110 years ago, the seeds of RVNAhealth were planted with a single nurse providing home healthcare to one community. We have maintained our community-based focus as we evolved into a non-profit organization that provides care for people of all ages, from birth through end of life. Today, we serve more than 5,000 people annually across 35+ Connecticut towns, with home healthcare, rehabilitation therapies, palliative and hospice care. Our donor-funded community programs for Chronic Care patients, underinsured children, and first-time, low-income mothers serve those who might not have access to care without our support.
Please make a gift to RVNAhealth today and know that every gift – no matter the size – is critical to upholding our mission and sustaining our important work. YOU make more possible.
Learn more about our commitment to your community and how you can donate to support those who might not otherwise have access to care. We invite you to get to know us better through Barbara’s story, an RVNAhealth patient…
Giving Tuesday is based on the premise, “together, we create the future we want to see.”
At RVNAhealth, we know the difference YOU can make by supporting us on Giving Tuesday and bettering the lives of those in your community.
The RVNAhealth Volunteer Program is often where the magic happens. Our volunteers are truly heroes without capes, and your gift will sustain their compassionate work and the companionship they provide to our patients. This Giving Tuesday, we are asking for your support of RVNAhealth’s Volunteer Program. Stephanie Peppe, RVNAhealth Manager of Volunteer Services, warmly notes that “our volunteers come to us generously with selfless intent, yet they make a profound difference in the lives of those they touch.”
Our volunteers contribute to everything from supporting the daily operations of the organization to changing the lives of our hospice patients and their families. In the words of Paulina, a 4-year RVNAhealth volunteer who visits with our hospice patients weekly, “you are not just building a relationship with your patients, but also building relationships with their families. I love that I get to provide so much relief for the families because a lot of them are 24-7 caretakers for their loved ones, and it’s just amazing how profound of an impact you can have during this tough time.”
Kristy, Reiki Master and RVNAhealth volunteer who also works with our hospice patients shares, “I love hearing the wisdom and stories the patients share. If I can make a connection with somebody, letting them be seen, heard, & valued, it fills my bucket, just by seeing a patient, putting a smile on their face, or helping them relax. It has given me a new perspective and sense of compassion for the aging, and I hope someday, somebody comes to visit me and make my last days better, too.”
RVNAhealth patient (and carpenter) works on a birdhouse kit provided by the Wishes program
The RVNAhealth Volunteer Program needs your support in many ways, including technology in the form of laptops and volunteer management software, background checks and fitness testing to safeguard the communities we serve, and support of our Wishes Program*, to name just a few. The Wishes Program works to grant hospice patients and their families special wishes, both large and small. These “wishes” are carried out in large part by the efforts of our dedicated volunteers with funding from donor gifts. Granting these “wishes” is especially impactful when the cost may be prohibitive for the family or the timing difficult, if not impossible, for friends and family to navigate.
Wishes may be as simple as a meal requested for a bedbound patient from their favorite restaurant, a flower arrangement, books & games to pass the time … or more complex like planting a tomato garden for a patient to continue his treasured tradition of doing so, building birdhouses with a carpenter struggling with dementia, purchasing an air conditioner for a patient to remain safe and comfortable during extreme summer heat, or needing ambulette transport to a special family gathering or a grandchild’s school concert.
In this season of gratitude and giving, please consider making a contribution to RVNAhealth in honor of Giving Tuesday, and give the precious gift of health, comfort and peace to the patients and families we serve. You may click here to donate: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/rvnahealthgivingtuesday2024
* In addition to the generous support of our donors, the RVNAhealth Wishes Program is partially funded by a grant from the Ridgefield Thrift Shop.
A great time was had by all, and we want to share this heartfelt thank you to all those who supported our 2024 Autumn Dinner.
It was a true celebration of mission and community at the annual RVNAhealth Autumn Dinner, held on September 26th at Le Chateau in South Salem, NY. Guests enjoyed cocktails & hors d’oeuvres, live music, dinner, dancing, our ever-popular “Date Night for a Year” raffle, and our new Golden Paddle opportunity to bid in a very exciting Live Auction! Thank you to our 250 guests, 47 sponsors, 41 advertisers, our incredibly dedicated volunteer Autumn Dinner Committee, and countless others who contributed in many ways for making the event a great success.
We were thrilled to recognize RVNAhealth President and CEO, Theresa Santoro, for her 25 years of service and visionary leadership. Joining the agency as a visiting nurse 25 years ago, she now leads an organization that continues to thrive under her direction. RVNAhealth has grown to become a regional healthcare provider, serving more than 5,000 patients and clients annually across western Connecticut.
