At BrightStar Care, honoring veterans is a commitment lived out daily in the communities our franchisees serve. From hosting local events and supporting communities to providing a higher standard of quality care to veterans, BrightStar Care owners embody the spirit of service that defines both our brand and our nation’s heroes.

Building Community Through Care: Sini Ross’ Mission

For Sini Ross, owner of BrightStar Care of St. Croix Valley and Hudson, WI, Veterans Day represents a powerful reminder of why she chose this path. After years as a professional architect, Sini shifted her focus to designing systems of care that promote connection and dignity.

After opening her first BrightStar Care location in the St. Croix Valley in 2011 and making an impactful difference there, she realized the need for services on the other side of the St. Croix River in rural Wisconsin. Many communities lacked access to skilled care, and she wanted to fill that gap.

As a result, Sini and her team recently opened a new location in Hudson, Wisconsin. The office at this location was designed not just as a workplace but as an events space and training facility. It includes an open, inviting great room where the team hosts community events that foster education and companionship. One of the most meaningful of these is Veterans Coffee & Cookies, a monthly get-together starting on November 18th that welcomes local veterans. Click here to reach out to the Hudson office to learn more about this event and upcoming ones!

"We're incredibly happy to be here, and we're really here to support the community," Sini said. "If there are other ways that we can help, we're more than happy to entertain them."

Sini also launched a holiday giving tree that allows community members to sponsor gifts for veterans. Participants pick an ornament from the tree, purchase a small gift, and return it for distribution during the holiday season. These acts of kindness remind everyone that service and gratitude are ongoing, not limited to one day each year.

For Sini, home care is about building trust, belonging, and awareness. “Delivering care in the home should be self-evident, yet many people still think their only option is assisted living,” she explains. “We want to show that people can age gracefully where they are most comfortable, surrounded by the people and places they love.”

Through these initiatives, Sini has built a community that honors veterans, uplifts families, and helps her staff find fulfillment in their work.

James Muench: From the Navy Reserve to Home Care

James Muench, another BrightStar Care franchisee, shares that same dedication to serving veterans. Based in Fort Worth, Texas, James is a U.S. Navy Reserve Officer and a former Fortune 500 executive who transitioned from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship with purpose.

After helping care for his grandmother, James recognized both the challenges and opportunities in home healthcare, inspiring him to build a business focused on improving the quality of life for others. “There was a hunger to do more than just have a career, and we jumped at the idea of being able to bring care into the homes of those in need, while simultaneously creating jobs in the local community,” James shares.

Today, his BrightStar Care locations not only deliver exceptional home health services but also help veterans navigate the VA system to ensure they receive the benefits they’ve earned. His mission is to make compassionate, comprehensive care accessible to every veteran and family in his community.

Elizabeth Graham: A Background of Service

Elizabeth Graham, owner of BrightStar Care of Ponte Vedra and West Jacksonville, Florida, has built her franchise on the same foundation of service. Elizabeth served six years in the military as an Aviation Operator before transitioning into a career in finance.

Elizabeth’s journey to franchise ownership began after caring for her aunt, an experience that opened her eyes to the need for more compassionate home care. She now leads a growing BrightStar Care agency that reflects her values of service, dedication, and family. “Serving the veterans here is a huge reason I’m doing this,” Elizabeth says. “BrightStar Care is an ideal fit for this because they align so closely with my values.”

Honoring Service, Every Day

BrightStar Care franchisees are united by a simple belief: caring for others is one of the highest forms of service. On Veterans Day and throughout the year, we celebrate all who dedicate their time and talent to supporting veterans, families, and communities. Thank you to Sini, James, Elizabeth, and all our other franchisees, caregivers, and staff who dedicate themselves every day to supporting veterans in their community.

Discover how you can turn your passion for service into purpose-driven business ownership. Explore franchise opportunities with BrightStar Care and learn how to bring high-quality care to your community.

FAQs

Q: What is BrightStar Care?

A: BrightStar Care® is a national home health care and medical staffing franchise dedicated to providing skilled and non-medical care for individuals and families in their homes. Every location is independently owned and operated by franchisees who share a commitment to quality, compassion, and community service.

Q: How does BrightStar Care support veterans?

A: Many BrightStar Care franchisees host programs that honor and assist veterans, such as community gatherings, VA benefit navigation, and holiday initiatives. Some owners are veterans themselves and use their experience to provide support to fellow service members.

Q: What makes BrightStar Care different from other home health care franchises?

A: BrightStar Care stands out through our Joint Commission Accreditation, which represents the highest standard in healthcare quality. Franchisees benefit from multiple revenue streams, including skilled care, companion care, medical staffing, and over 180 national accounts.