Frank Snarski, Director of the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans.
The Grand Rapids Home for Veterans was constructed in response to the needs of Michigan's veterans in the aftermath of the Civil War. National homes existed, but required traveling extensive distances to take advantage of their services. Efforts to gain approval for the construction of a National home in Michigan were unsuccessful, prompting the State of Michigan to construct their own. In 1885, the Home was constructed, the first official day of operation in the new facilities being January 1, 1886. Governance of the Home is the shared responsibility of the Board of Managers, comprised of members of veterans organizations appointed by the Governor, and the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Over the years, the Home has changed to keep pace with the ever changing landscape in the world of health care.