Veterans Helping Veterans has opened a veteran help and assistance center at The Forge, a revitalized venue in Homestead, PA. Michael Lisovich, a 38-year Marine veteran is the founder of the non-profit Meadows Edge Safe Harbor, Veterans Helping Veterans provides a safe and welcoming space where veterans can reach out to and connect with other veterans 5 days a week. The doors will open at 8 AM Monday June 15th, at The Forge, 210 E 7th Avenue, Homestead, PA.
Each week day from 8 AM - 4 PM, any and all veterans will be welcome to connect with other veterans, have a cup of coffee and a light breakfast and lunch. Veterans Helping Veterans, Meadows Edge will rely on donations and fundraising to meet the needs of our veterans. Each week we will have activities. guest speakers and special events. A veteran can also find help navigating through the challenge of paperwork and resources that might seem overwhelming. We will help to make connections to counselors, employment services, veteran benefits, volunteer opportunities, and other veteran centric organizations. We will just be there for each other.
The venue is a newly revitalized 4000 sq ft event center and a tasting room for a local winery, Wines of America owned by Mr. Lisovich. We have upcycled and recycled using creativity to make the atmosphere reflect a welcome home. One feature is the Boulevard of Heroes, illuminated by upcycled gas street lights reflecting on a growing wall of photographs of veterans. Anyone attending VHV will be encouraged to add their military photo to our Boulevard of Heroes. The main room of the Forge is highlighted by a recycled pallet wall and more upcycled gas lights. A surprise is the stage featuring a baby-grand piano and a lounge area.
Veterans Helping Veterans, Meadows Edge is time and place to check in and re-calibrate. It is a place to bolster resilience, and a place where Veterans can help other Veterans. We are opening up our doors to remind veterans that they are not alone. Through conversation and connection a veteran can gather perspective, receive validation and feel valued. A listening ear, a warm cup of coffee or someone who has walked in their shoes will be waiting; a lifeline of hope for our Pittsburgh area veterans.
