January 2026
Generosity is inspiring, and contagious. The Friends of Rolling Rock Ranch certainly embody the word 'generous' more than one can imagine. About a decade ago, some friends got together and decided they should do something good for veterans. And wow, has that idea and conversation yielded some amazing things for the veterans at MVH. Every fall, the Friends of Rolling Rock Ranch host a hunt and fundraiser, inviting our veterans to hunt and inviting many, many others to participate and support MVH veterans. In early December, the group stops by MVH at Grand Rapids to host a pizza party, what has become one of the most anticipated (and lucrative) bingos of the year for our veterans, and to present a donation to MVH.
On Dec. 6th, they stopped by and donated $26,000 to the Charitable Support Fund, bringing their giving total over the years to $286,000! Words don't do justice in describing our gratitude. Thank you, Friends of Rolling Rock Ranch. We're doing more for veterans in long-term care and end of life care, thanks to your generosity.
Work and progress continue on the replacement Jacobetti Home in Marquette Township. The nearly $100M state and federal investment in veterans of the Upper Peninsula will boast 108 private bed/private bath resident rooms on a picturesque 38 acres for veterans needing skilled nursing care - providing an environment that feels more like a home than a healthcare facility. MVH broke ground on the replacement home in May 2025, and it will take 30-36 months for construction. Current work includes installing storm pipe and structures along the perimeter road, installing underground plumbing for one of the facility's 'neighborhoods', and removing snow from the site (ahh, yes, the Upper Peninsula...). Soon, they'll be excavating for one of the Home's neighborhoods and pouring foundations for the neighborhood as well.
We'll keep you updated via this newsletter as things progress. You can always contact us with questions, as well, at DMVA-MVHgiving@michigan.gov.
The NEW Michigan Veteran Homes D.J. Jacobetti
We're making a difference in the lives of veterans in long-term care. We've got opportunities to join us, too. Open positions include:
- Recreational Therapist in Marquette
- Registered Nurse Manager in Marquette
- Registered Nurse in Grand Rapids and Marquette
- LPN in Grand Rapids and Marquette
- CNA (Resident Care Aide) in Marquette
If you're interested in opportunities to make a difference in the lives of veterans, check out the link below.
The State's 'newest' veterans home is making quite an impact on the lives of veterans. While Michigan opened the doors to its first veterans home in Grand Rapids in 1886 and has had a veterans home in Marquette since 1981, it wasn't until 2021 that southeast Michigan got a veterans home - MVH at Chesterfield Twp., in Macomb County. In the 4+ years since opening their doors, the Home has built a reputation for excellence in care and quality of life for veterans needing nursing home care. But MVH at Chesterfield Twp. is definitely more than a nursing home - it's a true home for veterans. When not enjoying the beautiful grounds, facility, and love and support of the broader Chesterfield Twp. community, you'll find the veterans of MVH at Chesterfield Twp. at Tigers games, Fox Theatre, the Detroit Zoo, local museums, out on shopping trips, enjoying local cuisine choices, and more. Indeed, they stay so busy enjoying life and all the area has to offer, you might not find them at all, as they're out and about. MVH at Chesterfield Twp. is able to do these things for veterans - the 'above and beyond' - thanks to the generosity of private gifts to the Home's Charitable Support Fund. Follow them on Facebook, or contact the Home directly to see how your generosity can impact the lives of veterans in long-term care.
We're changing veteran lives for the better. Join us.
In December, hundreds of community members convened at MVH at Grand Rapids' historic cemetery - in sub-frigid temperatures - to lay thousands of wreaths on the final resting places of the many veterans interred there. The 'Wreaths Across America' event has been held annually at our campus - hosted by local nonprofit organizations as a way to remember, honor, and teach the importance of service and sacrifice to the next generation.
Thanks to all who made this event a success.
While bricks haven't fallen yet, the plans continue on the next iteration of the MVH at Grand Rapids campus with the planned demolition of the aged infrastructure on site. The vacant hospital-like building's infrastructure has aged past its useful life, and removal will open plentiful greenspace and future opportunities for the MVH campus.
In its 139-year history, the MVH at Grand Rapids campus has undergone various changes through the eras in an effort to best serve the veterans of today, and the veterans of tomorrow. MVH is excited for this next era, and the possibilities it will open for the future of our campus and the veterans we're privileged to serve. MVH previously shared news of the forthcoming demolition in its Aug. 2025 and Oct. 2025 newsletters, and will continue to keep stakeholders updated through this medium.
Happy New Year, from all of us at Michigan Veteran Homes. As we welcome 2026 and look forward to the year ahead, we're incredibly grateful for the seemingly countless friends and supporters we have for our mission, and for our veterans. We couldn't make the impact we do without our community. Our volunteers, our donors, our community partners, our friends, and our families - we're doing more, together, for veterans. We're grateful for the year behind us, and eager for the year ahead. If you're reading this, you're likely somehow connected to our mission and our veterans, and for that, we're grateful.
For 2026, we're wishing you the best year yet. Thank you, and Happy New Year!
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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