The VFW National Home for Children was founded in 1925 in Eaton Rapids, Michigan as a place where families left behind by war could remain together, keeping the family circle intact even when their serviceman didn’t come home.
Since its founding, the VFW National Home for Children has grown from an old frame farm house to a sprawling campus with playgrounds, park areas, and multiple buildings, including single-family homes, a community center and gymnasium, child care facility, guest lodge, chapel and administrative offices.
Over the years, the National Home has evolved to meet the changing needs of America’s military and veterans’ families. Through it all, one thing has remained constant: the National Home’s commitment to honor our nation’s veterans and active-duty military by providing help and hope for their children and families
Today’s military and veteran families face different challenges — reintegration, post-traumatic stress, high unemployment and rehabilitation from battlefield injuries, among others — and the National Home has evolved over our decades-long history to meet those changing needs.
In addition, we understand that the impacts of war can be generational. The National Home is here to help veteran connected families as well who are directly related to a VFW or Auxiliary member or are eligible to become one.
Resident families can accomplish significant life goals by participating in our program. We offer case management services to help families establish their plans for the future and set goals, education, recreational, and enrichment opportunities for parents and their children, as well as free housing and daycare. Community resources and counseling provided as needed.