by Rob F.
“Those who have served this nation as Veterans should never find themselves on the streets, living without care and without hope.” VA Secretary Eric Shinseki
I have always had a special place in my heart for Veterans. My father was a Veteran and it meant a lot to me that he served his country during the Korean War. While he did not see combat, his service in the Army was something of which I will always be proud. In addition, our son Noah was born on Veteran’s Day and each year we take a moment to celebrate the contributions of our Veterans in addition to celebrating his birthday.
Over time, my wife and I have tried to instill in our sons a sense of appreciation for Veterans and that we can never say thank you enough to these men and women. While out and about, and if we see a Veteran, it is not uncommon for us to go up to them and just say, “thank you for your service.” The appreciation is quite obvious in their face and handshake.
Parkway Center
Having recently joined the staff at Talbert House, I had the chance to see the organization’s new Parkway Center. This former hotel has been converted into a short-term living facility for homeless men, many of them Veterans. The facility provides shelter, meals, employment services, substance abuse services, and other human services to help residents transition back into their communities and find safe, affordable housing. The Parkway Center is bright, welcoming, and inviting. During our visit, the residents looked happy and content in their new home. A sense of pride was very much in the air and it was quite obvious that good things are happening.
Open House
On Friday, September 7, 2012, Talbert House will be hosting an open house for the Parkway Center from 2:00-4:00pm. All are welcome to visit the new facility (2880 Central Parkway; Cincinnati, OH 45225). Tours and refreshments will be provided.
We Are Here to Help
No human being should be homeless, especially the Veterans of our armed forces. I am very proud to work for an organization like Talbert House that is doing its part to ensure that Veterans and others are not without a home. If you know of a homeless or at-risk Veteran in the Cincinnati area, please have them contact 281-CARE (513-281-2273) or the Department of Veterans Affairs Hotline for Homeless and At-Risk Vets at 1-877-424-3838.
Written by Rob F. Rob is the Individual Giving Coordinator and began at Talbert House in August 2012. Rob and his wife Rachel reside in Wyoming and are the proud parents of Noah and Aaron. In his spare time, Rob collects law enforcement shoulder patches and volunteers for a number of community organizations. A proud Chicago native, he enjoys Cincinnati and all that it has to offer.
thanks rob for your post. as a recovering alcoholic i appreciate all the work talbert house does for the greater cincinnati area. this new facility is another area that talbert house covers. thank you talbert house. god bless all the people that serve and that are being served.
stuart h.
Thanks, Stuart! Congratulations and best wishes as you continue down the path of recovery. Thank you for your support of Talbert House.
I am very familiar with the Mt. Airy Center on Diehl Rd. in Mt. Airy Forest – I did not know it was moving to Central Pkwy.
That was a beautiful setting back there in the forest, and removed from the urban environment. I understand that it is outdated and in need of major renovation, but I am sorry to hear the facility is moving. It is a shame that it could not have been restored.
The new facility looks very nice, and it sounds as though the services provided have been expanded as well. I am glad that the Center is bright, welcoming, and inviting for all who are in need of its services.
Altogether, I am sure the move is for the best.
I am curious though, will the land on Diehl Rd. be used for anything in the future?
It has been my experience that nature can be a very healing and nurturing environment.
If Talbert House has not sold the property, perhaps it could still be utilized as a retreat area for day trips, outings, barbecues, and things of that nature.
Thanks to all the people of Talbert House for all their hard work and dedication. And a Special Thank You to All of our Veterans who deserve everyone’s respect and gratitude.
That is a great point, Austin. Thanks for commenting on this post. The new location is a big step from the forest area of Mt. Airy. However, the men will be able to access their much needed services more conveniently at the Central Parkway location. With a bus stop at the end of the driveway and close proximity to other services such as the VA and employment centers, clients will find the move to be much more efficient.
Thank you for your reply. I am sure there is no question that the new facility is much better. I remember the men having to take a van ride just to get to a bus stop. And from what I’ve heard, the facilty itself is a restored hotel and very beautiful inside. It is definitely nothing less than what these men deserve. I would love to see the place. I would also like to attend an outing for the men back in Mt. Airy Forest, not necessarily in the same location, the park offers a lot of different locations for picnicing, grilling, trail hiking, or just kicking back and taking in the serenity that nature has to offer.
Thank you again for all you do and best wishes to all the clients of Parkway Center.
Thank you for your kind words. Yes, the new facility on Central Parkway is a significant upgrade from our previous location. If you would like to further discuss a visit and outing, feel free to contact the site: 513.661.4620.