Capstone – Project

Future Strategy for the Vermont Catholic Charities Residential Care Homes

A Collaboration Between

Project Synopsis

Vermont Catholic Charities, Inc. (VCCI) is a statewide social service agency which has been providing services to individuals and families since 1929.  The agency’s largest program is operating four residential care homes which represents approximately 80% of its revenue and expenses.  As Vermont continues to age, residential care housing will be needed to meet the needs of this growing population.  As such, more businesses have entered this market contributing to more competition.  Given this, there is much at stake to maximize sales (occupancy) to support and exceed expenses.  VCCI is hoping to leverage Notre Dame MBAs to evaluate the competitive landscape and market trends, determine if there are product/service gaps, and understand consumer perception and brand awareness of the homes. The end-goal is to produce a product and marketing strategy deck, including a market analysis to improve overall census and payer mix.

HOST VENUE ADDRESS

  • Vermont Catholic Charities' office is located at 55 Joy Drive, South Burlington, VT  05403

REQUIRED PREREQUISITES

  • Familiarity with health care or senior housing is helpful, but not necessary
  • Interest in competitive analysis/market research
  • Interest in brand awareness/perception

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Students will know how to prepare and present a market strategy deck
  • Students will learn about the different levels of nursing care/housing options for older adults
  • Students will explore the complexities of elder care and State regulations along with the challenges of a sustainable financial model in this business environment.

Project Topics

Customer Service

PR & Communications

Reporting, Financial Planning & Analysis

Sales & Business Development

Company Information

CompanyVermont Catholic Charities, Inc.
HQVermont
RevenueUnlisted
Employees100-500
StageSmall Business
Hiring PotentialFormal Internship
Websitehttps://www.vermontcatholic.org/ministries-programs/catholic-charities/

Company Overview

Vermont Catholic Charities (VCCI) is a statewide social services agency which has been providing services to the young and the elderly, individuals and families, vulnerable and at-risk populations in Vermont and the imprisoned of all faiths since 1929. Programs provided include Emergency Aid, Prison Ministry, Residential Care Homes, Counseling Services, and Denture Program. VCCI’s professionally-trained staff services our programs and clients with a commitment to enhance the dignity, self-respect, confidence and personal development of the individuals, families, and communities whose lives we touch. Our mission is to “reach out from the heart to serve people in need”. Services are offered to all individuals without regard to age, race, sex, religion, and/or ethnic origin.

Experiential Learning Program Details

SchoolUniversity of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business
Engagement FormatCapstone - Small Team Consulting Project - Students work in consulting teams of 3-5 directly with faculty and client liaisons on developing real solutions to real-world challenges.
Course
LevelN/A
Students EnrolledN/A
Meeting Day & TimeN/A
Student Time Commitment1-3 Hours Per Week
Company Time Commitment3-5 Hours
Duration0.43 Weeks

Program Timeline

Touchpoints & Assignments Due Date Type

Key Project Milestones

  • March 2, 2020 - Understand Residential Care Landscape and Vermont Catholic Charities' Homes

    1. What is residential care?
    2. What are the regulations around residential care?
    3. What is the financial model – payer mix, Medicaid reimbursement process
    4. Demographics of current residents
    5. Tour residential care home care home in Burlington

    Suggested Deliverable:

    Create Q &A guide to discuss with agency personnel to discuss any gaps in understanding the product and/or financial model.

  • March 2, 2020 - Understand Residential Care Landscape and Vermont Catholic Charities' Homes

    1. What is residential care?
    2. What are the regulations around residential care?
    3. What is the financial model – payer mix, Medicaid reimbursement process
    4. Demographics of current residents
    5. Tour residential care home care home in Burlington

    Suggested Deliverable:

    Create Q &A guide to discuss with agency personnel to discuss any gaps in understanding the product and/or financial model.

  • March 2, 2020 -


  • March 2, 2020 -


  • March 3, 2020 - Competitive landscape and market trends

    1. What does the competitive landscape look like?
    2. How do the Homes operated by Vermont Catholic Charities compare to other facilities?
    3. What are the market trends in this industry?
    4. What are the key challenges Vermont Catholic Charities’ homes face moving forward?

    Suggested Deliverable:

    Industry overview deck including key trends and challenges and identify focus areas for Vermont Catholic Charities.

  • March 3, 2020 - Competitive landscape and market trends

    1. What does the competitive landscape look like?
    2. How do the Homes operated by Vermont Catholic Charities compare to other facilities?
    3. What are the market trends in this industry?
    4. What are the key challenges Vermont Catholic Charities’ homes face moving forward?

    Suggested Deliverable:

    Industry overview deck including key trends and challenges and identify focus areas for Vermont Catholic Charities.

  • March 3, 2020 -


  • March 3, 2020 -


  • March 4, 2020 - Marketing and future growth

    1. Who is the target market?
    2. How has the agency marketed the Homes? Has that worked?
    3. How does Vermont Catholic Charities attract more private pay residents?
    4. What is the current perception of the Homes operated by Vermont Catholic Charities?
    5. What are key marketing opportunities to raise brand awareness?

    Suggested Deliverable:

    Present ideas on ways to increase brand awareness about the Homes.

  • March 4, 2020 - Marketing and future growth

    1. Who is the target market?
    2. How has the agency marketed the Homes? Has that worked?
    3. How does Vermont Catholic Charities attract more private pay residents?
    4. What is the current perception of the Homes operated by Vermont Catholic Charities?
    5. What are key marketing opportunities to raise brand awareness?

    Suggested Deliverable:

    Present ideas on ways to increase brand awareness about the Homes.

  • March 4, 2020 -


  • March 4, 2020 -


Project Resources

There are no resources currently available

Industry Mentors

Company Admin

 

[email protected]

Academic Mentors

Instructor

Alice Obermiller

[email protected]

Instructor

 

[email protected]

Assigned Students

There are currently no students assigned.