When veterans come together to share a meal, it’s more than dinner… It’s belonging, healing, and hope. 🇺🇸
That’s the mission behind Morgan’s Place, our latest Kindness Grant recipient in rural Tuscola County, Michigan. From May through October, this small but mighty nonprofit hosts free community dinners on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 PM, welcoming veterans, active military, and their families. It’s a space to connect, share stories, and find support through friendship and conversation.
Across the United States, twenty-three veterans a day lose their lives to suicide, a heartbreaking reminder of how isolation and disconnection can take their toll. Morgan’s Place is determined to change that in their own community. With help from a $1,000 Kindness Grant, they’re creating a welcoming space where veterans can gather, learn about mental health and wellness, and rediscover connection through shared experiences.
Each dinner features guest speakers and activities focused on mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and holistic wellness — from nutrition classes to storytelling sessions. The grant funds help cover food, supplies, and outreach costs for up to 100 participants each month, ensuring that every veteran who attends feels seen, supported, and cared for.
Beyond their monthly dinners, Morgan’s Place also offers free camping for veterans and their families throughout the year, extending their mission of rest, reconnection, and renewal beyond the dinner table.
For co-founder Carey Monroe, this mission is deeply personal. After losing a former student to suicide and witnessing her father-in-law’s decades-long struggle with PTSD, she saw firsthand how powerful a simple sense of community can be. “When my father-in-law interacted with other veterans, he was at ease and able to tell stories no one had ever heard”, Carey shared. Morgan’s Place wants to give that experience to others.
It’s this deeply human understanding, that healing happens in connection, that made Morgan’s Place stand out to our jury. Their initiative beautifully embodies two of our Foundation’s core focus areas: Pathways to Mental Health Resiliency and Building Thriving Communities.
By bringing veterans together around the table — and out into nature — Morgan’s Place is turning shared experiences into moments of healing, hope, and belonging. It’s a powerful reminder that kindness isn’t just an idea, it’s something we create together.
We’re honored to support Carey and her team as they continue to build what we know will become a lasting ripple of community care.
➡️ Learn more about Morgan’s Place at www.morgansplace.org
Photo Courtesy of Morgan’s Place