Grace Cottage News

CEO Message to the Community – April 30, 2026

We are finally feeling like spring has arrived!

Our team continues to focus on what matters most: delivering high-quality, compassionate care close to home. These past few months have been very busy here at Grace Cottage- on our inpatient unit, in primary care, rehab and pharmacy- a reminder of how vital local healthcare access is for our neighbors, friends, and families. I’m continually inspired by the dedication of our staff, who show up every day with skill, kindness, and a deep commitment to those we serve.

We’re also encouraged by promising signs in our financial performance—progress that reflects the collective effort of our teams to strengthen operations while maintaining the high standards our community deserves. In a challenging healthcare environment, these improvements matter, and they position us to continue investing in services and people.

This month’s newsletter highlights updates on programs, services, and community events. As always, thank you for the trust you place in us; it is a privilege.

To read more about what is happening at Grace Cottage, check out our Spring/Summer issue of our Cottage Doornewsletter. And, as always, let me know if you have questions or feedback on what we’re doing.

New Clinic Project Update Named #1 Priority Again!

grace cottage new clinic renderingWe are honored that the Brattleboro Development Credit Corp (BDCC) has named Grace Cottage’s new primary care clinic project first on its list of ten vital projects in Windham County.

Access to primary care remains a challenge in Southern Vermont, and this new clinic building will help us see more patients by streamlining visits. It will also be more comfortable for patients and providers alike.

When we first started this project, our plan was to fundraise 75% of the project and borrow the remaining funds. But in these financial times, as we are challenged to keep our budget as lean as possible, we think it prudent to avoid taking on a large debt and will continue to seek funding from the community for the entire amount. We hope to break ground in 2027.

We’ve raised $17.2 million to date (over 70%!) and are confident our community will help us reach our $24 million goal. You can stay up to date on the project and learn how to participate by visiting gracecottage.org/future.

This project started in 2021 with a generous pledge from community members Joe & Terry Pollio. It took years to complete the permitting process, and it will probably not surprise anyone to learn that the project’s cost has risen in the meantime. We’ve raised $16.8 million to date and are confident that you, our community, will help us reach our new goal of $24 million. You can stay up to date on the project and learn how to participate by visiting gracecottage.org/future or calling Charma at 802-365-9109.

Many thanks to those of you who have already committed support for this crucial project, which is integral to Grace Cottage’s future!

Spring Events At Grace Cottage

Farm Fundraiser CowsMay 2 – This Saturday! Open Farm Fundraiser Event at Big Picture Farm: Our friends at Big Picture Farm are hosting a fundraiser for Grace Cottage on Saturday, May 2, 1 pm – 4 pm. This family-friendly event is a great way to celebrate community.
We’ll be in the height of kidding season, so expect there to be puddles and puddles of baby goats to snuggle with.
The cost is $10, and all ticket proceeds will go directly towards Grace Cottage.

Spring Into HealthMay 9 – The 17th Annual Spring into Health 5K: We’ve gone through snow, sleet, rain, and mud, but Spring is here at last, and Grace Cottage’s 17th Annual Spring into Health 5K will be held on Saturday, May 9. Starting and ending on the Townshend Common, this 5K is open to all and a great way to get moving while having fun. Participants may run, walk, roll, or stroll. Master of Ceremonies Dr. Moss Linder will start us off. Registration is free for kids under age 18, and $20 for adults if you pre-register. Day-of registration is $30 and begins Friday, May 8, at noon. Click here to register online. All participants must sign a waiver. Free T-shirts will be given to the first 100 registrants, and if you prefer, you can register and participate virtually at a time, date, and place of your choice.
Tee It Up for Health: Our 17th Annual Tee It Up for Health golf benefit is coming up soon on Saturday, June 13th, at Haystack Golf Club in Wilmington. We have many returning teams again this year, but we still have room for more teams and/or individual golfers. Call (802) 365-9109 or click here to register online – registration includes greens fees, a cart, golf balls, a box lunch, snacks, exclusive gift, and an awards dinner. All proceeds from the event will benefit our patient care fund.

Patient Testimonial

Patient TestimonialsTwo former hospital patients visited us, wanting to share their story of recovery at Grace Cottage. We are grateful to them for their kind words, which you can hear on YouTube.

Graceful Health

Brattleboro Reformer logoOur providers contribute a monthly article to The Brattleboro Reformer as part of the “Graceful Health” series. These articles cover a variety of topics, including vaccines, diet, diabetes management, rehabilitation, and more. They are collected and can be read on our website.  Recent topics include:

  • “Be a Hero in 60 Seconds: The Power of Bystander CPR,” by ED Provider Phil Schafer, PA-C
  • “Same-Day Care or the Emergency Department?” by ED Nursing Director Keanna Cook and Same-Day Care Provider Paul Stanchfield, PA-C
  • “Secret Life of the Lab” by Lab Director Tanya Noyes, and
  • “Protect Yourself from Ticks!” by ED Provider Phil Schafer, PA-C (to be published in May).

Olivia SweetnamWishing you a healthy and hopeful spring,

L. Olivia Sweetnam, CEO