New Vermonters Receive New Wheels

Press Release: February 27, 2023

After a long journey to Vermont, several families fleeing the war in Ukraine now have a new ride.

Theresa and Scott Cianciolo and their faith-based Vermont nonprofit Agape Ministries recently purchased a 10,000-square-foot nursing home in Derby. Working with community volunteers and donations, the couple transformed the shuttered building into housing for more than 30 displaced Ukrainians who are now here in Vermont. Some of the new Vermonters living in the “House of Mercy” include children with disabilities.

The Vermont Vehicle and Automotive Distributors Association (VADA) asked its members to help locate an affordable vehicle that could help the Ukrainian children access medical care. Ron Charlebois found just what they were looking for at his dealership in Milton: a 2017 Freightliner Sprinter mini-bus with a wheel chair lift.

When the Cianciolo's asked how much, R.R. Charlebois  gave them the vehicle for free. 

Contact Matt Cota at Meadow Hill if you would like to learn more.