To Strengthen Services and Support Future Stability
Vermont Business Magazine The United Counseling Service (UCS) Board of Directors announced today a new partnership with Health Care & Rehabilitation Services (HCRS), the community mental health and developmental services agency serving Windham and Windsor counties, to provide leadership support and operational guidance during a period of transition for the organization.
In recent months, UCS has been focused on strengthening operations and enhancing service delivery to best meet the needs of the community.
Julie Pagliccia, the agency’s Director of Quality and Performance Improvement, stepped forward on April 3 to serve as Interim CEO, following the departure of the agency’s previous CEO, Lorna Mattern.
After a two-year investigation by the Vermont Attorney General that concluded in March, the publicly funded social service nonprofit in Bennington County will pay the state of Vermont $483,464 to settle allegations that its substandard services put clients and the public at risk, according to Vermont Public.
“We are incredibly grateful to Julie for her dedication and willingness to lead during this time,” said Bob Thompson, Chair of the UCS’ Board of Directors. “Her commitment to our staff, clients, and community has been unwavering, and she has played a critical role in maintaining stability while we determine the best path forward.”
To further support the agency and position it for long-term success, the Board has partnered with HCRS to provide executive leadership and administrative oversight. Through this partnership, HCRS Chief Executive Officer Anne Bilodeau will serve as Interim Chief Administrative Officer for UCS effective immediately, working closely with leadership and staff to strengthen operations, support staff, and ensure high-quality services.
“As a larger agency with similar programs and a shared mission, HCRS is well-positioned to support UCS during this transition period,” Thompson added. “We have full confidence in Anne and her leadership team to help guide us through this period and ensure that our services continue to meet the needs of our community.”
Anne Bilodeau emphasized the importance of collaboration and continuity of care in the partnership.
“Our priority is to support UCS’ staff and leadership while ensuring that individuals and families continue to receive the high-quality services they depend on,” said Bilodeau. “We recognize the challenges the agency has faced, and we are committed to working alongside their team to strengthen operations, build on existing successes, and help position the organization for a stable and sustainable future.”
The partnership will also allow Pagliccia to return her full focus to quality and performance improvement—areas that are critical to the agency’s long-term success and service excellence.
The Board expressed confidence that, with the support of HCRS, UCS is well-positioned to move forward with renewed strength and focus.
“We are optimistic about the future,” said Thompson. “This partnership represents an important step in ensuring that our organization remains strong, responsive, and committed to those we serve.”
United Counseling Service (UCS) is committed to helping individuals and families in Bennington County live healthy, meaningful lives. Our work spans mental health, substance use treatment, intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and early childhood development. UCS is a private, non-profit community mental health center that has been an essential part of Bennington County’s Integrated healthcare system since 1958. For more information or to access our services, visit ucsvt.org or call (802) 442-5491.
Bennington, VT – May 5, 2026 - The United Counseling Service
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