Hero’s Cafe in Lynnwood welcomes visits from veterans

By Nicole Strachila

Marketing and Communications Specialist

Homage Senior Services

Being a veteran is a distinct honor and experience, but it can have its challenges. Christopher Szarek, dir- ector of the Veteran’s Resource Center at Edmonds Community College and a veteran himself, will be among the first to say the transition from military life to civilian life isn’t always easy.

“Veterans go from a career, from a place where they socialize with the people they work with every day and identify with, to going outside where you can lose yourself in a bunch of people you don’t know,” Szarek said. “Many veterans don’t feel connected or know how to meet people.”

In Snohomish County, veterans now have a space where they can come together — Hero’s Cafe, which opened in January. Once a month, veterans are welcome at Verdant Community Wellness Center in Lynnwood, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., for complimentary lunch, coffee and snacks.

There is an occasional guest speaker, but for the most part, Hero’s Cafe has become a meeting ground where veterans of every branch, service and generation socialize, swap stories and reconnect.

“While there are many veteran groups all over the county they often become siloed,” said Szarek, who is a member of the Hero’s Cafe planning committee. “This is the first place where all of these groups can be under the same roof at the same time.”

Hero’s Cafe also provides information and assistance to veterans. There are typically two to three partner agencies with booths, and the Veterans Administration is always present to address questions veterans may have.

The next two Hero’s Cafes will be Oct. 24 and Nov. 28 at Verdant Community Wellness Center, 4710 196th St. SW, Lynnwood. There are no requirements, membership fees or expectations. Veterans can come and go as they please.

“It is a great opportunity to meet veterans who may have served around the same time as you did and who’ve had common experiences. You will find a very welcoming atmosphere and will leave feeling energized,” Szarek shared.

The Verdant Health Commission, the city of Lynnwood, and the Hero’s Cafe Planning Committee all have helped make this community program possible.

For additional dates, times and details, go to: www.verdanthealth.org/events/.