January 2025
Looking Back, Focused Forward: Impact at Michigan Veteran Homes
How are we in 2025 already? Looking back at 2024, it's impossible to share all of the stories, the wins, the losses, and the memories. Together, our team - alongside our robust network of volunteers, donors, partners, and families - provided 126,742 days of care, achieved 5-star ratings from CMS in each of our Homes, and changed veteran lives for the better in later-in-life and end of life care. While we can't tell every story, we try to share the impact, or at least some of it. Check out our 2024 Impact Report at the link below. We're looking back reflecting on the year gone by. But our focus is on the care and quality of life for our veterans today, and in the days, months, and years ahead. Thanks to the many allies and supporters of our mission and our members, the best is yet to come at MVH. See you soon, in 2025!
While MVH at Chesterfield Twp opened its doors just over three years ago, the support they continue to receive from so many makes one think they'd been there for decades. In December, amongst so many other amazing events, MVH veterans went Christmas shopping, thanks to the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Michigan, and held a special 100th Birthday Celebration for World War II veteran, Al Roland. These were just two of the events that marked an incredible month of giving and support to our mission and our members at MVH. From cookies to cards, monetary gifts to in-kind acts of generosity, December was wonderful. As we close 2025, MVH at Chesterfield Township wishes to share its immense gratitude with its dedicated community of supporters. We do more at MVH, thanks to the generosity of our supporters.
On the brisk morning of December 14th, 2024, hundreds of community members gathered at the veteran cemetery on the MVH at Grand Rapids' campus to place thousands of wreaths on the headstones of veterans interred there. Established in 1886, the cemetery's hallowed grounds are the final resting place for veterans from times of peace and times of conflict through the generations, including veterans of the Mexican War, Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, and Desert Shield/Desert Storm, amongst others. The purpose of the event is to remember those that served, and say their name; to honor their lives, and their service; and to teach the next generation the importance of service and sacrifice. Lest we forget.
On December 23rd, 2024, Governor Gretchen Whitmer appointed Nancy Susick, of Rochester, to serve on the Michigan Veterans' Facility Authority (MVFA) Board of Directors - the governing body of Michigan Veteran Homes. Nominated for the appointment by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Susick, who serves as the president of Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital, has been a registered nurse since 1986. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Oakland University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Detroit Mercy. In addition to her nearly four decades with Corewell Health, where she has held numerous staff, nursing leadership, and senior executive positions, Susick served nearly two and a half decades in the United States Navy Reserve, retiring as a Captain. Michigan Veteran Homes looks forward to her leadership on its Board of Directors.
December was, once again, filled with an outpouring of generosity for the mission and members of MVH D.J. Jacobetti.
The 22nd Annual 'Christmas is for Veterans' wish list drive from mediaBrew Communications was nothing short of remarkable, as was the 30+ year-old annual Christmas Gift Shop, hosted by the American Legion Auxiliaries. Stockings 4 Soldiers again made their annual stop, gifting stockings filled with goodies specifically curated for members of the home. The Jacobetti Veterans Facility Coordinators Holiday Party was filled with delightful music and delicious food, and the staff's annual 'Ugly Sweater Day' did not disappoint. There were visits from Santa, the Vallier family (who make us pasties every fall), and so many others. There were donations from Lasco, AMVETS Post 122, VFW Post 6, the annual 'Guys Shopping Day,' and so many others. There were cookies, sing-a-longs, parties, and so much more than can be listed here. The Jacobetti is blessed to be supported by so many.
Blessed, fortunate, and grateful are just a few of the words that describe how we feel at MVH D.J. Jacobetti. Thank you for making the holidays brighter for our veterans.
Visit and follow MVH D.J. Jacobetti on Facebook to see many of the above photos, and more, and to stay up to date with all the ongoings at the Jake.
Moving into a new year, many consider how the year forthcoming might be different than the one gone by, and how one might make their mark more intentionally felt in the year ahead. If making an impact in the lives of veterans in later-in-life and end of life care sounds meaningful to you, there are opportunities at MVH. Opportunities include - but are not limited to - individual, small group, or larger group volunteering, or sponsoring an event like a fishing tournament, a cookout, bingo, or another activity. Each home has 'wish list' items posted online, and the MVH Charitable Support Fund accepts monetary gifts year-round. Funds donated to MVH and its Charitable Support Fund are kept separate from operational funds and are expended upon approval by our Board of Directors to benefit members of our Homes. And, online giving allows our generous givers to set up automatic recurring gifts on a periodic basis, putting your generosity on autopilot, where it makes an impact gift after gift in the lives of those men and women who've worn the sacred cloth of our nation.
If making a difference in the lives of veterans is something you're passionate about in 2025, consider giving at MVH. We're changing veteran lives for better in later-in-life and end of life care. Join us.
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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