Fwd: Fw: Volunteer Opportunity – Rooftop Garden Support for Veterans at Detroit VA Hospital

From: Majer, Andria L. <andria.majer@va.gov>

To: Majer, Andria L. <andria.majer@va.gov>

Cc: 

Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 01:16:33 PM EDT

Subject: Volunteer Opportunity – Rooftop Garden Support for Veterans

Good afternoon,

My name is Annie, and I work in the CDCE/Voluntary Service Department at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center. I am reaching out regarding a meaningful volunteer opportunity that directly impacts the quality of life for our veterans.

We have a rooftop garden available exclusively for veterans residing in our Community Living Center (CLC) on our 6^th floor, as well as veterans on our 5th floor receiving hospice care, palliative care, short stay recovery, and rehabilitation services. The rooftop garden provides veterans with a wonderful opportunity to enjoy fresh air, sunshine, social interaction, and a peaceful outdoor environment during the summer months.

Unfortunately, in order for veterans to safely access the rooftop garden, there must be two individuals present with the veterans at all times. Due to staffing limitations, we are not always able to provide enough staff coverage, which means veterans are sometimes unable to enjoy this special space.

We are currently seeking volunteers who may be interested in assisting with the rooftop garden program and that can commit to the following days and times:

• Mondays from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Wednesdays from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

This opportunity would begin Monday, June 1st and continue through the summer season, weather permitting.

Volunteer responsibilities would include:

- Assisting veterans on and off the wheelchair lift
- Transporting veterans safely from their rooms to the rooftop garden and back
- Taking attendance and supervising veterans while on the rooftop
- Assisting veterans with maneuvering wheelchairs as needed
- Socializing and engaging with veterans during their time outdoors
- Using the phone system to communicate with CLC nursing staff as needed
- Ensuring the overall safety and well-being of the veterans while on the rooftop

This truly is such a rewarding opportunity, and it means so much to our veterans to simply be able to get outside and enjoy the fresh air during the summer months. The summer season is short here in Michigan, and we would love to help our veterans enjoy it as much as possible.

Thank you so much for your consideration and continued support of our veterans. If anyone has questions or would like additional information or clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

Have a wonderful day.

 

 

Annie Majer

Voluntary Service Specialist

VA Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE)

Detroit VA Health Care System 

4646 John R - Room A1015 

Detroit, Michigan 48201

Cell Phone (313) 681-2850

Office Phone (313) 576-1080

Andria.Majer@va.gov