News

This September, we celebrated the fifth anniversary of the new McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester. The new House, expanded from our 13-bed facility in Williston to 21 beds, truly belongs to this community. Hundreds of community members came together to answer the call for a larger house, ensuring more families would have access to the compassionate, medically complex care provided at the House. We thank every friend who supported the McClure Miller Respite House Campaign. 

The House is named for beloved friends Lois McClure and Holly and Bob Miller. All three poured their love into the Respite House in ways still deeply felt today. Holly’s mom, Elaine Park Dudley, painted the beautiful mural that brightens our entryway (and that Bob – somehow – transported intact to the new house!). Bob’s company, REM Development, was uncompromising in ensuring every detail was considered – from the calming nature motifs in the entryway to ingenious ways to minimize intrusive medical equipment.  

The Respite House has touched many families throughout Vermont and beyond. Since the new House opened in 2016, we have served hundreds of residents. About half of our residents are unable to pay the full cost of care, equaling millions of dollars in charitable care. Our friends in the community make this possible, every single year, through their generosity. We will be here to care for our neighbors for the next 5 years and far beyond. 

Annual Fun Run fundraising event provides crucial support for the Respite House. 

Every year, hundreds of supporters gather to run, walk, dance or move in any way that feels good in support of the McClure Miller Respite House. These dedicated Fun Runners raise money from their friends, family and colleagues to make a huge impact for the hundreds of Vermonters who come to the Respite House each year. 

This past year we weren’t able to gather in person, but our Fun Runners were out in (virtual) force, raising more than $60,000 for the Respite House. Every single dollar raised through the Fun Run goes directly to the Respite House and is put to use right away where it’s needed most. The majority of funds raised through the Fun Run go toward supporting the nearly $1 million in charitable care we provide each year at Respite House. This year, as we continue to face the challenges of COVID, donations to the Respite House matter more than ever. Thank you to everyone who participated in Fun Run 2021 – we can’t wait to see you next year! 

Meet Alice Christian, Fun Run Champion

Alice Christian has participated in the Fun Run since 2011, raising more than $20,000 over the years. We are grateful for your support and advocacy, Alice!

What does the Respite House mean to you, and what inspires you to participate in the Fun Run? 

When my late husband Glenn, who had a brain tumor, was out of treatment options and had no health insurance, a social worker told us about the Respite House. It was in Williston then. He moved into the Giraffe Room and was able to welcome a steady stream of visitors from near and far. He ended up staying there for 2 years, and so I got to see the day-in, day-out work that goes into caring for everyone there. It became our home away from home.  

After some time away to heal, I wanted to join with others to give back the best I can by running in the Fun Run (the Jiggety Jog, as it used to be called). It has become an annual ritual for me to get support from tons of my and Glenn’s friends and family. It’s a tangible way for them to show their appreciation for the care that the Respite House puts into the community. People tell me that they are glad I asked them to donate! 

What do you want community members to know about the Respite House? 

It is a welcoming, kind place with people experienced in helping you in a difficult time. Often when people turn to the Respite House, it is after a long and rocky journey with lots of dashed hopes and tough times. There are people here who understand that you’re living your unique life and want to honor and support you in whatever you may need. It provides a safe haven for the family members as well as for the residents.  

We are celebrating 5 years of the new Respite House building in Colchester this fall. What are your hopes for the House for the next 5 years, and far beyond? 

I have seen how the staff and volunteers have responded to the pandemic in many creative ways to offer care and services to the residents, like making cards and phone calls when in-person visiting wasn’t feasible.  

I would hope that the general public becomes more aware of the importance of having the Respite House available in their community, and that the staff has the support it needs to keep from burning out. 

Allowing Families to Focus on What Matters Most 

Samantha Trayah’s beloved cousin Mary died at the Respite House. Samantha reflects on her family’s experience. 

Mary survived a lot in her life: breast cancer, ovarian cancer and lung cancer. Through it all, she always managed to be there for everyone in her life who needed some extra support, or just someone to talk to. I’m grateful that her last days were spent at the Respite House, surrounded by family and staff who took the time to really get to know her, on top of being so good at what they do. When she died, I didn’t feel the pain I thought I would, and I owe that to the staff. 

We knew from our very first moments at the Respite House that Mary and our family were in good hands. Everyone we met was attuned to what a family might be going through as they walk through those doors. The staff spoke to us in language we could understand and never rushed us. The staff meant so much to us. 

Mary built so many relationships in her time at the Respite House; she loved her caregivers and looked forward to seeing them each day. In Mary’s last few days, so many staff came in to say goodbye with tears in their eyes and told her they loved her. It left me speechless.