The Community Family’s Adult Day Health programs have served hundreds of local veterans over the years. Many veterans are eligible for low – or no cost – services at The Community Family’s Lowell center through a contract with the Veterans Administration (VA). The Community Family is one of only a few organizations with a VA contract for adult day health services.
As part of the center’s celebration of Valentine’s Day, participants at The Community Family created “Valentines for Vets” cards last week to show their heartfelt appreciation for those who have served their country. The cards were delivered to Princeton House Community Residential Care Veteran Home in Lowell.
In addition, an active member of the armed forces, Victoria “Tori” Kenny, made a visit to the center on February 18 to share her experiences with the participants. Tori is the daughter of long-time Lowell center employee Ann Barrows and is currently a First Sergeant in the Air National Guard at Otis Air National Guard Base on Cape Cod. Ann made flag pins for all 30 attendees.
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There are six veterans currently attending The Community Family’s Lowell center and they often congregate together, playing cards or engaging in other daily activities, as well as consuming meals together. The comradeship they experienced years ago as members of the armed forces endures at what is often a difficult time in their lives.
The Community Family’s Lowell center, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, draws participants from throughout the Merrimack Valley, including Chelmsford. They have traditionally served individuals with memory loss impairments, but has broadened its range of clientele the past several years. The center offers a secure, home-like setting where clients benefit from nursing care, nutrition and socialization opportunities. Veteran participants often refer to the center as “the club” because its vibrancy keeps them from feelings of isolation that may occur alone in the home.
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The Lowell center vets, along with all the others, were pleased to participate in the “Valentines for Vets” project and especially enjoyed meeting an active veteran who shares an extraordinary common bond. Even though they are generations apart, there was a mutual admiration and respect for their fellow soldier. To find out more about service or eligibility for veteran adult day health benefits, contact The Community Family at 978-458-4844 or info@communityfamily.org.