Jennifer Koget, National Program Manager for the VA Fisher House and Family Hospitality Program

Story by Michelle Baldanza

The original Fisher Houses were built to support active duty service members and their families, but the need for care continues long after military service. In 1994, the first Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) house opened in Albany, New York and, by 2010, there were 44 VA houses with four more under construction for veterans and their families. With the growth of the program, the VA determined that it needed someone to directly oversee VA’s Fisher House program to ensure continuity of care for veterans and their families.

That’s when VA created a dedicated position to support the development of VA Fisher Houses and the families who will use them. Jennifer Koget found her calling as the Program Manager for the Fisher House & Family Hospitality Program. In the 10 years since, the VA Fisher House program has grown to 46 houses and, for the first time in the Foundation’s history, the number of VA houses outnumbers the Department of Defense houses.

Jennifer has been instrumental to this growth over the decade, working with individual medical centers, local communities, and state and federal offices on behalf of the VA to bring Fisher Houses to veterans and their families.

When she was first stepping into the role, the VA clinical social worker saw the position of National Program Manager as an opportunity to address an unmet need. She knew first-hand the challenges caregivers face, having been a primary caregiver for a chronically ill family member. She had slept in hospital rooms and ICU waiting rooms so that she could be near her own ill loved one.

“I remember how difficult that situation was and think now how a resource like Fisher House would have made such a difference to me,” said Jennifer. “I empathize with the need for a place to rest and recharge and I’m privileged to be the link between VA and Fisher House Foundation that makes that possible for our veterans and their families.”

Jennifer has faced some interesting challenges. “Building a Fisher House on a VA campus is unlike any other construction project we have,” she said.

Each medical center has its own requirements and community needs. Jennifer’s job is critical to the public-private partnership. She believes flexibility and adaptability of the Foundation and contractors have been important to successful construction.

She cited the Charleston Fisher House as an example of how everyone must work together. The collaboration between the local community, local, state, and federal government, the National Historic Preservation office, and Fisher House Foundation allowed the house to be built near the hospital — in the middle of a national historic district. “It was a huge accomplishment and a testament to the level of dedication of all parties involved.” said Jennifer.

“Veterans tell me that Fisher House was the reason they were able to receive VA care,” said Jennifer. “That’s really the fuel that moves me forward as I deal with really complicated projects.”

“Every time a veteran’s family talks about how Fisher House has provided the support they need, it’s a real joy to me,” she said.