Morristown Rotary Applauds Partnership to Create 'The Healing Gardens for Veterans' in Morris County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Morristown Rotary Applauds Partnership to Create 'The Healing Gardens for Veterans' in Morris County

Morristown, NJ – October 3, 2025

Veterans in New Jersey and Morris County face an ongoing crisis with alarmingly high rates of substance abuse, homelessness, mental health struggles, suicides, and denied claims. Despite these challenges, Veterans remain an immense source of leadership for our communities and nation, and deserve the utmost respect and support. A major hurdle is the general public's lack of awareness of the unique hardships faced by those who have served

The Morristown Rotary Club today announced its enthusiastic support and congratulations for a new partnership between the non-profit Veterans Valor and the Morris County Park Commission (MCPC). This collaboration will lead to the creation of "The Healing Gardens for Veterans" in Morris County.

The official signing of the enabling agreement occurred earlier today at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum, formalizing the commitment to develop the gardens step-by-step.

This initiative aims to provide a dedicated, therapeutic space for veterans to find peace, engage in healing activities, and connect with nature.

The event was attended by a host of distinguished guests, underscoring the community-wide commitment to supporting veterans.

Attendees at this historic event included Dave Helmer, Executive Director of The Morris County Park Commission and his team, New Jersey State Senator Tony Bucco, Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, Morris County Commissioners Cabana and Shaw, Mayor Donna Guariglia of Morris Township and her Township council-members, Dr. Anthony Iacono, President of Community College of Morris, Martha Garcia, Director of Veterans services at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Patty Clew CEO of Morris Arts, US Navy Captain Robert Hughes (board member of Veterans Valor), US Army National Guard Major Aaron Oliver, Vietnam veteran and artist Peter Danchise, Commander Jim Koons of the American Legion Post 59 and many of his fellow American Legion leaders, Tom Miller, Marine and Commander of VFW post 155 and colleagues, Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi, Chief Warrant Officer Jack Ambrose of Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Bob Law, District Governor of District 7475 of the Rotary International Club, Marine and US Army veteran Liz Meyers, and many others.

"The Morristown Rotary is incredibly proud to congratulate and support the birth of this partnership," said William Draper and Charlie Iuliano, Morristown Rotarians and Directors of the new non-profit Veterans Valor.

"The creation of The Healing Gardens for Veterans is a profound way to honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans by providing them with a restorative sanctuary. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this space will have on their well-being."

Veterans Valor and the Morris County Park Commission will now begin the phased development of the gardens, guided by the newly signed agreement.

Veterans Valor is a non-profit organization focused on supporting and empowering veterans and their families, particularly in the Morris County, New Jersey area.

Its mission is centered on:

• Fostering Healing and Awareness: Raising public awareness, support, and engagement for veterans to help facilitate their healing journey.

• Restoration: Honoring those gwho have served by transforming the emotional wounds of war into spaces of healing through nature, art, and human connection.

• Community: Bringing veterans and civilians together to restore body, mind, and spirit—turning isolation into community and pain into purpose.

Their key initiative is the creation of "The Healing Gardens for Veterans" in partnership with the Morris County Park Commission, which will serve as a dedicated sanctuary for veteran reflection, resilience, and renewal.

Over time, Veterans Valor will see the creation of seven unique gardens, each designed to tell the story of soldiers and sailors from the Point of Sacrifice to New Life, celebrating the journey of healing and reintegration for Veterans and their families.

The Morristown Rotary is noted as being integral to this collaborative effort.

About Morristown Rotary:

The Morristown Rotary Club is a service organization dedicated to making a positive impact both locally and globally. Rotary members are neighbors, friends, and leaders who unite for good to create lasting change in our community and around the world.

About the Morris County Park Commission (MCPC):

The Morris County Park Commission is one of the largest county park systems in New Jersey, providing year-round recreational, educational, and cultural opportunities for Morris County residents and visitors.

Contact:

Director; Will Draper; will.rotary.veteransvalor@gmail.com

Director; Charlie Iuliano ; charlie.veteransvalor@gmail.com

Web site:

https://veteransvalorofnj.org/