Friend's War Injury Inspires Woman To Create Home For Vets

Friend's War Injury Inspires NJ Woman To Create Home For Wounded Vets

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T.J. and Kristin Perelli went to school in Scranton together. He went into the army, Perelli became an occupational therapist. T.J. and Kristin Perelli went to school in Scranton together. He went into the army, Perelli became an occupational therapist.
HAMILTON SQUARE, N.J. -

There's a new house in Hamilton Square, New Jersey that's aiming to make the transition for veterans returning home a little easier.

Kristin Perelli started the Thomas Jerome House to give veterans who are recovering from brain injuries a place to call home and receive their at-home medical care.

The organization goes back a few years, when Perelli says she met a friend in college.

T.J. and Perelli went to school in Scranton together. He went into the army, Perelli became an occupational therapist.

Their paths would not cross again for years until T.J. came home badly injured from the war in Iraq.

He was taken to Bethesda, Maryland for treatment for a traumatic brain injury.

It happened to be where Perelli was working.

The experience inspired Perelli to create the Thomas Jerome House, named after her friend T.J.

Now, four to five veterans recovering from brain injuries will have a place to call home.

Perelli says the furniture inside of the home was donated by friends and neighbors and a local company offered to make it wheelchair accessible.

The welcome mat is out and soon this home will open its doors to a more peaceful place.

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