SPOKANE — Two organizations dedicated to serving local veterans and their families have found a permanent home after years.
The Washington State Fallen Heroes Project and Veterans Community Response now share a facility in Spokane, marking a significant milestone for both groups that have been helping the community without a dedicated space to call their own. This week, Mark Peterson and the 4 News Now Extreme worked to change that by creating an office space, repairing walls, and creating a gathering space.
Keirsten Lyons, director of the Washington State Fallen Heroes Project, said the new space represents more than just an office.
“Not just a place to come and work but a really efficient and beautiful place to work and invite our families to is just amazing,” Lyons said.
The Washington State Fallen Heroes Project serves veterans and Gold Star families.
Next door, Veterans Community Response focuses on helping men and women readjust to civilian life after combat. The organization addresses the isolation many veterans face when they return home.
“They don’t have that team anymore, they tend to isolate, they tend to drink too much, and we try bring them in to our team and the different events that we do,” said Vern Vanderhoef of Veterans Community Response.
The organization provides retreats and opportunities for veterans to help other veterans, creating a support network for those transitioning back to normal life after combat.
Both organizations say their side-by-side location creates new opportunities to serve the Inland Northwest veteran community more effectively than ever before.
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