Visit:
https://comcastnewsmakers.com/Videos/2018/11/5/Holyoke-Veterans-Lunch?autoPlay
Not long after his installation as the IX Bishop of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas J. Fisher asked the question, "How can we help veterans?" This general question prompted the creation of Veterans Programs in area communities. In Holyoke, the outreach program is in the form of a Free lunch.
Gina Nelson, Executive Director of Community Roots; Neighborhood Services, Inc. (501c3) and the Holyoke Veterans Lunch Program, said, "A meal may seem like a small gesture - that is, unless you are hungry. And if your hunger extends beyond food to companionship and the brother/sisterhood of fellow veterans, then the meal becomes even more important."
Fostering camaraderie among individuals who understand what one another has been through can be a part of the healing process. The program's goal is to provide a judgement free space among individuals who have shared experiences, as well as thank the veterans for their sacrifices.
"There's something about sitting down to a meal that sparks conversation, even it it's difficult or filled with emotion, said Nelson.
Before opening in September 2016, six months were spent researching veterans issues, talking with veterans groups, collaborating with those who work in support of veterans, gathering community support, and raising enough funds to begin. "We needed to make sure we were not answering a question that wasn't even being asked", said Nelson.
We learned that of the over 2,000 veterans in Holyoke alone, only 3 percent of them were taking advantage of the services available to them, and that many veterans are socially isolated, homeless, unemployed, under-employed and living under the national poverty level. So , we knew we were on the right track and that a lunch program was something we could do well, something we could do quickly, to meet the immediate needs of local veterans.
The statistics on poverty, homelessness, mental, physical and psychological needs among those in the veterans community were harrowing, but here's what stopped us in our tracks: "more veterans have committed suicide than all the military killed during the Vietnam war". So, yes, we begin with a meal and as we get to know the veterans who attend the lunches and learn more about their needs, we reach out to specific agencies for assistance. Representatives have been responsive to meet with veterans at the lunches and speak in a relaxed setting.
Gina Nelson, Executive Director of Community Roots; Neighborhood Services, Inc. (501c3) and the Holyoke Veterans Lunch Program, said, "A meal may seem like a small gesture - that is, unless you are hungry. And if your hunger extends beyond food to companionship and the brother/sisterhood of fellow veterans, then the meal becomes even more important."
Fostering camaraderie among individuals who understand what one another has been through can be a part of the healing process. The program's goal is to provide a judgement free space among individuals who have shared experiences, as well as thank the veterans for their sacrifices.
"There's something about sitting down to a meal that sparks conversation, even it it's difficult or filled with emotion, said Nelson.
Before opening in September 2016, six months were spent researching veterans issues, talking with veterans groups, collaborating with those who work in support of veterans, gathering community support, and raising enough funds to begin. "We needed to make sure we were not answering a question that wasn't even being asked", said Nelson.
We learned that of the over 2,000 veterans in Holyoke alone, only 3 percent of them were taking advantage of the services available to them, and that many veterans are socially isolated, homeless, unemployed, under-employed and living under the national poverty level. So , we knew we were on the right track and that a lunch program was something we could do well, something we could do quickly, to meet the immediate needs of local veterans.
The statistics on poverty, homelessness, mental, physical and psychological needs among those in the veterans community were harrowing, but here's what stopped us in our tracks: "more veterans have committed suicide than all the military killed during the Vietnam war". So, yes, we begin with a meal and as we get to know the veterans who attend the lunches and learn more about their needs, we reach out to specific agencies for assistance. Representatives have been responsive to meet with veterans at the lunches and speak in a relaxed setting.
Click: https://blogs.umass.edu/creative-economy/ Click on: "A Soft Place to Land" Video To find out more about the Veteran's Lunch Program, contact Gina Nelson at [email protected] or leave a message at 413-537-3119 |