Our Speaker, Maureen Adams, Director of Berrien County Veterans Services, was named “Michigan Veteran Service Provider” of the year in 2025. She won the award for making a difference by connecting veterans with healthcare, education, and other services.
Maureen described the VA as an organization with 3 components: the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), and the National Cemetery Administration (NCA). Maureen’s job as a “Veteran Service Officer (VSO)” helps veterans know all their federal, state, and local benefits and work with the VA.
Maureen knows that many veterans have been frustrated with their experience working with the VA. But in the last 10 years, things have changed, and she encourages veterans and their families to come and talk with them so they can get help if needed. Only 18% of eligible veterans in Michigan take advantage of VA benefits.
Posted: February 5, 2026 by kiwanisjay
Veterans Services
Our Speaker, Maureen Adams, Director of Berrien County Veterans Services, was named “Michigan Veteran Service Provider” of the year in 2025. She won the award for making a difference by connecting veterans with healthcare, education, and other services.
Maureen described the VA as an organization with 3 components: the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), and the National Cemetery Administration (NCA). Maureen’s job as a “Veteran Service Officer (VSO)” helps veterans know all their federal, state, and local benefits and work with the VA.
Maureen knows that many veterans have been frustrated with their experience working with the VA. But in the last 10 years, things have changed, and she encourages veterans and their families to come and talk with them so they can get help if needed. Only 18% of eligible veterans in Michigan take advantage of VA benefits.
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Kiwanis Club of St. Joseph Benton Harbor
What is Kiwanis? We are an eclectic mix of ages, genders, occupations, backgrounds, and interests. We are all passionate about making our community and the world a better place for children so they can thrive.
So proud of these outstanding young leaders!This weekend, 360 Michigan high school members from 32 schools gathered to celebrate a year of service, leadership, and impact through Key Club. Students participated in breakout sessions focused on leadership skills, club organization, hands-on service projects, and fundraising techniques.
Of the clubs sponsored by the St. Joseph/Benton Harbor Kiwanis Club, both St. Joseph and Lakeshore were proudly represented by 34 members, along with advisors Katie Woodard (LHS) and Lauri Berry (SJHS). We are so grateful for the ongoing support, direction, and enthusiasm of our Kiwanis partners — and our members truly appreciated seeing the Good Luck ads scrolling across the conference screens!
Student Key Club State Elected Positions – We Are So Proud!
* Sukainah Saleem (St. Joseph freshman)* – Elected 2026–27 Lieutenant Governor for Division 8
* Aminah Garcia (St. Joseph junior)* – Elected 2026–27 Michigan District Bulletin Editor
* Riya Veershetty (St. Joseph junior)* – Endorsed to run for International Trustee at ICON
We also want to recognize these outstanding student leaders for their year of district-level service:
* Samaira Suri (Lakeshore junior) – Division 8 Lieutenant Governor
* Joe Berry (St. Joseph senior) – District Treasurer
* Juhi Bhatt (St. Joseph senior) – District Secretary
Thank you for representing our schools with excellence!
Student Key Club Conference Awards:
1st Place – Partners in Service Award
• $200 raised through our UNICEF Trick-or-Treat campaign
• $400 raised for The Thirst Project through our Culver’s Give Back Night and bracelet sales
Outstanding Executive Board Member Award – Juhi Bhatt
3rd Place – Traditional Scrapbook
Early Bird Dues Award – Thanks to Riya Veershetty
2nd Place – Kiwanis Family Relations Award
We could not be more proud of the leadership, service, and heart our students demonstrate every single day. The future is bright! Go Bears! ... See MoreSee Less
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This week we heard from club member and Assistant Superintendent of SJ Schools Amy Dirlam. She shared how professional development of teachers is a critical part of SJ Schools strategic plan.
On this Valentine’s Day, we want to give heartfelt thanks 💗 to Amy and all of the area administrators, teachers and support staff who put in thousands of hours of work and study, year-round, to help our kids get an outstanding education. 📚🎭🔬💻🎼🧮 ... See MoreSee Less
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Our club was happy to hear from Aravind Ale, Co-owner and Chef for @intaliarestaurant opening in March! He made our mouths water describing the flavorful fusion foods from India and Italy that he will prepare. Aravind also shared his big heart for helping children and the community. Be sure to check out Intalia on Glenlord Rd in Stevensville! ... See MoreSee Less
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