Community on Key

Do you have a go-to karaoke song? Well across our sites, that question has become a frequent point of debate. Whether it's country, classic rock, R&B, or the latest Top 40 hit, singing with peers has become a popular activity among the veterans we serve — strengthening community bonds, memories, and voices!

"I think in another life, I was a singer," beams Reggie Smith, U.S. Marine veteran. He prefers R&B love songs from the 80's and 90's. When asked if he sings other places, he could only recall one - karaoke nights with family. As he starts to sing, other veterans and staff bop about - grabbing pizza, checking in on one another - it's a living room function.

Reggie is definitely a family man. He was dedicated to his mother, who he financially supported until she passed away in 2023. "I lost it after losing her."

Reggie spiraled into homeless, living on the streets of the city until he connected with Swords. He moved into the Jon W. Paulson Veterans Community in 2024 - and he doesn't want to budge. With no more family to help, he finds that his new home community reminds him of memories with his blood relatives. He acknowledges the value of community: "If we didn't have social activities [like karaoke], we'd be pretty isolated."

Karaoke doesn't just bring a party to the apartments; it brings connection. As Ella Fitzgerald once said, "Music is the universal language... It brings people closer together."

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