by Merle Rouillard, Publicity Committee Chairperson/President for the VFW Post 8200 Ladies Auxiliary

This March 22 through 28 is the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Home for Children Awareness Week. The VFW National Home for Children was established in 1925 in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, and stands today as a tribute to the VFW and Ladies Auxiliary members who help support the facility and the many families who call it their home. Located at 3573 S. Waverly Road, the ‘home’ actually encompasses over 40 individual family homes and over 30 additional buildings which include a Community Center, Daycare and Preschool, Guest Lodge, Museum, Transportation, Water Treatment, Fire Stations, and many other buildings on a sprawling 70-plus acres.

Please don’t think for a moment that America has forgotten the families of its war heroes! This home gives the children and families of America’s active-duty military and Veterans a place to turn in troubled times. The National Home has cared for, and helped children and families of our Nation’s Veterans for over 80 years and provides services for the children and families of deployed servicemen and women.

In certain situations, the children and/or families can be a part of the National Home campus community where they can live for a time and have an opportunity to build a better life. The National Home Helpline, (800) 851-0238, provides Nation-wide assistance and connection to supportive services in communities.

Through the Veteran Family Program, disabled Veterans who are VFW members can pursue VA Vocational Rehabilitation while living at the Home with their families. The Single Parent Family Program assists a single parent and children working to recover from a time of crisis by giving them an opportunity to build a better life. Another program, the Residential Program, is for children and youth needing someone to care for them.

If you are ever up in Michigan, you can request a tour of the National Home by calling (800) 424-8360. The Home is funded entirely by gifts from individuals and organizations and takes over $5 million annually to maintain. The Liberty Hill VFW Post 8200 Ladies Auxiliary supports the Home with frequent donations. No State or Federal funding is received. For more information, check out www.vfwnationalhome.org. To ask about donating, call (866) 483-9642.