top of page
logo
Veterans Belong Grand Rapids logo with skyline and community.

About
Veterans Belong
Grand Rapids:
Connecting Communities

Veterans Belong GR was created from a simple belief:

Every veteran deserves to feel connected, valued, and welcomed in the community they helped protect.

For many veterans, the transition from military service to civilian life can bring unexpected challenges. The camaraderie, shared mission, and sense of purpose found during service can be difficult to replace. While veterans come from different backgrounds, experiences, and identities, they often share a common desire, to find meaningful connections and a place where they truly belong.

Veterans Belong GR exists to bridge that gap.

We bring together veterans of all eras, branches, cultures, identities, and experiences to build relationships, strengthen community, and celebrate the unique contributions veterans make to Grand Rapids. We recognize that veterans are not a single story. They include women veterans, veterans of color, LGBTQ+ veterans, disabled veterans, military families, and countless others whose experiences enrich our community.

Our Impact

Our work is guided by three core values:

Connection
Building bonds through shared service.

Service
Honoring our collective journeys and missions.

Belonging
Finding our place in our community.

 

Through events, partnerships, conversations, and community engagement, we create spaces where veterans can connect with one another, share their stories, access resources, and continue serving in meaningful ways.

 

Veterans Belong GR is more than a program, it's a growing community rooted in respect, inclusion, and the understanding that every veteran's story matters.

 

Because when veterans are connected, communities are stronger.

One Community. Many Stories. Stronger Together. US

Meet Our Founder

Sheona Joy is a community builder, advocate, and passionate champion for creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and connected. As the Founder of Veterans Belong GR, she is dedicated to strengthening connections among veterans throughout the Grand Rapids community while fostering a culture of belonging for all who have served.

Driven by a deep commitment to service, inclusion, and civic engagement, Sheona recognized that many veterans miss the sense of camaraderie, purpose, and connection that military service provides. Veterans Belong GR was born from the belief that every veteran deserves a place where they can build meaningful relationships and continue contributing to their community.

"Every veteran has a story. Every veteran deserves connection. Every veteran belongs." - Sheona Joy

bottom of page