Lutheran Social Services of the Virgin Islands, in partnership with the Corporation for National and Community Service, recognized four veterans who reside at the LSSVI Housing Communities, as well as the AmeriCorps members who support them.
The Veterans Day event, held Friday at both the Flambouyant Gardens Community Center on St. Croix and Ebenezer Gardens on St. Thomas, recognized these dedicated individuals as members of National Veteran Corps, which is part of a larger effort to raise awareness of the value veterans bring to communities. The ceremony was one of nearly 200 recognition ceremonies featuring National Veteran Corps pin presentations taking place across the country throughout the month of November.
“Our commitment to veterans and their families is deep and it’s twofold: We serve them, and we ask them to serve with us," said Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. "National service gives our heroes a new mission on the home-front, a pathway to opportunity, and a better transition to civilian life.”
Nine Virgin Islands veterans and national service members were presented veteran’s pins or a members-serving-veterans pin by Junia John-Straker, CEO of Lutheran Social Services of the V.I.
AmeriCorps members serving with Project Reach Lutheran Social Services of the Virgin Islands assist seniors and adults with disabilities to maintain independent living. The members serve the residents of LSSVI’s Housing Management Division by checking on them twice a day, providing assistance with shopping and appointments, planning social activities, and companionship. The members provide additional assistance to frail tenants such as light housekeeping, meal preparation, and help with laundry.
Lutheran Social Services of the V. I., Inc. is the largest private social service agency in the Virgin Islands. It has five housing complexes for low income seniors and adults with disabilities; a safe haven for neglected, abused and severely disabled children; and two 24-hour residential care facilities for adults with disabilities unable to live independently. Early Head Start and AmeriCorps are also programs of LSSVI. Lutheran Social Services of the V. I., Inc. is an equal opportunity provider and employer.