RVNAhealth is proud to offer home health and hospice care, Well-Child Clinics and Nurse Family Partnership for children, young mothers and families in need, and a Chronic Care program to help our vulnerable uninsured and underinsured neighbors. Funds raised at the Autumn Dinner allow us to forward our mission of compassion and provide the best possible care to those we serve. If you weren’t able to attend the event, it’s never too late to help and make a meaningful impact.
Please enjoy this video which is a testament to “Why RVNAhealth?” and beautiful stories honoring Theresa’s special place in the hearts of the communities we serve.
We are excited to celebrate Theresa Santoro’s 25th anniversary with RVNAhealth, and we invite you to join us on Thursday, September 26th, at Le Chateau in South Salem, NY.
Joining the agency as a visiting nurse 25 years ago, Theresa Santoro was appointed President & CEO in July 2007. Since then, she has led RVNAhealth through tremendous growth, including the addition of hospice and nonmedical caregiving services; community clinics and wellness programs; the construction of the 23,000 square foot RVNAhealth headquarters which houses offices, treatment rooms, a clinical training and resource center, and an outpatient therapy center; as well as a merger with the Bethel VNA and New Milford Visiting Nurse & Hospice. She also guided the agency as it navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, with nursing and hospice care in private homes and skilled nursing facilities, and public health vaccine administration. Called “the heart of communities throughout Connecticut” by the local press, Santoro’s tutelage has positioned the nonprofit as the premier healthcare resource for home and community-based care.
Theresa has received numerous awards that reflect the value of her trailblazing leadership and the respect she has earned from colleagues and highly regarded institutions alike. These include the Visiting Nurse Association of New England (VNANE) Innovator’s Award, which honors agencies that develop and implement innovations that improve cost, quality of care, and access, and the Connecticut Association for Healthcare at Home (CAHCH) Judith Hriceniak Award for Excellence in Nursing Leadership. RVNAhealth has also been recognized with the Top Workplace Award from Hearst Connecticut Media eleven times since 2011.
More recently, RVNAhealth has designed and launched its unique and highly acclaimed Parkinson’s Center and expanded its Dementia Resources Program, not only to help those living with Parkinson’s Disease or Dementia, but to support caregivers along their journey, as well.
Now, with 500 employees serving more than 5,000 patients annually in their homes, across 35 CT towns, RVNAhealth is proud to have remained true and dedicated to its mission to provide unmatched, compassionate healthcare when and where it is needed.
So please join us as we celebrate RVNAhealth and Theresa’s past, present, and future success, driven by her 25 years of visionary leadership. TOGETHER, we can build stronger and healthier communities for all!
Click here for Ticket and Sponsorship Opportunities. Reach out to Debbie Campbell, dcampbell@rvnahealth.org / 203-438-5555 x1249 for more information.
Do you have any overdue preventive health screenings or questions about your well-being that you’ve been putting off? Do you or your child(ren) need a flu shot? If so, why not take advantage of RVNAhealth’s Wellness Fair on Saturday, October 5th to get everything checked off your list! Join us for this beloved gathering to check in on your health, discover something new, and jumpstart your wellness journey. Enjoy complimentary health screenings, connect with experts from all our service lines, and don’t forget to take advantage of the opportunity to receive flu vaccines for both kids and adults. It’s a friendly and comprehensive experience for everyone.
One Place, One Day: The RVNAhealth Wellness Fair
We understand that scheduling multiple appointments for different screenings can be a hassle. That’s why, nearly 50 years ago, RVNAhealth started its Wellness Fair—an event designed to provide the most common health screenings in one day, at one location. We are proud to continue this tradition with our 49th Annual Wellness Fair, taking place on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Yanity Gym, 60 Prospect Street, in Ridgefield. This event is open to the community, and we encourage you to join us to take charge of your health, gain new insights, and access valuable resources.
Our Wellness Fair is led by RVNAhealth’s skilled clinical staff, covering a wide range of services such as nursing, rehabilitation, nutrition, hospice care, private caregiving, and social work. We also partner with local experts to offer various screenings, including:
Anemia
Blood pressure
Blood glucose
Carotid artery
Cholesterol
Balance + Strength tests
Foot exams
Lung Function
3D Posture Scan
Car Seat Checks
Visit Sophia the Therapy Dog!
Kid’s Activities provided by Ridgefield Boys and Girls Club
PLUS! Flu Shots (both high-dose and regular) for ALL AGES. Flu vaccines for children (age 18 and under) are provided FREE of charge, through the CT State vaccine program. For adults, we accept the following insurance plans for flu vaccines: Medicare Part B, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Supporting Our Community
This year’s Wellness Fair is made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors: Chef’s Warehouse, BMW of Ridgefield, Ridge Crest at Meadow Ridge, Liz and Steven Goldstone, The Greens at Cannondale/Wilton Meadows, Homecare Homebase, and Connecticut Relay.
