BERLIN, Vt., The BeneFit Shop, a longstanding non-profit organization and thrift store in Barre, has given $10,000 to support the Health Care Scholarship Program at University of Vermont Health – Central Vermont Medical Center.

The gift will fund four, $2,500 scholarships for local high school students and adult learners pursuing careers in health care. High school seniors and adults learners who live within the hospital’s primary service area and have been accepted to an accredited school to study for a health care profession are eligible to apply through the scholarship program. The program will award a total of six scholarships this year.

“This contribution represents the generosity of our customers, donors, volunteers and the broader community,” said Katie Sweeney, manager and executive director of the BeneFit Shop. “People love coming here; some call it their ‘happy spot’, and that sense of community is what enables us to support our hospital and local students entering health care fields.”

Legacy of Impact

The BeneFit Shop is a non-profit that traces its origins to the former CVMC Auxiliary. The Auxiliary disbanded in 2021 after more than 50 years supporting the hospital through philanthropy, volunteerism and the scholarship program. The group managed the BeneFit Shop and the Gift Shop located in the hospital for many years. Proceeds from both shops continue to support the scholarship program.

Last year, Sweeney, who has volunteered with CVMC for more than a decade, agreed to take over operation of the BeneFit Shop. She has worked closely with CVMC to ensure the organization recovered from significant challenges following the pandemic, and the shop’s support of the scholarship program continues to grow.

“It’s absolutely wonderful to see the shop thriving again,” said Sweeney, “and it’s because of our dedicated volunteers and the beautiful donations we receive. This community lifts us up so we can continue lifting up CVMC.”

The BeneFit shop operates with 15 volunteers and provides affordable secondhand clothing; it also runs a voucher program that supports individuals and families in need.

Scholarships make an impact

Over the past three years, CVMC’s Health Care Scholarship Program has received more than 70 applications and awarded 24 scholarships: 16 to high school students and eight to adult learners seeking new careers in health care or pursuing professional development.

“This scholarship not only helped ease the financial burden of school, it pushed me to stay committed to my goal of obtaining my BSN (Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing),” said Estherline Carlson, a 2024 scholarship recipient who works at the Gary Home, a senior living and care home in Montpelier. “It helped reinforce my dedication to this field.”

Kate Arslambakova, CVMC Development coordinator, called the BeneFit Shop’s gift another example of the group’s commitment to sustaining a long legacy of community-driven philanthropy supporting the hospital.

“We are grateful to Katie, the Board, the wonderful group of volunteers and everyone who contributes to the BeneFit Shop,” she said. “Their hard work and commitment directly support future and current health care professionals in our region and strengthens the entire Central Vermont community.”

This year’s scholarship application process is now open. Additional details are available on the hospital’s website and social media.

University of Vermont Health – Central Vermont Medical Center
130 Fisher Road
Berlin, VT 05602

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About Central Vermont Medical Center

University of Vermont Health – Central Vermont Medical Center is a patient-focused health care provider serving more than 66,000 residents in central Vermont. Through a 122-bed community hospital and the 153-bed Woodridge Rehabilitation and Nursing facility, as well as 25 outpatient clinics throughout the region. We deliver a full spectrum of inpatient, outpatient and long-term care services. As part of a rural academic health system, Central Vermont Medical Center combines the best of community-based care with medical innovation and research — bringing them as close to home as possible. Together, we’re addressing the social drivers of health that affect access and affordability. Through our innovative workforce development programs, housing, childcare and transportation partnerships, advancing economic stability, Central Vermont Medical Center is helping build a healthier, more equitable future for all Vermonters.

About University of Vermont Health

University of Vermont Health is a rural academic health system with more than 100 years of service to small towns and cities across Vermont and northern New York. We are deeply committed to reimagining rural health in ways that will benefit our communities for generations to come and keep exceptional care close to home. Our system includes an academic medical center, two community hospitals, three critical access hospitals, a children’s hospital, a cancer center, a multispecialty medical group, 154 outpatient sites and care beyond the hospital through home health, hospice care, four skilled nursing facilities and other support services. Our care is informed by an essential partnership with University of Vermont’s The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine and College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Together, as a health system serving a rural area, we are tackling health care’s biggest challenges — supporting the communities we serve and investing in our employees by addressing housing affordability, quality childcare and professional development needs. To learn more, visit us at www.uvmhealth.org.