The custodial and housekeeping staff in many institutions are often the unsung heroes, keeping our workplaces and public spaces clean and inviting. The importance of their efforts has been especially crucial during this time of coronavirus, helping to keep everyone safe and healthy. This week is Housekeeping Appreciation Week, and we would like to highlight a long time dedicated member of the National Home’s housekeeping and custodial staff, Kim Faggion. Kim has been a part of the National Home’s housekeeping staff for twenty six years. Her husband, Mark, worked at the home for many years in the maintenance department and when he learned of an opening in housekeeping, he was quick to let her know. Between the two of them, they have 53 years of dedicated service to the National Home! “The thing that I enjoy most about my job is when we go into a house after a family has moved out.” Says Kim. “The preparing of the home for the next family, thinking about how they will fill it with memories, and use it to get a fresh start in their lives is so rewarding”

The past few months have been stressful for Kim, as she worked tirelessly to clean and disinfect the National Home when many of her coworkers were on temporary furlough. To make matters worse, when the pandemic first reached the US, cleaning supplies were hard to come by.

“We were fortunate that we had a very generous donation of cleaning supplies and items like toilet paper and paper towel” says Kim. Kim lives in Eaton Rapids with her husband, Mark and their cat, Shadow. She enjoys gardening, church, spending time with her family and watching the wildlife in her yard. She grew up in Eaton Rapids, and many of her childhood friends were “VFW kids”. She remembers coming to the big carnival held at the National Home each summer on Michigan Day, riding rides and eating popcorn and ice cream. She also remembers, as a little girl, seeing wounded veterans returning home from Vietnam and being very upset by the images of war on the television screen. Working at the Home makes her feel like she is able to give back. “It’s amazing that this place is right here in my hometown.” Said Kim.

“I feel so blessed to have spent my time helping to make a difference in the lives of veterans.”