A home away from home for families of veterans being cared for at Lexington's two VA medical facilities is about to open. A ceremony and ribbon cutting took place Friday morning at the Leestown Road campus. Patrick Crowley is the acting manager of the house which can serve up to 16 families.
“Sometimes we’re not convinced that outsiders always understand the sacrifices that family members, not just veterans have done. And this gives them the opportunity to lean on each other. I call it a sanctuary,” said Crowley.
The first guests at the finely furnished Fisher House are expected in early April.
While the average stay is about a week, Crowley remembers a six-month visit in Maine by the daughter of a vet in hospice care.
“She could come over here and get rest, lay her head down, do her laundry, grab a bite to eat, and then get over there back with her dad where she belonged, feeling refreshed, and strong for her day. Not weary,” said Crowley.
Kentucky is home to two Fisher Houses, built through fundraising efforts. The other house is at Fort Campbell.
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