This Women Veterans Day, Get the Support You Deserve With These Resources for Life After Service
Leaving the military can be tough—these programs help make the transition easier for women vets
After many years of being a small minority, the number of women in the military is continuing to grow across branches. This makes it more crucial than ever that women veterans have the tools they need when it’s time to return to civilian life.
Learning to ask for what you need is a great place to start—and can ensure you don’t go it alone.
“One of the most important things a woman veteran can do when seeking support is to reach out,” says U.S. Navy veteran Lori Noonan, chief growth officer for Veterans Bridge Home. “You’ve served your country with strength and determination; you deserve the same strength and determination from the community around you. Whether it’s help finding a job, accessing healthcare, or simply needing someone to talk to, there are organizations and people ready to help—you just need to take that first step.”
With Women Veterans Day, a.k.a. Women Veterans Recognition Day, coming up this year on June 12, we wanted to take a moment to honor our servicewomen by getting them the support they deserve. Keep reading to learn more about some of the resources that are available for women veterans.
Health
The time you’ve served for your country can certainly leave a lasting impact on your overall well being. One of the most common aspects that can take a hit is mental health. Luckily, plenty of help is available for women veterans—the key is finding what therapeutic methods work best for you.
“While some may benefit from social connectedness in a group setting, others might thrive in individual therapy,” says clinical psychologist Amber Hill, PhD. “Different strategies may resonate differently, so it may be critical to explore different ways to express and process your experiences in a supportive environment.”
She also recommends prioritizing self-care as much as possible.
“Engaging in activities you love, practicing mindfulness, or simply taking moments to relax can significantly enhance your mental health journey,” adds Hill.
Some organizations and initiatives that may work for you:
The Center for Women Veterans
The website can take you to several pages that provide in-depth information on a variety of topics such as PTSD and substance abuse. Those who need help right away can also contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-82554 or by texting 838255.
Make the Connection
Sometimes, hearing you’re not alone in your experience can make a big difference. On MaketheConnection.net, you can watch and read stories from veterans and their families as they share how they’ve overcome mental health challenges. There’s also detailed information about common symptoms, conditions and steps to recovery.
Veterans Bridge Home
One of the priorities of this North Carolina-based organization is on whole health.
“Veterans Bridge Home encourages veterans to think about wellness from every angle—emotional, physical, spiritual, and beyond,” says Noonan. “They offer resources that go beyond crisis to support long-term thriving.”
The staff also works with vets and their families individually to help formulate goals specific to them, from housing and employment to healthcare and stability.
Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN)
This organization offers a plethora of resources in its online portal, especially when it comes to health and wellness. Women veterans in need of guidance can also contact SWAN to work with a case manager who can provide further information and tools. There’s also an option to call the 24/7 assistance hotline at (888) 669-0907.
Financial support
When your military career comes to an end, getting into the workforce and having financial security can be intimidating, especially if you don’t know where to start.
“Many organizations offer free financial support to help individuals achieve stability,” assures Annette Harris, U.S. Army veteran and owner of Harris Financial Coaching.
Veterans Benefits Banking Program
This partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Association of Military Banks of America was created to help veterans manage their money and benefits. Through the program, you can find a bank or credit union and receive free financial and credit counseling to help you explore your options.
Veterans Saves
“The Veterans Saves programs equip veterans with tools and resources designed to bolster their financial well-being,” says Harris. “Many organizations and financial institutions collaborate with Veterans Saves to extend these free resources to their members.”
The goal of this program is to help veterans save, reduce debt and build wealth by sharing tips from other veterans and experts.
Hire Heroes USA
“At Hire Heroes USA, we are dedicated to helping U.S. service members, veterans and military spouses successfully transition into civilian careers,” shares Allison Albers, the women veterans program manager for Hire Heroes USA. “We offer free, personalized employment services, including career coaching, résumé assistance, interview preparation, and mentoring, available to clients regardless of their location.”
The non-profit also has a Women Veterans Program that focuses specifically on the needs of female veterans. Referrals, training opportunities and virtual events are some of the resources that accompany this initiative.
Childcare assistance
Veterans who are also mothers can run into even more challenges as they navigate post-military lives while caring for their little ones. This is particularly true when a new career makes it difficult to get childcare.
The organization Foundation for Women Warriors has created a childcare assistance program to address these needs. It provides childcare stipends to student or working mothers so they can place their children into trusted and licensed care, including camps during school breaks.
“Our childcare assistance program ensures that women veterans don’t have to choose between paying for childcare and rent or leaving work or school for extended periods to care for children during school breaks,” the website reads.
Housing
Safe and adequate housing is a must after leaving the military, so some organizations have developed programs to keep veterans from becoming homeless.
- Final Salute Inc. supports women veterans by providing transitional housing, integrating them into local communities and helping them choose suitable residential areas.
- The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans works to create affordable housing and offers a referral helpline for veterans at risk of becoming homeless.
Companionship
Women Veterans Interactive Foundation
Finding comfort by connecting with others can make the transition post-military a lot easier. That’s why the foundation has developed a Pink and White Empowerment Series that gives women veterans in communities a chance to come together and develop a network of sisterhood and peer support. At these sessions, attendees also learn how to tackle many of the challenges that face veterans today.
Service dogs for veterans
For some veterans, a four-legged companion can truly change their lives.
“Non-profit organizations like ourselves (Northwest Battle Buddies) provide invaluable support by pairing female veterans with professionally trained service dogs,” says Shannon Walker, CEO and founder of Northwest Battle Buddies. “These dogs play a crucial role in assisting veterans with PTSD, offering a lifeline of support and independence.”
There are both national and regional organizations that can pair you with a highly-skilled service dog if you have a permanent disability or PTSD.
Some of the options available:
- Pups4Patriots for Women (part of the American Humane Society)
- K9s for Warriors
- Warriors Choice Foundation
- PAVE (Paws Assisting Veterans Empowered) USA
- Northwest Battle Buddies
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