United Counseling Service Seeks Shared Living Providers in Tri-State Area

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BENNINGTON, Vt. — United Counseling Service (UCS) is seeking community members in Bennington County, Vermont, and neighboring towns in Massachusetts and New York to become shared living providers for clients of its developmental services division.
 
The Shared Living Program offers a monthly tax-free stipend and room and board payments to individuals, families, and couples who provide a home and support to an individual with a developmental disability.
 
According to UCS, there are no specific requirements regarding retirement status, homeownership, partnership or marital status, or income level for potential providers. The program aims to enable community members to support individuals with developmental disabilities in their own homes.
 
UCS provides support services to shared living providers, including case management, respite care, and access to day programs.
 
United Counseling Service is a non-profit community mental health center serving Bennington County since 1958.
 
Individuals interested in learning more about the Shared Living Program can call 802-445-7318.
 
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Companion Corner: Orion Still at Second Chance Animal Shelter

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

GOOD NEWS: Orion has been adopted!

ARLINGTON, Vt. — Orion's had a hard live and he's been patiently waiting a very long time for his forever home.

 
iBerkshire's Companion Corner is a weekly series spotlighting an animal in our local shelters that is ready to find a home.
 
Orion is a 7- to 8-year-old pit bull mix who has been at Second Chance Animal Shelter since 2021. He was featured last August but still hasn't found a home. 
 
Shelter Manager Troy Quinn said Orion came to them from animal control after experiencing neglect.
 
"He was found by animal control on a property, tied to a tree, no shelter, no food or water. He was severely emaciated, very sick, very skinny, very weak. Brought him in, he tested positive for heartworm," Quinn said.
 
Once they rescued him, got rid of his heartworm, and got him up to normal weight, his silly and active side came out.
 
"He is a giant goofball. Loves to run, loves to play very rough house, loves to chew on his toys. Stuffed toys in particular, he just immediately shreds them," Quinn said. 
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