2 Blackberry Lane
Bennington, VT 05201
802-442-8525

Welcome to MissionCare at Bennington

Jess DeRing

Tabitha Davis-Barron

Administrator

Dear Residents, Families and Community Members: 

It is my pleasure to welcome you to MissionCare at Bennington.  Formerly known as Bennington Health and Rehabilitation Center, as of September 12, 2024, MissionCare at Bennington is now part of the iCare Health Network and is a specialized long term care center; the only one of its kind in Vermont.

The result of a partnership and contract with the State of Vermont, MissionCare at Bennington offers a model of care that supports people who need long- term, nursing home level of care in addition to mental health support for behavioral care needs and those with challenging social or justice-involved history. Residents are referred to the center for long term care from all around the State of Vermont. MissionCare’s clinical and behavioral programming is tailored to individuals with these diagnoses and needs.     

The MissionCare at Bennington campus was designed for and will continue to progress in creating a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere that contributes to each resident’s ability to enjoy his or her continuing life experience. Continue reading…



iCare Health Network Blog

All the latest news, discussion, and updates from the iCare Health Network team!

  • iCare Health Network is pleased to announce that Kelli Grzeika has joined the iCare team as the Director of Behavioral Programs.   With a passion for helping others and a deep background in social work and healthcare administration, Kelli has spent more than a decade improving the lives of residents in short term rehab and long-term care. Kelli started her career in social services, working one-on-one with residents and families to navigate long-term care decisions, advocate for resident rig…
  • A post-holiday food and personal products drive organized by iCare Health Network’s Brenda Dorn was a success. The food and supplies donated by iCare staff was delivered to MACC Charities, a Manchester-based non-profit with a stated mission of ‘building partnerships to break cycles of poverty in our community’. MACC operates the area’s food pantry, community kitchen and community outreach and emergency services, in addition to other programs.  Of the great results, Brend…
  • Meet Ashley Frame, Administrator at Westside Care Center. Ashley’s journey into long-term care administration began as a dietary aide, where she first discovered the profound impact even the smallest gestures can have on residents’ lives. Driven by a passion to be hands-on in patient care, she advanced to become a therapeutic recreation assistant, focusing on specialty programs and building lasting relationships with residents and their families. Ashley’s decision to become an administrato…
  • Meet Yong Crandall, Administrator at Touchpoints at Chestnut. Balancing a demanding role with personal well-being is key to her leadership style. Yong makes time for long walks—either before or after work—to clear her mind and process the day’s ideas and challenges. This practice helps her maintain a positive outlook, which in turn influences the care she provides for both her staff and residents. Yong embraces the wisdom of Esther and Jerry Hicks, reminding herself that “The dominan…
  • Meet George Kingston, Administrator at Trinity Hill Care Center. George’s journey in healthcare began early on with an MBA in healthcare finance. He initially managed budgets and reimbursements in hospitals but soon discovered that the routine and cyclical nature of that role left him yearning for more variety. On a spontaneous move, he stepped into a controller position for a group of seven nursing homes and was instantly captivated by the role of an administrator. Now, 32 years later, George…
  • Meet Jennifer Johnson, Administrator at Parkville Care Center. Jennifer emphasizes that maintaining personal well-being is essential in a career that demands so much. For her, self-care isn’t just an occasional practice—it’s a continuous commitment to being the best version of herself for both her team and the residents she serves. Jennifer believes that “we cannot show up as the best versions of ourselves if we are not nurturing the parts of us that allow our positive attributes to …
“Since my mother became a resident at MissionCare, my anxiety about her physical and mental health has greatly diminished. With her diagnoses of dementia and depression, her care needs are quite intricate. I feel reassured by the quality of care she receives from the staff, and it brings me immense relief to know that she engages in a variety of activities organized by the recreation department. During our phone calls, she often expresses her happiness, which is truly uplifting to hear. With my background as a former director in health services and in public relations, I understand that facilities like MissionCare often face challenges, and the hard work of the staff can go unrecognized. Nevertheless, I can confidently say that the team at MissionCare is exceptional. The nursing staff consistently reaches out to update me about my mother’s care and any changes in her condition. Jennifer, the business office manager, is always prompt and helpful with my mother’s financial matters.”
~ Jennifer, Daughter of Resident -- (March 2025)
“It’s always hard to place someone further away but hearing how she is doing its worth it. You have given her a chance when nobody would and thank you for that! I look forward working with all of you again. I also want to thank Ellie who traveled to meet her, and for a great communication. It made my job much easier!”
~ Sanda Tosto, Lead Case Manager, Central Vermont Medical Center
“When I arrived at MissionCare, I was welcomed by the wonderful team who instantly made me feel at home—a feeling I have not experienced in over twenty years. I am so happy to be given this opportunity and I am grateful for the staff and my newfound family. It truly warms my heart. Now I can get involved with so many activities and help the staff whenever I can. What they’ve created here is truly wonderful, not only for me but for the other residents and everyone who joins us in the future. This is a place I am happy to call home.”
~ Resident Donald (December 2024)
“When my sister joined the facility, I had the opportunity to observe the immense dedication by countless individuals across various roles. From maintenance staff to nurses and administrative personnel to the recreation team, each person has demonstrated remarkable commitment and care in their work. From day one, Chris Oldham, Jennifer Madison, and Heather Moore went above and beyond to ensure my sister's transition into the center was smooth and comprehensible, avoiding what could have been a daunting process. Once she was settled in, the nursing staff and social worker immediately hit the ground to address the challenges we faced. Our family sincerely hopes that the incredible skills and talents of these dedicated employees are recognized, as they are the building blocks and foundation for navigating whatever lies ahead.”
~ Elias, Brother of Resident (October 2024)