A few months ago we had the pleasure of meeting Lake Trust member Mike and hearing the inspirational story of how he cares for elderly veterans. When we last spoke, he shared a vision of being able to take all of his residents to Washington, D.C. to tour the White House. As of September, Mike finally accomplished this dream. But his plans to help veterans don't end there.
Mike's job consists of so much more than just providing a place to live for those who need a little extra care. He also makes sure his residents are able to maintain a comfortable standard of living. Through his work, Mike has learned that some veterans are not receiving their full benefits due to loopholes in the system. While most would consider this to be an individual's problem, Mike considers it to be his job to aid his residents wherever it's necessary.
Supporting His Mission
Hearing concerns about two of his residents who are having trouble receiving their benefits, we put Mike in touch with a local resource that can help his residents navigate through the VA system. Mike now has a connection with the Deputy District Director of U.S. Rep. Mike Bishop's office, who hopes to help these veterans find the extra assistance they need.
The Lake Trust Foundation also felt that Mike's cause deserved some support of its own. In recognition for his endeavors to improve the lives of our nation's heroes, we recently donated $5,000 to help him with the operating costs of Helen's House (the name of his VA medical foster home). This donation ensures that he can continue to serve the needs of area veterans.
Spreading the Word
Mike's motivation to help and honor those who served was solidified after his recent trip to Washington, D.C. Seeing the emotional impact that the trip had on his residents, he's working to raise awareness of the great need for veteran elder care. A great concern for Mike is that he is the only owner of a VA medical foster home in Livingston county. To lessen this problem, he encourages others to consider opening their home to even one veteran in need.
He also hopes to connect with other VA medical foster home hosts in Michigan and create a network of caregivers. With hosts connecting together, he believes that the VA medical foster home program can grow exponentially.
A Touching Tribute
Mike is always looking for new experiences for his residents to keep them active and happy. In the spring, he again hopes to take everyone to Washington, D.C. to explore the National Mall. He wants to show the veterans the war memorials and monuments, as well as the city's tributes to their service. By making the world a better place for our servicemen and women, however, Mike deserves a tribute of his own.
SEE ALSO: Lake Trust Member Highlight: Mike, A Silent Hero | Kicking Off The Season Of Giving