A Visit to Veterans Village

July 24, 2026

A Grand Opening Ceremony

I was moved, inspired, and humbled to witness the grand opening ceremony and tour of the Veterans Village (veteranvillagesc.com). There were so many state and local leaders, members of the New York First Responders Team, local first responders, fire truck tillers, ladder trucks, and police cars, all clean as a whistle, with ladders raised and a gigantic American flag hanging between them. There were flags in the garden soil, hanging from the building, attached to the ceremony canopies, carried by guests, and pinned to jackets. The atmosphere was rich with loyalty, dignity, and celebration. And that was just outside!

Stepping Inside

When you enter the Veterans Village, you are welcomed by regal yet comfortable couches, tables, and chairs where visitors can gather and reminisce, individual mailboxes, a high-functioning glass conference room with multiple computers surrounding a large executive table, a stunning fireplace, and a sophisticated front desk reception area featuring elegant white finishes with gold trim. Every space was well appointed and distinguished while remaining timeless, warm, and comfortable.

The Closet Room, the Gym, and the Community Area

Down one hallway, I found the "Closet Room." This is where veterans can go if they arrive at the village with only the clothes on their backs or if they need business attire. It was humbling to think that so many veterans are in need of socks or a belt, things most of us take for granted every day. Another hallway featured a state-of-the-art gym filled with equipment to improve or maintain one's physical and mental health. Then I entered a large community area with more couches than I have ever seen in one place, with the exception of a furniture store. There, I learned that our local Ashley Furniture stores donated all the furniture for the village's 91 veteran apartments. I felt especially proud to have met the matriarch of Ashley Furniture at Somerby when we cared for her mother for a short time. This room seemed destined to hold future stories, both comical and heartbreaking. I could picture poker games, pool games, table tennis, televised football games, and the kind of comfort that can only come from comrades who have endured the hardships of war together.

A Veteran's Apartment

Then came the visit to a veteran's apartment. It offered a glimpse of what each veteran will see when they slide their key into the lock and open the door to their own home. The apartment was tastefully decorated, welcoming, and modern. If a veteran arrived with nothing but the clothes on their back, everything they needed would already be there, from toothpaste and utensils to bedding and personal care items. The bathroom featured a spacious walk-in shower that could easily accommodate a shower chair. The bed was elevated, the dining table was perfect for a visitor, the closet was spacious, and the kitchen was absolutely perfect.

Our Donation

For our part, we purchased enough pillows, sheets, and down comforters to furnish at least 15 rooms. Six veterans have already moved in, and more are expected next week, as Tuesdays and Thursdays are move-in days. It was a joy to pull up to the glass sliding doors with these boxes of love and comfort. As we wheeled them inside, they were placed in a holding area to be inventoried and delivered to the new residents. It felt especially meaningful to choose bedding as our donation because we all find restoration when we lay our heads down at night. My hope is that as each veteran lies down to rest, he or she feels surrounded by comfort, peace, worthiness, love, safety, respect, empowerment, and optimism.

A Personal Connection to Service

As the proud granddaughter of an Army soldier who landed in Normandy, the daughter of an Army medic who served in Vietnam, and the wife of an Army missileman who served in Germany, I spent this day feeling overwhelmingly proud of these men and of America. I hope I will have the opportunity to stay connected to this organization and the Veterans Village in the future. I already have plans to make my royal icing decorated sugar cookies for them very soon.

Nova Leap Home Health is proud to support the veterans in our community, and to learn more, please visit our page. For veterans and families interested in care services through the VA Community Care Program, please reach out to our office to learn more.