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Tuesday afternoon right after a fresh rain, I pulled into the “Soldier On” complex in Lenox,
Massachusetts. I had heard about this unique program for homeless veterans—and Jack
Downing, the man behind the dream—so I was thrilled that I could coordinate travel to the
area. Jack was unfortunately out of town, so I met the Sr. VP, Mike Hagmaier, who clearly
loves his job—more of a mission, really. He walked me through the main facility first,
explaining how the residents participate in a “peer to peer” leadership system, instead
of the old-fashioned housing model of employing an outside “professional” staff to tell them
what to do. It is entirely self-sufficient, right down to how medications are managed.
While they have professional support to provide guidance, Mike says this system
“allows
the veterans to have ownership and empowerment to be more invested in their community
and their own outcomes. The knowledge gained by the veterans through this process allows
them to succeed whetherthey move into Soldier On housing or community housing.”
We walked across the parking lot, where we toured a picturesque New England “village”
of 39 units, with 39 well-deserving tenants. I met two Mikes, Bill, Sam, and Joe, who is
not only their number one general contractor on the “peer to peer” staff, but has great
taste furnishing his condo! Each of the units is carefully maintained and landscaped with
flowers by these veterans. They are so proud of their own neighborhood. And lastly, I met
John, a 93-year-old World War II veteran who recently lost his sweetheart of 60-plus years.
His rose bushes were especially stunning. It was a treat to spend some time with this
war hero, who spent nearly four years in the Pacific, including Guadalcanal.
At Soldier On, I saw happy, productive veterans who are part of a holistic program involving
employment preparation and placement, educational guidance, and service opportunities
in the surrounding community (these veterans run a food bank that serves families in
the area, in just one example). Thank you to Jack and Mike for making sure that our great
Americans who have served our country are not only appreciated, but are given the
chance to continue to make a difference in their communities.
—Sharlene |
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