current partners and more than sixty previously funded programs in strengthening the health and well-being of Rutland County residents. The next grant cycle will open in May 2026, with awards made annually.

Members of the volunteer Health Trust Committee include Renee Bousquet, Chair; Mary Beerworth, Doug Norford, Lisa Ryan, Chrispin White, Rich Clark, Liz Pelletier, and Randal Smathers.

To view the Bowse Health Trust Annual Report and the application information, please visit www.rrmc.org/about/bowse-trust. For more information, please contact Jamie Bentley, Community Impact Specialist at 802-282-9585 or email healthtrust@rrmc.org.

About the James T. Bowse Health Trust

Established in 1996 by Rutland Regional Medical Center to fund collaborative, community-based programs aimed at creating a healthier community. A resolution by the Rutland Regional Health Services (RRHS) Board of Directors renamed this initiative in memory of James T. Bowse, President/CEO of Rutland Regional and RRHS. Jim died unexpectedly on June 17, 1997. He came to Rutland Regional in 1989 and, during his tenure, maintained an active interest in the health and wellness of the community. Jim was instrumental in establishing trust in the fall of 1996. In naming the trust after Jim, we recognize the contributions he made to our community. Since then, the Bowse Health Trust has funded $4.5M to 67 programs in the Rutland Region.

About Rutland Regional Medical Center: Rutland Regional Medical Center is the largest community hospital in Vermont and is supported by a medical staff of 340 physicians and advanced practice providers trained in 41 specialty areas. The 145-bed hospital is supported by approximately 1,700 employees. With a strong patient-centered focus and award-winning care, Rutland Regional remains dedicated to improving the health of families and individuals throughout portions of southern and central Vermont and communities in eastern New York State with preventative, diagnostic, acute and rehabilitative services. RRMC.org