GANADO, AZ – The community of Ganado, AZ, celebrated a historic milestone with the grand opening of the new Ganado Senior and Veterans Center. This momentous event, attended by the 25th Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley and Council Delegate Vince James, signified a significant achievement in providing dedicated resources and support for the elderly and veterans in the region.
“The opening of the Ganado Senior and Veterans Center is a landmark event for our community,” said Delegate James. “This center represents years of dedication and hard work by many individuals and organizations. It stands as a beacon of support and care for our elders and veterans, ensuring they have access to the resources they deserve.”
The new facility, a testament to the unwavering efforts of Navajo Nation leadership over many years, offers a variety of behavioral health programs designed to benefit the community. These programs include therapeutic activities such as therapy sessions and arts and crafts, providing a space for the elderly and veterans to express themselves and build connections with one another.
The opening ceremony began with prayers and songs within the newly constructed center. Elders gathered around smoldering wood and cedar, filling the building with a fragrant smoke that blessed every corner of the space.
Lawrence Lano, a respected community member and veteran, blessed several flags donated by dignitaries, expressing profound gratitude for the community’s collective efforts and the generous donation of land that made the center’s construction possible.
The ceremony concluded with a cleansing rain that symbolically set a harmonious tone for the future of the center. The event underscored the successful collaboration that brought the project to fruition ahead of schedule, despite some equipment delays.
The Ganado Senior and Veterans Center will host various scheduled activities and programs for seniors, welcome veterans and seniors from the surrounding community, and provide essential counseling and outreach services through the VA. The center’s design and purpose reflect the community’s commitment to honoring and supporting the elderly and veterans.
The leadership and support from numerous dignitaries, including the 25th Navajo Nation Council, Apache County Supervisor Alton Joe Shepherd, former Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez, and many dedicated community members, were crucial in realizing the project. Their contributions and the ongoing support from various stakeholders highlighted the community’s dedication to enhancing the well-being of its seniors and veterans.