SVCOA honors Donton, Jones as Community Partners of the Year

RUTLAND, Vt. – Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging (SVCOA) has named Cinda Donton of Rutland Mental Health Services – Community Care Network, and Doug Jones of Meals on Wheels of Rutland County – TRIO Community Meals, as the agency’s 2020 Community Partners of the Year.

“We’re proud to honor Cinda and Doug for their significant contributions to SVCOA and older Vermonters throughout our region,” said Chris Adams, Development and Communications Director with SVCOA. “Both individuals have been incredible resources in our community for decades, supporting so many through their hard work, compassion and professionalism.”

Donton, who is contracted by SVCOA to serve as its Elder Care Clinician, provides mental health support and counseling to older Vermonters throughout Rutland County. She has served in this role for the past 20 years.

“In addition to serving countless clients, Cinda spearheaded the creation of substance abuse support for older Vermonters, a model that may be replicated in other areas of the state, and has provided caregiver counseling to numerous caregivers needing support to continue to provide care to their loved ones,” said Dana McMahon, Rutland County Aging Services Director with SVCOA. “Cinda has also been an asset to SVCOA staff and other community partners in providing training and sharing her vast knowledge.”

Jones, General Manager of the Rutland TRIO Community Meals team that is contracted by SVCOA to support its Meals on Wheels program, has served in his role for 34 years.

“Doug’s dedication, hard work and countless hours served have kept Meals on Wheels running strong despite all the challenges being thrown at us on a daily basis during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Courtney Anderson, Nutrition Director with SVCOA. “Doug’s forward thinking has enabled the production of an additional 1,000 meals per day on top of the normal daily production to build up a stock of frozen meals and plan for worst-case scenarios with the pandemic. Doug has not only gone above and beyond for our clients and our community, he has also offered assistance to other meal providers across the state to help them keep up with demand. Doug has shown tremendous leadership over the past 34 years and is a true asset to our organization.”

Media Contact: Chris Adams, 802-236-1560