Partnership at forefront of Hines VA spring community event for Freedom’s Path families
On March 28 representatives from the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) District 7 office and Local 781, Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital’s employee union, hosted a spring community event for Veterans and their families living at Freedom's Path.
The inaugural event consisted of food, raffle prize drawings, an Easter egg hunt and pre-packaged goodie bags for the children. The event was possible due to the collaboration between AFGE District 7 Vice President Jason Anderson’s and Local 781 President Germaine Clarno.
Anderson contacted Clarno about partnership opportunities at Hines and was pleased to hear reciprocated enthusiasm for the event from her and Hines VA director James Doelling.
“It’s vital for us as the union to build partnerships with these agencies and show our members the different ways we can connect with Veterans,” said Anderson. “This event is important because it’s a way for us to enhance the culture of giving, and further the relationship we have with our local union partner such as the VA,”
For Clarno, the event was very special. “As Hines employees and union representatives, taking care of our Veterans and families is a special mission,” she said. “We wanted to do something special for the families at Freedom’s Path, especially the children.”
Doelling echoed Clarno’s sentiment.
“It is wonderful that we can collaborate and expand our partnerships to provide great events for formally unhoused Veterans and their families,” said Doelling.
Sandra Witt and her two children were one of the several families who attended the event. She said her children thoroughly enjoyed the Easter egg hunt, especially her son who gathered 15 plastic eggs filled with chocolate and other treats.
“We never miss out and always attend because my children have so much fun,” said Witt. “We really enjoy the events and feel really blessed to be here at Freedom’s path.”