Community Day at Tomah VA

The Comprehensive Health and Wellness program with the Wisconsin National Guard took part during its annual Community Day, held at Tomah VA on April 26.

Community Day was a great example of community collaboration with 20 Wisconsin National Guard soldiers and airmen passionately working alongside Tomah VA Roads and Grounds staff, VA Peer Specialists and other volunteers to revitalize and re-open the greenhouse and healing garden on the Tomah VA grounds for the Veterans, families, caregivers and survivors to enjoy.

Tomah VA Facility Support Supervisor Stephanie Jasinski spearheaded this collaboration to make the last stages of revitalizing the VA greenhouse and healing garden a reality.

Treating the whole body, mind and spirit

“Re-opening the greenhouse not only allows for growing our plants for the campus, it also has opened therapeutic opportunities for our Veterans. We really are treating the whole body, mind and spirit. This approach involves various forms of therapy and support to address physical, mental and emotional needs. Peer specialists, health care providers and Veterans alike will benefit from this space for years to come,” Jasinski said. 

After lunch, Tomah VA Center for Development and Civic Engagement, in collaboration with recreation and nursing staff, coordinated visits and activities between participants and inpatient Veterans. Activities included cycling, games, walks around campus and lots of story sharing. Tomah VA is looking forward to their next visit in August.

There are many great opportunities for your organization to assist in caring for Veterans or doing a service project at your nearest VA or national cemetery. If you or a group your are involved with is interested in volunteering, learn how you can give back to your area VA.