As we look forward to our promising future, we recognize the truism that growth and change are essential to survival. We also realize that we must look back, in order to plan for our future. In retrospect, we can appreciate how far we have come and the efforts of those who brought us here. Looking forward, we are re-energized as we focus on our renewed vision, direction and commitment to keeping VNHSC the home health and hospice care provider of choice in north central Connecticut.

Identifying the barriers and obstacles we will have to overcome to achieve our mission and vision is an important part of our strategic plan. The long term effects of the drastic downturn of our economy and the struggle to obtain adequate Federal and State funding will be significant challenges well into the future. Our faltering economy has been the all consuming focus of the government and most citizens over the past year. Stories of deceit, unethical business practices and scandal seem to appear daily in the news media. Millions of our citizens have lost their jobs, their businesses and their ability to adequately provide for the needs of their families and loved ones. Despite these troubling times VNHSC has remained a stable force in the community, employing over 440 dedicated staff and providing the highest quality home and community based care to well over 9,000 residents of north central Connecticut, regardless of their ability to pay.

VNHSC employees' dedication to service and quality is reflected in our published outcome scores. According to nationally recognized Home Health Compare statistics published in July 2009, VNHSC scored the highest of all home care agencies servicing north central Connecticut in nine of twelve quality outcome categories. Our re-hospitalization rate of 20% is, by far, the lowest of our competitors and 12% below the state average.

Finally, VNHSC continues to maintain a strong financial position. We made an important decision to invest in our future by purchasing and implementing a new leading edge software point of care system. We continue to recognize the importance of technology in positioning us for the changes to come. Our financial strength is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of our employees, top to bottom, as well as the community who so selflessly give to us in the form of donations and volunteer hours.

We look back and realize that VNHSC's commitment to our community is greater than the recessions of our economy and that we will move forward with your support to protect and care for the frail and the most cherished of our residents...Our mothers, fathers, grandparents, our fragile elderly.

One thing is certain and unchanging, identifying and responding to the needs of our communities will undoubtedly keep us growing and evolving. The one constant, as we move into our future, will be our strong commitment to the mission of VNHSC which is based on the fundamental belief that quality home and community based health care serves to keep people at home and families together. Some things we just won't change.

Sincerely,


Todd Rose                    Kimberly Quigley
President/CEO              Chairperson