Stay Informed and Join Us
To keep up with the latest information about the Wellness Fair or to register for event reminders, visit our Wellness Fair event page. We look forward to seeing you on October 5th and helping you take a proactive step towards better health!
Jill Maguire, Senior Branch Manager, Union Savings Bank, Ridgefield CT (right) presents $7,500 Foundation Grant for Dementia Community Education and Training to RVNAhealth’s MJ Heller, Director of Philanthropy (left)
The Union Savings Bank Foundation (USBF) has generously awarded RVNAhealth with a $7,500 grant to support its Community Dementia Education and Training Program.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1 in 3 seniors (age 65+) dies with a form of dementia, yet many facing the diagnosis of dementia find there are very few resources to turn to for education, care and support. RVNAhealth’s Dementia Program will help those diagnosed in the early stages of dementia, as well as family members or caregivers at any stage of caring for a loved one. The program has 3 components:
Staff Certification – All RVNAhealth clinicians will fulfill the requirements set by the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners to earn the certified dementia practitioner credential (CDP). This will allow RVNAhealth to provide the highest quality of care to its patients, as well as deliver this knowledge to the communities it serves, where everyday people are caring for someone with some form of dementia, experiencing its many challenges.
Community Education – Led by a team of skilled professionals and discipline specialists, the program offers informative sessions designed to enhance one’s understanding of dementia and its many stages, from the importance of nutrition and exercise, to advanced caregiving techniques, to long-term planning and end-stage dementia care. Classes may be attended in-person or virtually.
Support Groups – In recognizing the profound impact that Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can have on individuals and their families, RVNAhealth will offer monthly Alzheimer’s Association approved support groups where individuals navigating the challenges of the disease can connect, share experiences, and find solace.
Newly diagnosed dementia patients and their families often discover a harsh and frustrating reality of scattered resources. Through regular education, therapeutic programs, and support groups, USBF’s grant will help RVNAhealth fill that resources gap and serve early to mid-stage people with dementia, their loved ones, and caregivers at all stages of the journey.
Click here to learn more about RVNAhealth’s Dementia Education and Resource Series.
The RVNAhealth Board of Directors, Leadership Team, and the Autumn Dinner Committee invite you to join us at the annual RVNAhealth Autumn Dinner on Thursday, September 26th.
The event, filled with fun and celebration of the meaningful impact RVNAhealth has on the communities it serves, will be held at Le Chateau in South Salem, NY. Each year, the funds raised at this event are critical to our delivery of compassionate healthcare, hospice care, public health services, and wellness programs that we provide across 35+ Connecticut communities.
We are excited for a special event this year, as we honor our President & CEO, Theresa Santoro, in recognizing her 25 years of service and visionary leadership. Joining the agency as a visiting nurse 25 years ago, she leads an organization that continues to thrive under her direction. RVNAhealth has grown to become a regional healthcare provider, serving more than 5,000 patients and clients annually across western Connecticut.
The evening will include cocktails and a gourmet dinner, our back-by-popular-demand “Date Night for a Year” raffle, fabulous live auction items, and more. Please see our 2023 Autumn Dinner recap and photo gallery here for a taste of the great evening that awaits you!
Tickets, Sponsorships, and Ads are available. Click here to learn more about the many ways you can have an impact in supporting our mission and your community. YOU can make a difference!
Thank you to our Sponsors! There is still time for you to sponsor as well! To discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact Debbie Campbell, Development Manager, at 203.438.5555 x1249 or via email at dcampbell@RVNAhealth.org.
The Ridgefield Thrift Shop has generously awarded RVNAhealth with a grant to support the Ridgefield Thrift Shop Hospice Fund at RVNAhealth. Thrift Shop volunteers, Annette Robertson and Shirley VanDam, presented the grant check to Theresa Santoro, RVNAhealth President & CEO, and MJ Heller, RVNAhealth Director of Philanthropy, at the Thrift Shop’s grant award reception on April 29, 2024.
The fund was initially established in 2019 to help sustain the critical services provided by RVNAhealth’s hospice program. The renewal of this grant will continue to offset many unreimbursed program costs, including bereavement support to patients and families, music and pet therapies, end-of-life wishes, and the annual memorial service to name a few.
RVNAhealth’s hospice program serves patients in their residences, including private homes, assisted living facilities, nursing homes or hospitals, and it addresses physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs to ensure quality of life and comfort in one’s final days. The program has grown exponentially since its inception in late 2018 and now serves more than 450 hospice patients and their families annually. In addition, dedicated agency volunteers provided 1,600 hospice volunteer hours to ensure patients and their loved ones received companionship and support at this difficult time.
