Ottawa County has officially begun to directly address the needs of its veteran population with the groundbreaking of its first facility exclusively dedicated to veterans services. The repurposing of the former Probate and Family Courts building marks a significant move towards providing more comprehensive resources and support for the area’s veterans. According to FOX 17, the facility aims to become a comfortable refuge where veterans “can come and just be with other veterans and feel free and at home,” as Army Veteran Donald Dykstra detailed.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Tuesday, was a symbol of not just progress but of recognition. Veterans, like Don Dykstra, have long awaited a place that is tailored to address their unique situations. “It means a lot because we came back and there was times that we got spat upon when we came back home,” Dykstra told WOODTV, reflecting on the often harsh treatment veterans received upon returning from service. The new veterans services building promises to significantly improve access and quality of care for the estimated 10,000 veterans within the county.
The new facility will house amenities such as counseling offices, a lounge, a technology center, and a kitchenette, as noted in information provided by the Holland Sentinel. Veterans Services Director Jason Schenkel sees this development as a step forward for the community’s health, stating, “It’s good for their physical health, it’s good for their mental health. It gives them purpose, especially when you’re talking about the senior community.”…