August 2024
Summer Fun at MVH
Summer is in full swing at Michigan Veteran Homes, and like every summer, there's just something in the air that brings positive energy, smiles, and laughter to those men and women who wore the uniform, and who we're now blessed to serve.
Amongst many other activities and outings, MVH at Grand Rapids had their annual Summer Celebration event in July, with a Summer Olympics theme. Games, music, food trucks, and friends filled the parking lot, and good times were had by all involved. MVH at Chesterfield Township enjoyed an outdoor concert by Jim Teller, and took in a Tigers game at Comerica Park, while MVH D.J. Jacobetti members enjoyed activities like a fishing trip on Lake Superior, raspberry picking, a car show, a "paint & sip," and live music. Late July also marked the 19th annual fish fry at the Jacobetti, sponsored by Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 237 and American Legion Post 131 - a wonderful event every year.
All of those activities, and the many more not listed, drive the quality of life we're able to provide for our members. But we don't do it alone, and our many quality-of-life opportunities occur thanks to the generosity of individuals and organizations who give their time, talents, treasures, ties, and/or testimony to benefit our veterans. For summer - and for our many supporters - we are profoundly grateful.
As MVH continues the important journey of replacing the MVH D.J. Jacobetti (MVHDJJ) in the Upper Peninsula, the Michigan Veterans' Facility Authority (MVFA) Board of Directors and MVH leadership were grateful to spend some time with veterans, community members, and other individuals interested in the project at an informal social event - a Community Meet & Greet - in late July, in Marquette.
"It's important that we stay connected with the community members of the communities we're privileged to serve," said Ryan Engle, Director of Development & Strategic Engagement for MVH. "While there were no 'major updates' to share, our Board of Directors felt strongly that it was important to host a social opportunity in an informal setting while the board was in town, as a means to build relationships with the community as the project progresses forward." More than sixty community members showed up for the informal gathering at Ore Dock Brewing Co., and the MVFA Board of Directors and MVH leadership were grateful to engage with many individuals from around the region who have an interest in the MVHDJJ replacement home.
In June, it was announced that MVH was seeking to acquire more than 38 acres in Marquette Township as the future site for MVHDJJ, and that journey continues. An agreement has been reached, with contingencies still needing to be met. Notably, a portion of the property is being generously donated by the current owners, in honor of their late father, U.S. Army veteran Edward F. Scott.
Stay up-to-date with the MVHDJJ replacement project by visiting our website: The NEW Michigan Veteran Homes D.J. Jacobetti.
Michigan Veteran Homes is honored to care for some pretty remarkable human beings: men and women who believe in something greater than themselves, and who've stood to serve through the eras, in times of peace and in times of conflict.
MVH at Chesterfield Township was ecstatic in late July to celebrate one of those incredible people by hosting her 100th birthday party. Fran Metcalf is a Rosie the Riveter and a veteran of the U.S. Navy, and has seen and experienced quite a bit over the past century. Joined by her family, friends, staff, and other members, MVH was grateful to celebrate Fran and her remarkable century.
Some additional special guests stopped by the party to congratulate her as well, including (pictured, L to R): Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel; Chesterfield Township Supervisor Brad Kersten; Deputy Director Emily Mellits of the Office of Community Engagement for the Executive Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer; Macomb County Commissioner and Legislative Aide to Representative Jay DeBoyer, Phil Kraft; and Chesterfield Township Trustee Kathy Vosburg.
See more photos of Fran's party - and follow MVH at Chesterfield Twp. - on Facebook: (2) Today we... - Michigan Veteran Homes at Chesterfield Township | Facebook
Michigan Veteran Homes has many, many incredible people on our team, doing incredible work. MVH, along with the Health Care Assoc. of Michigan (HCAM), is proud to share that one of those remarkable people, Chris LaJoie, Operations Analyst for MVH, has been selected by the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) as a future leader in long-term and post-acute care: a program that provides one future leader per state a year-long training and mentorship for professionals in long-term and post-acute care.
