An Urgent Appeal From Megan J. Humphrey, advocate for Senior Citizens.
Dear Folks,
I have been an advocate for the Champlain Senior Center for 25 years.
My first internship upon my transferring to the Social Work Department
at the University of Vermont in 1979 was at Champlain Senior Center
(then Interfaith Senior Center). Many years later, I encouraged Syndi
Zook to hire me as the Program Director when I learned that the McClure
MultiGenerational Center was in the planning stages. I loved my job
there and have continued to donate time and money since then.
Now, as a public citizen passionate about services for seniors in our
community, I am appalled by what is happening at the Champlain Senior
Center. Here is a brief historical perspective on recent events:
In 1997, Champlain Senior Center Inc. and Chittenden County Senior
Citizens Alliance (dba The Heineberg Senior Center) entered into a
lease agreement. The Champlain Senior Center leased the Heineberg
building for $1 per year and, in turn, provided programs and a director
at the Heineberg site. Revenue generated at Heineberg was given to
Champlain with two exceptions, a Prudential Mutual Fund and a savings
account for small building needs. Champlain assumed responsibility for
operational expenses at Heineberg, except for maintenance of the
elevator lift and small repairs at the building. (Chittenden County
Senior Citizens own the building at 14 Heineberg Road, which is exempt
from property taxes.)
Seniors at Heineberg were provided a safe and secure site to obtain
essential services, as well as programs to remain civically engaged and
healthy and mentally challenged. They remained the owners of the
building. The Board of Directors at Heineberg acted in an advisory
capacity to the Director and agreed to follow the policies set by the
Board of Directors at Champlain.
In September, the arrangement was reviewed by the current Executive
Director, Kathy Maieli, and the Board of Directors at Champlain Senior
Center. The former lease agreement had lapsed, and it was agreed that
some changes would be needed. On November 15, 2006, a new lease
agreement was presented by the Champlain Board to the Heineberg Board.
The Heineberg Board felt the new agreement was more restrictive and
less empowering, and suggested several changes to the agreement. The
Champlain Board rejected the changes and explained that, if the lease
was not signed within 24 hours, support would be withdrawn.. The
Heineberg Board refused to sign the contract and Champlain pulled their
support on November 30. This withdrawal of support included the
immediate removal of files, computers, network access, other supplies,
and has been cloaked in threats and intimidation against seniors at
Heineberg.
This has left Heineberg seniors in the position of uncertainty and
without some vital services. In one example, the Soup and Salad Bar was
a daily meal option, but is no longer available.
Without an exit strategy, the abrupt departure of Champlain’s support
has created obvious stress on the seniors there. With the recent
departure of Gail Moreau as their Program Director (see below), the
board at Heineberg is trying to maintain programming at the most
difficult time of year for many seniors.
Two staff members at Heineberg Senior Center have recently resigned
because of philosophical differences with this new and disturbing
direction at Champlain Senior Center. Gail Moreau, Program Director at
Heineberg Senior Center, was a treasure at the heart of the senior
community, whose loss is most deeply felt by the seniors themselves.
The VISTA/Americorps staff person there has also left for the same
reasons.
Personally, I was very disappointed when Kathy and the Champlain Board
chose not to accept my offer to provide a free holiday dinner for
seniors there on Christmas Day, complete with donated food, volunteer
help, transportation, giftbags, and a visit by Santa. Regardless of
their lack of support, the dinner will be held and transportation will
be provided, courtesy of the Burlington School Department and
Burlington Parks & Rec, both of whom were thrilled to participate.
We're expecting 100 seniors who would otherwise be at home alone that
day.
When basic services are discontinued for low-income seniors, I believe
that our local community has a right to know. When priorities shift in
a negative direction within an organization, I think that folks who
donate their hard-earned financial support should be made aware.
And so, with a heavy heart, I must acknowledge that I can no longer
support Champlain Senior Center. I am concerned about the ability of
the Heineberg Senior Center to continue to provide important programs
and services for low-income seniors and pledge to help raise an
awareness about their need for financial support from this community.
I encourage you and your friends to send a donation immediately, so
that the doors at Heineberg can remain open. Please send your
financial support to:
Heineberg Senior Center
c/o Lada Maple, Treasurer
14 Heineberg Road Burlington, VT 05408
Thank you so much in advance for your consideration and support for our
seniors! Have a wonderful holiday season filled with light.
Warm regards,
Megan
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