Published by Vermont Business Magazine
The Vermont Association of Area Agencies on Aging (V4A) directors today announced the dissolution of V4A. Executive Director, Mary Hayden will retire at the end of 2025. Much of the work of the V4A will be integrated into the new Vermont Aging Network Consortium (VANC), along with remaining staff. This integration will combine the policy, advocacy, and training goals of V4A with VANC’s mission to leverage economies of scale, combine resources, and reduce duplication within the community-provider network of home and community-based services.
VANC will also focus on establishing contracts with payers and health-care systems to further enhance financial sustainability for aging services throughout Vermont. The V4A alignment with VANC as a designated community care hub with grants from USAging and the Administration for Community Living, is a vital opportunity to bring the value of our work into the mainstream of coordinated services to help elders receive quality care throughout the medical and social service systems.
“The Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) continue to deal with shrinking or flat federal funding while the Vermont aging demographic increases—we have the third oldest population in the nation.” said President of V4A’s Board of Directors, Jane Catton.
“This powerful partnership is needed to create greater administrative efficiencies within the AAAs and expand our reach. By combining the resources of V4A and VANC, we eliminate duplication, pool resources, and leverage our combined expertise to support more older and disabled Vermonters who need nutritious meals, coordinated community-based services to remain at home, caregiver supports, Medicare counseling, and more.”
About the Vermont Aging Network Consortium (VANC)
The Vermont Aging Network Consortium (VANC) provides shared services and operational support to Vermont’s five Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), helping strengthen the health, well-being, and independence of older Vermonters. VANC’s mission is to build long-term financial and operational sustainability for the aging network while expanding its capacity to serve a growing number of clients.
By leveraging economies of scale, combining resources, and reducing duplication across the home and community-based services network, VANC helps the AAAs operate more efficiently and effectively. This coordinated approach positions the aging network to pursue future contracts with payers and healthcare systems—an important step in ensuring the financial sustainability of aging services as the needs of older adults continue to evolve.
VANC operates as a separate nonprofit entity, while each of the five AAAs remains an active, independent nonprofit serving its local communities. Through shared infrastructure and collaboration, VANC supports the AAAs in maintaining high-quality programs—including case management, nutrition services, caregiver support, and more—while promoting best practices statewide.
Together, VANC and the AAAs are working to strengthen Vermont’s aging network and ensure that older adults can access the services they need to live safely and independently in the communities they call home.
Vermont Area Agencies on Aging
Vermont Aging Network Consortium (VANC) – www.vtagingnetwork.org
Cheryl Gilbert, Chief Operating & Financial Officer
Phone: 802-274-6589 | Email: [email protected]
Age Well – www.agewellvt.org
Tracey Shamberger, Director of Business Development & Communications
Phone: 802-662-5271 | Email: [email protected]
Central Vermont Council on Aging – www.cvcoa.org
Leanne Hoppe, Philanthropy & Communications Director
Phone: 802-476-2662 | Email: [email protected]
Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging – www.nekcouncil.org
Mary Ellen Reis, Director of Communications & Development
Phone: 802-748-5182 | Email: [email protected]
Senior Solutions – www.seniorsolutionsvt.org
Renee Woliver, Communications & Outreach Director
Phone: 802-308-3733 | Email: [email protected]
Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging – www.svcoa.org
Joy Mortelliti, Development & Communications Coordinator
Phone: 802-772-7824 | Email: [email protected]
