James Kennedy is “just a kid” from Brooklyn, New York. He loves Brooklyn where he grew up with his older sister and brother. James attended St. John’s University

in Brooklyn for his undergraduate and law degrees. He still loves to go into Brooklyn with his brother and visit the street where he grew up, the street where he played punch ball and football. He loves looking at the trees that are still there from

his childhood and remembering punching the ball into them, which was an automatic home run.

James is one of the residents of St. Joseph Residential Care Home in Burlington that is operated by Vermont Catholic Charities Inc. He moved into St. Joseph’s last year.

“St. Joseph’s is a beautiful place,” he said. “The people have impressed me from day one, and I sleep like a baby every night.”

He enjoys the food, talking with other residents and listening to the harpist and trumpeter when they come to play. Recently, he was encouraged to participate in “bowling in the hall” by the activities manager. With a chuckle, James explained that he is left handed but bowled right handed that day. He missed all the pins, but had a great time doing it!

James is a retired tax lawyer. He worked for the federal government with stints in St. Louis and Chicago. He settled in Connecticut for 40 years and then moved to Vermont to be near his family. Prior to moving, he remembers traveling to Vermont for visits, and as soon as he passed into Vermont, he turned the radio off to absorb the beauty of the Green Mountain State.

Vermont Catholic Charities is proud to be able to serve people like James at its four residential care homes in Burlington, Derby Line and Rutland. Their mission is

to provide residents with safe, caring and homelike environments where every person can enjoy a pleasant living experience rooted in Christian dignity. What makes the homes special are the residents and dedicated, caring staff.

“I have had a passion for caring for the elderly for as long as I can remember. It’s very fulfilling to know that I have the privilege to help shape a person’s final years into a meaningful, happy and dignified experience,” said Anne Steinberg, administrator of Michaud Memorial Manor in Derby Line. “The staff and residents at Michaud Manor are one big, happy family. It is important for me to work for an organization that makes the residents the top priority. As a non-profit organization with a faith-based focus, we always put the residents first, and it shows in the care that we provide.”

Andrea Van Woert, director of nursing at Michaud Manor, said, “I strive to be a positive leader to the nursing team, the organization and my community. This requires providing high quality education and support to staff, residents and family members. I aspire to have a positive impact on someone’s life every day.”

The homes provide private rooms and suites to individuals who require mild to moderate supervision and oversight with daily activities. Services include 24/7 nursing oversight, individualized medication management, onsite meals, housekeeping, laundry services and social activities.

Keeping with the Catholic mission to serve others, Vermont Catholic Charities accepts residents who are on Medicaid upon admission. If you or a loved one is interested in learning more about the homes, contact Vermont Catholic Charities at 802-658-6111.

—Mary Beth Pinard is executive director of Vermont Catholic Charities Inc.

—Originally published in the April 6–12, 2019, issue of The Inland See.