In early 1912, a group of dedicated women known as The Cornelia Circle chose as its annual theme “Women’s Work in Modern Times”.  This led to a study of family and welfare problems in the community and the need for a public health nursing association.

Following a meeting in 1913 at the Superior Court in Rockville, it was voted to establish the Rockville Public Health Nursing Association.  Soon after, Jenny Smith, RN began visiting families in Rockville and made 2,949 home visits covering 50 miles a week during that first year.

In 1986 the Rockville Public Health Nursing Association merged with River East Home Care Association to form Visiting Nurse & Community Care, Inc.  The agency known today as Visiting Nurse & Health Services of Connecticut, Inc. (VNHSC) is the result of the 1998 merger of Visiting Nurse & Community Care, Inc. and Visiting Nurse & Home Care of Manchester.

The Cornelia Circle recognizes individuals who support VNHSC’s mission, “To be the home health and hospice care organization of choice by providing quality multi-disciplinary community-based services and programs.” 

Cornelia Circle members receive recognition of their generosity in the annual report of  VNHSC and at a special event held each year in their honor.

Membership levels include:

            Platinum:        $25,000 – $100,000

            Gold:              $10,000 – $  24,999

            Silver:             $  5,000 – $    9,999

            Bronze:           $  2,499 – $    4,999