Veteran Resource and Enrichment Center Readies for First Holiday Season

(KNSI) – The new Veteran Resource and Enrichment Center is heading into its first holiday season in St. Cloud.

The center, located at Midtown Square (3400 1st St. North), is a place for veterans and their families to access services or just escape from the stresses of military life. Kerry Schwegel is the Executive Director of the Veteran Resource and Enrichment Center, or “Vrec” and explains why she does what she does and part of what the center is aiming to do.

“I think that as a 20-year force retiree with all the federal experience that I have, that I know that the veteran and family member needs somebody on their side, to give back to them in order to be able to help them deal with daily struggles a little bit better. Your well- being is really fundamental to your lifestyle and if we can get your well-being in check, we’re going to reduce alcohol, substance abuse, we’re going to help with that recovery. And we hope we’re going to eliminate a lot of suicide along the way.”

Schwegel says her office is always busy.

“Monday’s funday so we do craft day. Tuesday is our spiritual discussion at 1pm. Wednesday, we’re actually going to have game day and then this week we get to put up our Christmas tree. Thursdays, we have a little walker-size program. So we’re just walking in place. Eventually, we’ll walk the mall, just to get our bodies moving. And then also to keep our bodies moving on Thursday, we’re going to decorate the office a little bit.”

For more information on the Veteran Resource and Enrichment Center, or to volunteer, find them on Facebook, e-mail vrecmn@gmail.com or call 320-204-5660.

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KNSI News Reporter Jeff McMahon contributed to this report.

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