Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union Grove

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Union Grove, WI
Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union Grove

Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union Grove is a skilled care nursing home for veterans and their eligible

04/16/2026

🌟 Celebrating the ‘Helping Hands’ of Our Volunteers 🌟

Ahead of National Volunteer Week (April 19–25), the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union Grove honored the incredible “helping hands” of its volunteers with a celebratory brunch themed “Your Helping Hands.” 💙

On behalf of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), Deputy Secretary Chris McElgunn thanked volunteers for their service and compassion in supporting the Home’s members—especially for “reminding the veterans that they are not forgotten.”

The Deputy Secretary helped present volunteer service awards, highlighting the efforts of four individuals who have contributed 200 or more hours over their years of service to the Union Grove Home:

👏 Jack Amborn (1,500 hours)
👏 Allan Sommer (750 hours)
👏 Mary-Ellen Crandall (500 hours)
👏 Scott Polzin (200 hours)

Dana, the Union Grove Home’s Activity Director and Volunteer Coordinator, shared that in the past year, the number of volunteers at the Home has doubled (now more than 65), while the total hours contributed have tripled.

Dana thanked the volunteers for working closely with the Home’s Activity Staff, noting that their “142 helping hands” have made it possible for members to enjoy a wide variety of activities—from woodworking to bingo, and from ice cream socials to outings in the community.

💙 Thank you to all of our volunteers for the time, care, and joy you bring to our members each and every day!

If you are interested in volunteering opportunities at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union Grove, contact VolunteerServicesUG@dva.wi.gov.

04/10/2026

🎯 Whack-a-Mole… Union Grove Style! 🎯

Who says you need an arcade to have some fun? Recently, members at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union Grove put a creative spin on a classic game—playing “whack-a-mole” using pool noodles instead of hammers!

With plenty of laughter and friendly competition, members took turns tapping the “moles” as they popped up, showing off their quick reflexes and great sense of humor. The lightweight pool noodles made the game safe, accessible, and just as entertaining—if not more! 😄

Activities like this aren’t just fun—they help promote movement, coordination, and social connection, all while creating moments of joy that bring everyone together.
👏 A big thank you to Activity Therapy staff who continue to find imaginative ways to keep members engaged, active, and smiling!

04/05/2026

Happy Easter to you from all of us at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union Grove!

04/01/2026

⭐🌼We are proud to shine a light on our colleague, Ola Cobbins, one of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs’ "Employees of the Quarter" for the beginning of 2026. She was recognized for her exceptional care and service as a Nurse Assistant (NA2) at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union Grove.

Ola has been a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) on staff at the Union Grove Veterans Home since 2007. Ola is being praised for her consistent, ongoing willingness to help and receives compliments from families and members, especially from her co-workers.

According to Theresa Erol, her direct supervisor, "Ola is always willing to help - I know the members are well taken care of when Ola is on the case!". Union Grove colleague and Nurse Clinician (NC3) Marcy Matta calls Ola "One in a million."
We agree with Commandant Lauren Beaumont, who calls Ola “a staple of the Union Grove staff and deserves recognition for what she does daily.”

Please join us in recognizing Ola for her commitment to caring for our members at Union Grove!

03/31/2026

🐾 Meet PJ – A Very Special Visitor to Our Home! 🐾

The Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union Grove recently welcomed a new four-legged friend—PJ, a gentle and lovable therapy dog, for his very first visit with members!

PJ is a two-and-a-half-year-old Leonberger who, despite being blind due to a series of illnesses, is a fully trained therapy dog. His name, short for Pararescue Jumper, carries a meaningful tribute to service and sacrifice.

Accompanied by his owners, Mark and Julie Bulanow of Sturtevant, PJ spent time connecting with members; sharing plenty of affection (including a few sweet kisses! 🐶💛) and bringing smiles all around.

Mark and Julie shared that they “hold a special place for Veterans.” Inspired by their late son Zach, who passed away before he was able to enter the military, they reached out to find a way to give back. Through PJ, they have found a way to make a difference.

Following this special first visit in March, PJ plans to return monthly to spend time with members—and we cannot wait to welcome him back!
Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs

03/30/2026

As we close out March and , we'd like to say thank you to everyone for their support and kind words for our social worker team here at the Home in Union Grove!