The relationship between RVNAhealth and the Ridgefield Thrift Shop dates back to 1937, when the Thrift Shop was created to support and sustain the work of RVNAhealth, then known as the District Nursing Association. “We are so thankful for this opportunity to continue to work together to ensure quality health care remains accessible to individuals throughout Connecticut,” says MJ Heller, Director of Philanthropy at RVNAhealth.
“This grant will provide essential funding to our hospice program, making sure that our patients and their families receive the full care and support they need during such a sensitive time in their lives. We are grateful to have compassionate and dedicated community partners like the Ridgefield Thrift Shop who help bring our mission to life.”
Meadow Ridge, the lifecare community situated on a hilltop in Redding, has been a supporter of RVNAhealth for 14 years, and the partnership keeps getting stronger.
RVNAhealth Case Manager Aaron Crook, RN, is a familiar face across campus. He works with residents in independent living, assisted living, memory care, and with those returning to their apartments after rehabilitation in Ridge Crest, their skilled nursing center.
Aaron is quick to share, “I love RVNAhealth because it is a stand-alone, community-based nonprofit that has been around for more than 100 years. We are here to serve and invest in the health of our community.”
“My philosophy of nursing is to facilitate patient’s independence and well-being. I do as much as possible to help them find their inner healing and strength. My job as a nurse is to make patients not need me anymore,” he said. “And of course, we share the same goal, which is to keep people out of the hospital if possible.”
Aaron Crook, RN, with Meadow Ridge resident, Bernice
Laura Barbieri, Director of Resident and Family Services, notes the many benefits of partnering with RVNAhealth: “The agency services many residents at Meadow Ridge, at all levels of care. The organization is devoted to the people they serve. I find the staff to be extremely attentive and caring. They are responsive to calls and emails, and always willing to help resolve any issues or concerns. RN Case Manager Aaron Crook is on property often throughout the work week. He communicates with our staff and maintains continuity.”
Meadow Ridge, developed by Senior Care Development, LLC and managed by Benchmark Senior Living, is one of Connecticut’s most comprehensive continuing care retirement communities. Located in the picturesque town of Redding and recognized for excellence by U.S. News and World Report, Meadow Ridge sits on 136 acres and offers 285 independent living apartment homes, as well as assisted living and memory care. The campus also features Ridge Crest, an award-winning, sub-acute rehabilitation and skilled nursing center. For more information, visit www.MeadowRidge.com.
Energy and enthusiasm filled The Amber Room on April 26th when RVNAhealth hosted its 23rd Annual Spring Breakfast. More than 400 guests joined us for the early morning gathering that has become the place to be on the last Friday of April each year!
The event is held to raise critical funds to support nursing, rehabilitation and hospice care in the home, as well as our mission-driven community programs like Well-Child Clinics for uninsured children, Chronic Care for vulnerable elderly or disabled individuals, and the Nurse Family Partnership. This year’s Spring Breakfast was a record breaker in attendance for RVNAhealth as business partners, health care professionals, civic leaders, donors and friends came together over breakfast to learn about the breadth of RVNAhealth services and their impact across 35+ communities in the area.
Our Impact Speaker, Anne Mead, Ed. D., Director of Family, School and Community Partnerships for the Danbury Public Schools, shared insight into the partnership between RVNAhealth and the Danbury Schools, explaining that this partnership is invaluable to ensure health and access to education for our most vulnerable students and their families. Ms. Mead described the profound impact RVNAhealth’s Well-Child Program in Danbury has had, emphasizing the long-term, often life-changing, benefits the program provides to the families it serves and to the community as a whole.
We were thrilled to welcome Danbury Mayor Robert Alves, New Milford Mayor Pete Bass, Newtown First Selectman Jeff Capeci, Bethel First Selectman and RVNAhealth Board member Dan Carter, Kent First Selectman Marty Lindenmeyer, Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi, and Roxbury First Selectman Patrick Roy. Also in attendance was Connecticut State Senator Julie Kushner, who presented a proclamation to the RVNAhealth Well-Child team in recognition of their collaboration with the Danbury Public Schools to provide medical care, immunizations, translation services, and access to social services to students in need. More than 500 Danbury children have benefitted from the program.
RVNAhealth is grateful to our many sponsors, guests, and supporters for hosting tables, buying raffle tickets, tipping their hosts, and bidding on auction items. Enjoy our event photo gallery below! Photos courtesy of Deborah K. O’Brien Photography www.deborahobrien.com.
