Michigan Veterans Home -Grand Rapids
by: Mary Anne Yuncker, 1st Deputy MVHGR
The Michigan Veterans Home in Grand Rapids is located near the Grand River, on 90 acres across from River Park. It was built in 1885 to serve returning veterans from the Civil War. After having gone through many revisions and updates, it is now home to 128 members. The home focuses on long and short-term care, rehab, dementia-memory care, and palliative care. It also has a mental health clinic and physical therapy. A cemetery is next door, available only to those veterans or dependents who have passed away while under the care of the home.
Special events this year were the Halloween party, End of the Summer Bash, Veterans Day Service, “Camping” event, Merry and Bright Bash, Las Vegas Day, and the annual Dog Show. There was also a Star Tree in the lobby to provide gifts for all members. A volunteer appreciation dinner was given to show how much we value our volunteers’ efforts. Last fall, our Chaplain’s Workshop was held at the home, and there were tours following the program.
Our Auxiliary members are involved with regular events like the service cart, which provides personal care and activity items twice a month. Tuesday night bingo and free clothing days are also offered each season. The Auxiliary members from the 5th District are Hospital Rep Judy Jones, 1st Deputy Mary Anne Yuncker, 2nd Deputy Deb Weatherbee, 3rd Deputy Sally Cole, 5th District VA&R Chair Rosemary Maciejewski and volunteer Linda Walthorn.
Although COVID still keeps us from seeing all members every week, we continue to serve, bringing encouragement and showing our appreciation to those who gave so much to keep our country free.
information about the home: https://www.michigan.gov/mvh/locations/grand-rapids