When Shawna first arrived at the VFW National Home, her family was exhausted. Like so many military and veteran families, they had weathered years of hardship, grief, and financial strain while doing everything they could to stay afloat. What they found here was more than housing — they found stability, community, and the chance to begin again.
Today, Shawna is raising four energetic boys, pursuing a college degree, and continuing her work in regenerative agriculture through her project, Bee Kind Always. Her mission centers on native Michigan flowers, pollinator habitats, and community outreach — all rooted in the belief that when we nurture something at its foundation, growth naturally follows.
That same philosophy now describes the impact supporters make every day at the VFW National Home.
A Place to Finally Exhale
Shawna’s husband served proudly in Operation Enduring Freedom, and together they have spent 17 years building a life and raising their family. But after the heartbreaking loss of one of their sons, the family needed space to heal. They moved to Florida hoping for a fresh start, only to face rising living costs and increasing financial pressure that slowly turned survival into a daily uphill battle.
Then they found the VFW National Home.
“Finding the VFW National Home felt like finding solid ground again after years of trying to tread water,” Shawna shared.
Instead of judgment, the family was met with compassion and understanding from people who truly understand the sacrifices and challenges military families face. The Home provided breathing room financially, emotionally, and spiritually — allowing the family to stop simply surviving and begin rebuilding their lives.
The Impact Goes Far Beyond Housing
For families like Shawana’s, support at the National Home reaches every corner of daily life.
Through counseling resources, educational opportunities, after-school programs, music lessons, community events, and mentorship, Shawna says her children have found confidence, safety, and belonging.
One especially meaningful moment for their family came when their son, Lachlan, was chosen to represent the Home as Buddy Poppy. Watching him grow into a role centered on honoring veterans filled Shawna with pride.
“The Home did not just support our children,” she said. “It helped shape them.”
Healing Happens in Everyday Moments
As Shawna continues balancing motherhood, farming, and college coursework, she often reflects on what healing really looks like.
Sometimes healing is not a grand moment.
Sometimes it is children laughing freely again.
Sometimes it is community dinners and late-night homework at the kitchen table.
Sometimes it is finally being able to breathe after years of holding your breath.
For the this family, the VFW National Home became the steady ground where healing could quietly take root.
Because of You, Families Can Dream Forward Again
Shawna’s story is a powerful reminder that generosity changes lives in ways donors may never fully see.
Every donation.
Every volunteer hour.
Every person who believes in this mission.
Each act becomes part of a larger story of healing and hope for military and veteran families.
“Because of the VFW National Home, my family found steady ground again,” Shawna said. “We found community. We found hope. We found the space to heal, grow, and dream forward instead of simply surviving day to day.”
And just like the flowers Shawna works so hard to grow, families flourish when they are given the care, support, and stability they need at the roots.
Because of supporters like you, families like this are blooming again
Partner With Our Mission
To partner with our mission to support families like Shawna’s, click here: Donate – VFW National Home
