The first Fisher House in Connecticut was dedicated today by Senator Richard Blumenthal, Senator Chris Murphy, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Ken Fisher, Chairman and CEO of Fisher House Foundation, and Gerald Culliton, Director of the VA Connecticut Healthcare System. This home will provide lodging for up to 16 families of veterans and military at no cost, allowing them to be close to their loved ones at the most stressful time – during their hospitalization at the West Haven campus.
The Fisher House will not only create an instant community for its residents, united by their common mission of supporting a sick or injured loved one, but also will provide each individual with a secure and private refuge after a long day at the hospital to rest and recharge.
The 16-suite, 13,500 sq.-ft.“comfort home” joins the other 75 Fisher Houses operating in the United States and Europe and was gifted to VA as part of today’s ceremony.Each bedroom suite comes equipped with a private, handicapped-accessible bathroom. Common areas include a spacious kitchen, large communal living, dining and family rooms, laundry room and patio.
Millions was raised for construction from the Connecticut community before the ground was broken last April. The fundraising efforts, mostly led by committed volunteers, rallied individuals, corporations, and service organizations across New England. Friends of Fisher House CT has been supported by events such as marathons, ball room dancing, golf tournaments, baseball games, not to mention donations from customers at ShopRite grocery stores across the state, and much more.
“The Connecticut community really stepped up to make this Fisher House a reality,” said Fisher. “Supporting our military, veterans and their families is a privilege, but we can’t do it alone. Their excitement and tireless efforts will continue to go a long way for those who call Fisher House their home.”
“We are honored to have the first Fisher House in the state of Connecticut,” said Culliton. “Our West Haven campus is the only full service inpatient VA facility in the state. The Fisher House will provide the families and caregivers of our veterans with a safe, comfortable, supportive environment while their veteran receives care.”
Construction of this Fisher House was supported by: Friends of Fisher House CT, Inc., 2017 Fisher House Golf Classic, Ann & Harry Garafalo & Garafalo Markets LLC, United Rentals, Fred Astaire Dance Studios of New England, the American Legion Family Connecticut, VFW Post 603 of Norwalk, Connecticut, ShopeRite/ Wakefern Food Corp., Disabled American Veterans – Department of Connecticut, Newman’s Own Foundation,Oshkosh Defense, SAP, United Technologies Corporation, an Anonymous Donor, Team Fisher House Fundraisers, and the many gifts of a grateful nation.
About Fisher House
Fisher House Foundation is best known for a network of comfort homes where military and veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment. These homes are located at major military and VA medical centers nationwide, and in Europe, close to the medical center or hospital it serves. Fisher Houses have up to 21 suites, with private bedrooms and baths. Families share a common kitchen, laundry facilities, a warm dining room and an inviting living room. Fisher House Foundation ensures that there is never a lodging fee. Since inception, the program has saved military and veterans’ families an estimated $400+ million in out of pocket costs for lodging and transportation.
Fisher House Foundation also operates the Hero Miles Program, using donated frequent flyer miles to bring family members to the bedside of injured service members as well as the Hotels for Heroes program using donated hotel points to allow family members to stay at hotels near medical centers without charge. The Foundation also manages a grant program that supports other military charities and scholarship funds for military children, spouses and children of fallen and disabled veterans.
www.fisherhouse.org
About the VA Connecticut Healthcare System
VA Connecticut Healthcare System serves veterans in Connecticut and southern New England. In 2017, the healthcare system provided care to more than 58,000 veterans at nine locations statewide. The healthcare system had more than 777,000 outpatient visits and 49,000 bed days of care. More than 20,000 veterans currently registered at VA Connecticut served in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
HI RES EVENT PHOTOS AVAILABLE FROMAESTILL@FISHERHOUSE.ORG.
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