UCS and HCRS explore shared future

Since the State of Vermont upgraded United Counseling Service (UCS)’s designation status to provisional designation, the agency, in partnership with peer agency Health Care and Rehabilitation Services (HCRS) of Windham and Windsor Counties, has engaged in long-term planning focused on the agency’s operations, sustainability, and leadership.

This planning includes exploration of a continued partnership and shared future for the two agencies.

“While the challenges facing UCS have not been easy, they have created an opportunity to thoughtfully evaluate how we can best position the agency for long-term stability and success,” stated Board Chair Robert Thompson. “This has been a productive and successful partnership with HCRS. As it continues, we are also discussing further collaboration between our two agencies that includes the possibility of creating a unified agency serving southern Vermont.”

“These discussions are in the early stages,” Thompson affirmed, “and will require time to fully evaluate. We’re doing our due diligence before a decision is made and proceeding with as much transparency with our community and clients as possible. Our initial exploration indicates that this approach will strengthen services, improve long-term sustainability, and position the agency to better meet the needs of our community now and into the future, all good things. The UCS Board expects to make a decision, in partnership with HCRS and its Board, in the coming months.” 

UCS Chief Administrative Officer and HCRS Chief Executive Officer, Anne Bilodeau added, “UCS remains deeply committed to its mission and to providing high-quality care where it matters most here in Bennington County. Exploring a shared future between UCS and HCRS is about securing that commitment for the years ahead, with the ultimate goal of building a future for both of our service areas around the essential services that we provide and that our clients depend on. I’m excited to explore this opportunity for southern Vermont and look forward to what a shared future could hold for the agencies.”