 Through the project, arts and healing programs in music, visual arts, theater and dance will be integrated into the existing network of programs and services offered at the Vermont Veterans Home and other healthcare sites in New England.The grant award from Jane's Trust builds on a multi-year partnership between VAE and the Vermont Veterans Home, allowing the healthcare facility and the Arts Exchange to expand arts and healing initiatives to include all staff and residents at the Veterans Home through new hands-on staff trainings, a Caring For Caregivers program, an on-site visual arts studio and guest artist residencies.The partnership had its start with the dementia program and created a significant impact on the residents’ quality of life — reaching residents with advanced dementia who can otherwise be difficult to connect with.