If you see them in our Home on your next visit, please say hello!

03/25/2026

Members, staff, and volunteers at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union Grove Boland Hall welcomed Nick Wiersum, Curator of Natural History Education at the Kenosha Dinosaur Discovery Museum, for an engaging presentation on “The Life of a Paleontologist.” (*pictured below in the black shirt)

Nick brought the ancient world to life with insights into dinosaur species and the materials paleontologists uncover during archaeological digs. Attendees even had the chance to see and learn about real samples from the museum’s collection—including body fossils like dinosaur bones and stegosaurus skin, as well as trace fossils (like dinosaur p**p! 🦖).

After sharing stories from his expeditions, Nick fielded thoughtful questions from members which sparked a lively discussion about life at a dig site. Nick noted that paleontologists must often hike long distances to remote locations, share tents with their team, and work outdoors for extended periods—requiring resilience, teamwork, and dedication. One member even noted that this was much like infantry soldiers.

Thank you to Nick for an unforgettable journey back in time!

03/20/2026

Looking for a great opportunity? We are hiring! Our Wisconsin Veterans Home in Union Grove (WVHUG) is seeking a Registered Dietitian to provide nutrition services for our members. For the full job description, benefits, and how to apply, please visit www.wisc.jobs and type 'veteran' in the search bar.

Join our skilled care team at our Home, a 24/7/365 skilled nursing and long-term care facility that specializes in providing comfort, support, and professional healthcare services to elderly or disabled veterans and their spouses. Apply today!

03/17/2026

Happy St. Patrick's Day from all of us at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union Grove! 🍀

03/16/2026

Continuing with , we are highlighting our colleague, Doris Stempihar, who is the newest social worker to join us at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union Grove. She currently works with the members on the first floor of Boland Hall and their families.

Doris’s veteran connections are strong, as her husband served in the Marines, and she feels that she was called to work in our veterans' home for a reason. One thing she looks forward to is getting to know each member. “I am excited to hear everyone's life story. I look forward to the knowledge and wisdom they have to share with me. I am very happy to be here,” she says.

Originally from a small town in upper Michigan, Doris, her husband, and their two children and three cats now reside in the Milwaukee area. When not working, Doris enjoys reading, watching her son play hockey, and spending time with her family, pets, and friends.

Please join us in expressing our appreciation to her for helping our Veterans Home in Union Grove provide a compassionate environment for our members!

03/10/2026

As part of , we'd like you to meet our colleague McKenzie Rosenquist! She is a social worker at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union Grove and works with the members on the second floor of Boland Hall and their families.

McKenzie, a graduate of UW-Milwaukee, began at our Home in 2023 after working eight years as a social worker for Milwaukee County. McKenzie admits that transitioning to work at the Home was a big learning curve. She says, “It has challenged me in the best ways. I enjoy coming to work every day and serving our Veterans and their families. It’s been a very rewarding experience.”

McKenzie and her husband live in Union Grove and are expecting their first child. When not at work, she enjoys being with family and friends, traveling, being outside, shopping, doing yoga, and walking with her dog.

“I look forward to the continued growth at the Union Grove Home and am proud of the great work that we do here every day!,” says McKenzie.

Thank you for your work and for helping make our Home a compassionate home for our members!

03/08/2026

🙏💙 We’re pleased to introduce Pastor James Droste, a volunteer chaplain at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union Grove. 🙏💙

Leader of the congregation at the Yorkville United Methodist Church since 2024, Pastor Jim has been volunteering at the Union Grove Home for over a year and half — and recently celebrated Ash Wednesday at the home. ✝️

In addition to leading services and providing pastoral support to members and their families, Pastor Jim is a very active volunteer at the home. For example, he has served as substitute accompanist for the Home’s choir, including at the choir’s recent holiday concert. 🎹

We are grateful for Pastor Jim’s dedication and the compassion he brings to our members and their families each day.

To learn more about Pastor Jim and his work in the community, please visit https://www.yumc.org/pastors-page/

Address

21425 Spring Street
Union Grove, WI
53182

Telephone

+12628786700

Website

https://dva.wi.gov/Pages/veteransHomes/VeteransHomeUG.aspx

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