Hastings
Minneapolis
Silver Bay
St. Paul
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It takes a special kind of person with very special qualities to choose a career caring for Veterans.
Compassionate.
Dedicated.
Highly-trained.
Hard-working.
Focused on making a real difference in the lives of Residents and their Families.
Each May, we’re proud to recognize the ongoing efforts of our skilled employees to ensure an optimal quality of life for our Residents and express our appreciation for their commitment to delivering exceptional care.
Minnesota Veterans Homes Week, is being celebrated on our five campuses until May 14, and focuses on honoring and commending the ways our Veterans Homes’ teams create a respectful, meaningful, safe and secure environment for all.
From staff contests and dress-up days to a gratitude wall and giveaways, the goal during Minnesota Veterans Homes Week has been to fill our locations in Fergus Falls, Hastings, Luverne, Minneapolis and Silver Bay with fun activities and laughter while proudly celebrating the world-class achievements of the past year.
“During these incredibly challenging pandemic times, our employees consistently showed up for our Residents and their Families, ensuring excellent experiences and saving lives,” said Simone Hogan, Senior Director, Healthcare. “This recognition week allows us the chance to say thank you and bring joy to their daily routine.”
Douglas Hughes, Deputy Commissioner - Healthcare, noted that Homes’ employees are vital to the success of our mission of serving those who have served and sacrificed. “These individuals are truly like extended family to our Residents and walk alongside their loved ones as well. From generation to generation, they build relationships that make lasting impressions.”
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For over 10 years, the award-winning Minnesota Military Radio (MMR) has been the forum for retelling the stories of Minnesota’s heroes. Vietnam Veteran and volunteer host Tom Lyons shares these stories which are carried on 65 broadcasting stations throughout the state of Minnesota in an effort to preserve the stories of our Veterans and keep listeners up to date on things happening at MDVA and in our Veteran Community here in Minnesota.
This weekend we’ll get an update from Tee It Up For the Troops, hear from the Veteran Resilience Project and get an update from the Director of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System.
More Information >>
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Troy Barrick, now serving as Interim Assistant Administrator at the Minneapolis Veterans Home, will become the Home’s new Administrator.
Current Minneapolis Veterans Home Administrator Tom Paul will be retiring in June after serving in his role since 2017.
Troy joined MDVA in September 2021 as the Healthcare Operations Project Manager. He spent the last nine months supporting the planning of the three new Veterans Homes, including traveling to the current Veterans Homes to learn more about best practices and operational excellence. Most recently, Troy shifted to the Interim Assistant Administrator role at Minneapolis. Troy will benefit from working alongside Administrator Tom Paul for the next six weeks.
Troy holds a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration and has been a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator for 22 years. He has held leadership roles in several healthcare organizations including Executive Director at Transforming Age Waterford Campus in Brooklyn Park and Division Director at CentraCare Health in Monticello.
As announced earlier this year, Tom will be retiring in June with his last working day on June 17. Tom has had a distinguished career in the long-term care industry for more than 50 years. We have been honored to have Tom on our team and look forward to celebrating his retirement.
Close relationships with family and friends are important for our health and well-being. But what about the people who make up our broader social networks: the parents at school drop-off, the neighbor down the street, or that colleague in another department who always makes you laugh?
While research on the benefits of social connections has generally focused on the importance of “strong ties,” or the intimate relationships with family and close friends, a growing body of research is shedding light on the hidden benefits of casual acquaintances, too. Surprisingly, these “weak ties” (that funny colleague, for example) can serve important functions, such as boosting physical and psychological health and buffering against stress and loneliness.
Imagine a day that begins by greeting your regular barista at the local coffee shop. You get to work and run into a colleague who you have not seen for a while, and chat about your weekend. After work, you head to yoga class where you exchange pleasantries with the girl whose hair is always a different color. Walking home afterward, you stop to chat with the guy you always see walking the pug named Wilbur. None of these people play an important role in your life, yet a day without these kinds of interactions seems a little emptier.
Learn more here >>
On Monday, May 2, MDVA began airing Public Service Announcements (PSAs) on Twin Cities FOX 9 TV to encourage gun owners to lock their weapons with a gun lock to help prevent Veteran suicide. These 30-second PSAs will run through June.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, a locked gun can mean the difference between a tragic outcome and a life saved for someone in crisis. Though Veterans are well-versed in firearm safety, all gun owners should understand that during emotional or stressful times, delaying access to a gun could mean the difference between life and death. Gun locks can prevent someone in crisis from tragically taking their own life.
To reduce these preventable tragedies, MDVA is offering free gun locks. To request a gun lock, please email SuicidePrevention.MDVA@state.mn.us with your name and address. This information will not be shared; requests are confidential.
The Minnesota Veterans Career Fair is Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at the Earle Brown Heritage Center from 2 - 6 p.m.
Are you looking for a higher salary and a great career? Work for an employer that recognizes and appreciates your military service and the value you bring to the team!
The Veterans Career Fair features:
- Nearly 100 Veteran-friendly employers on-site
- Complimentary LinkedIn photography station available for job seekers
- Have your resume reviewed and brush up on your interviewing skills with a mock interview
- Service providers offering assistance for Veterans and their families
- There is no cost to attend and registration is not required
- Job seeker attendees are eligible to register for one of 50 Minnesota DNR gift cards ($100 value)
- Gift cards can be used to purchase MN DNR park fees, camping, or gifts
More information >>
This year, in-person Memorial Day programs will resume at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries.
Learn the three steps anyone can take to help prevent suicide. Just like CPR, QPR is an emergency response to someone in crisis and can save lives. QPR is the most widely taught gatekeeper training program in the United States, and more than one million adults have been trained in classroom settings in 48 states. This 1.5-hour class is for members of the community over the age of 16 who want to learn best practices in suicide prevention.
A certificate of attendance is available for this class and will be sent after you fill out the evaluation. Register for the upcoming class:
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