“Chris has excelled at his responsibilities every step of the way during his more than 16 years supporting veterans at MVH,” said Anne Zerbe, executive director and CEO of MVH. “We are extremely excited that Chris was selected as Michigan’s representative for the AHCA/NCAL Future Leaders program and know that he will expand his expertise in safety compliance and staffing so that we continue to offer the very best care and service to veterans in Michigan.”
Read more about the selection and Chris LaJoie in the press release: Chris LaJoie Selected as Future Leader in Long-Term and Post-Acute Care by AHCA/NCAL (michigan.gov)
Make a difference. Serve the men and women who wore the cloth of our nation, and now need care. Impact lives, daily. Join the team at Michigan Veteran Homes.
MVH is seeking CNAs, LPNs, and RNs for vacancies in Grand Rapids and Marquette, to serve those who've served us. With sign-on bonuses available for certain LPN and RN positions, MVH also sponsors enrollment into the Nurse Aide Training Registry for eligible new hires in pursuit of becoming a CNA.
If you've ever thought or said, "I just want to make more of a difference in the world...," consider checking out careers with MVH. Read more about the opportunities at MVH Seeks Candidates for Career Opportunities in Grand Rapids and Marquette (michigan.gov).
MVH has the important duty of caring for veterans in their later years, when they need nursing home care. For many veterans - most we care for - MVH is their last home here on Earth, in this life. Sometimes veterans spend mere hours or days with us, and other times it's weeks, months, or years-upon-years. In any case, we have immense gratitude for the ability to care for such special men and women.
MVH's ability to provide such an impactful quality of life for our members is driven by private contributions to our Charitable Support Fund (CSF). Indeed, it's the CSF that funds all kinds of equipment, activities, outings, and more, that support enriching the lives of MVH veterans. Separate from state operational funds, the CSF is how we do more for our veterans - via generosity.
On a Tuesday morning this July, one of our Administrators was checking their mail - a daily routine amongst the many, many "to-do's" for Nursing Home Administrators - and was humbled and remarkably grateful to open a letter that accompanied a gift of $50,000 to the CSF, to support quality of life for MVH veterans. The giver's late brother and father were veterans, and they wanted to leave a meaningful legacy in their honor. Impressed with MVH and the team's impact, they chose MVH to leave such a legacy, and we are honored and blessed to put that legacy to work every day in our meaningful mission.
To this giver - we're incredibly grateful. To all givers and supporters of our work and our veterans - we're humbled, and thankful. And if you're wondering how you might leave a legacy - in this life, or after your gone - consider an impact with MVH. We change lives daily, thanks to our team, and the generosity of many supporters. It takes all of us.
The connection between motorcycles, those who ride them, and the veteran community is a deep and intertwined history whose depth of explanation exceeds the capacity of this article. Nonetheless, MVH is fortunate to be very supported by the biker community.
On August 10th at 10am, the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA 35-1) will hold their annual ride to support MVH D.J. Jacobetti. Kickstands will go up at 12pm and depart from American Legion Post 349 in Little Lake, ride the route, and stop at the Jacobetti to present a generous monetary donation. Following the ride, participants will return to the Legion for a BBQ, raffle, auction, and more. Read more at Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association gearing up for annual Ride for Jacobetti Home (uppermichiganssource.com). Over the years, CVMA 35-1 has raised tens of thousands of dollars to support veterans of the Jacobetti.
And in late July, American Legion Post 4 in Mt. Clements hosted their annual ride supporting MVH at Chesterfield Township. The event was, again this year, a resounding success and remarkable display of generosity to our veterans.
These are just two examples of the many ways the biker community impacts our mission. To all our biker supporters: THANK YOU!
Donations to Michigan Veteran Homes are tax-deductible under 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Michigan Veteran Homes are making a difference in the lives of Michigan veterans and their loved ones. Join us.
Want to learn more about participating in the representative democracy our veterans stood to protect? Visit the Michigan Voter Information Center.
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