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March 2026
I can't believe we are already getting close to Spring! It's been consistently busy here at Veterans Services. In February, our office handled 2,061 phone calls. We are thankful for our staff for making sure they are answering calls and following up on voicemails while still helping clients with appointments and walk-ins.
We kicked off the year hosting a Dinner with the VA event to reach veterans in the Rockford area and our staff also gave time up on the weekends to cover our booth at the West Michigan Home and Garden Show, where we spoke to nearly 300 members of the veteran community about the services we offer.
We continue to see success with providing our services twice a month at Grand Rapids Community College as well, where one of our Accredited Veterans Services Officer holds office hours at GRCC's Veterans Services office to help student veterans or spouses with claims. This month we launched our free budgeting class for veterans or their spouses in partnership with Lake Michigan Credit Union. This class will take place each month at our office and the goal is to help veterans be able to balance their finances.
Looking ahead to Summer, we are planning to take part in parades for both Memorial Day and 4th of July, so look out for more specific details in the coming weeks. Also, make sure to follow Kent County Veterans Services on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on veteran events in our community.
Ryan Grams
Director
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Free Budget Class For Veterans & Spouses
We have partnered with Lake Michigan Credit Union to offer Free Budgeting Classes each month for any veteran and their spouse starting Friday, April 17, 2026 at 1pm.
The classes will be held at our office, 836 Fuller Avenue NE in Grand Rapids. We ask that you sign up ahead of time and be sure to bring a current bank statement and copies of your bills to each session.
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Honoring Female Veterans During Women's History Month
 We are thankful that so many female veterans attended our 6th annual Female Veterans Appreciation Banquet on Thursday, March 19, at Watermark Country Club. About 100 people attended and enjoyed a free dinner and a chance to win several raffle prizes donated by our community partners. Prizes included a "Stay and Play" gift certificate to Gun Lake Casino Resort, tickets to a Grand Rapids Rise and Griffins Game and several $100 gift cards to Meijer.
A special thanks to our three guest speakers who shared their stories about their time in service including Army Veterans June Elmer and Jennifer Gradnigo and Air Force Veteran Sheona Nidefski. Commissioner Robin Halsted also presented a proclamation on behalf of the Kent County Board of Commissioners, honoring that March is Women's History Month. We also want to thank June Elmer and the team at Ice Guru events for creating and donating a handmade ice sculpture of a female veteran that we had on display during the event.
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Welcoming Our Newest Committee Members
 Please help us give a warm welcome to our newest members of the Kent County Veterans Services Committee: (in order of appearance)
- Commissioner Robin Halsted - District 10
- Tom Peoples - Air Force Veteran
- Sheona Joy Nidefski - Air Force Veteran
- Landon "Scott" Christie - Air Force Veteran (not pictured)
The seven member committee ensures that county-funded veterans assistance is provided appropriately and fairly. Interested in attending one of the committee meetings? They occur on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 2pm at our office, 836 Fuller Avenue NE in Grand Rapids.
Registration Opens April 1 for 2026 Stand Down
 The 2026 Homeless Veteran Stand Down will be held on Thursday, September 24 from 9:30am-1:30pm at 1222 Bradford Street NE in Grand Rapids, MI 49503. The event is thanks to a partnership between Veterans Services and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The free event provides veterans with access to essential resources including:
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Immediate Needs: Food, clothing, and health screenings.
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Long-term Support: Help with VA claims, healthcare, and housing solutions.
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Personal Wellness: Employment assistance, mental health counseling, and substance use treatment.
Vendors Needed!
We need vendors who can provide benefits assistance, legal services, healthcare, or other essential support. We area also looking for 30 volunteers to help with tasks such as directing parking, helping Veterans find resources, prepping food, and carrying boxes to vehicles. If you are interested, please complete the registration form for volunteers - applications for vendors and volunteers open on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
Last Call for Kent County Veterans Artists
 Art for Honor is looking for 1-2 more creative veterans to join them for ArtPrize 2026 which will be in a new high-traffic area in Grand Rapids. The annual art festival runs September 17-October 3.
Being part of Art for Honor means you’ll gain mentorship, connect with a community of fellow veteran artists, and exhibit your work in one of the region’s most celebrated art events - without the financial burden. This initiative is funded by Kent County Veterans Services and will cover the costs for you to participate. Spots are extremely limited - don’t miss your chance to be part of something meaningful, visible, and unforgettable. Interested? Fill out this Artist Form. Make sure to follow Art for Honor on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for updates.
Upcoming Events
Stop by our booth and see our staff at these events:
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