Residents, relations and employees honored for his or her service and help throughout Veterans Properties Week

Annville, PA – The six Pennsylvania Veterans Homes, operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), honored residents, family members, and staff with weeklong celebrations during the annual Veterans Homes Week, August 22-28, 2021. The homes offer personal and expert care of more than 900 veterans and their spouses.

“Veterans Homes Week is an annual event where we can thank those who have sacrificed so much to defend our nation. It also allows us to thank our staff and volunteers for their continued dedication to caring for our veterans, especially during the pandemic, “said Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvania Adjutant General and director of DMVA. “Getting back together after months of restrictions while also complying with COVID-19 safety protocols was a great time. It’s important to show everyone how much they mean to all of us. “

Participants enjoyed a variety of activities and entertainment throughout the week, including a carnival with a dunk tank, musical performances, good food, and trips to a professional baseball game. Activities like these greatly benefit residents by increasing their social interactions and promoting a more active lifestyle. Most of these activities are paid for by the Resident Welfare Fund of each home. Donations to these funds can be made online at Resident Welfare Fund Donations.

In addition to year-round recreational and leisure activities, each veteran home offers residents the necessary equipment and facilities, on-site medical and pharmacy services, physiotherapy and occupational therapy as well as 24-hour care. Other special amenities in each home include a library, snack bar / gift shop commonly known as the “canteen,” transportation, hairdressing and beauty services, and in-house chapels and chaplains for spiritual guidance and fellowship.

The six homes and their locations are the Delaware Valley Veterans ‘Home in Philadelphia, the Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center in Scranton, the Hollidaysburg Veterans ‘Home in Hollidaysburg, the Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors ‘Home in Erie, the Southeastern Veterans’ Home Center in Spring City and the Southwestern Veterans’ Center in Pittsburgh.

For more information on reception, employment, or volunteer services, please visit www.VeteransHomes.pa.gov. You can also learn more about the homes by following DMVA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/padmva or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/padmva.

MEDIA CONTACT: Joan Nissley – jnissley@pa.gov

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