"For the first time in my transition to civilian life, I truly feel like I belong."
"WOMAN VETERAN STRONG"
MICHIGAN PEER SUPPORT GROUP PROGRAM
Call the WVS Hotline: 248-519-2325
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Continuing her mission to support strong women, Shelly Rood serves as the Statewide Program Facilitator for Michigan's Women of the Military Peer Support Group Program. This incredible team coordinates monthly Peer Support meetings, recreational therapy & advocacy events for military women.
⬇️ SEE WHAT WE'RE ALL ABOUT ⬇️
CURRENT MEETING SCHEDULE*
(click to Register for each meeting)
12 MAY (2nd Thursday), 5:30-7PM
12 MAY (2nd Thursday), 5:30-7PM
*in-person option:
Silver Star Apartments, 44 Clark Road N, Battle Creek MI 49307
10 MAY (2nd Tuesday), 5:30-7pm
*in-person option:
CNS Healthcare, 279 Summit Drive, Waterford, MI 48328
16 MAY (3rd Monday), 5:30-7pm
18 MAY (3rd Wednesday), 5:30-7pm
*in-person option:
Eisenhower's Veterans Reintegration Center, Selfridge ANGB, BLD 328, Superior Street, Harrison Township, MI 48045
(open to guests & all members)
19 MAY (3rd Thursday), 5:30-7pm
Meet the WVS Team
All WVS Chapter Leaders are women with lived military experience.
Shelly
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Laverne Santangelo
Oakland Chapter Leader, LPC
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Diana
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Jenn
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UNDERSTAND THE NEED
42% of female Veterans
say that they "do not feel" respected and valued.
Nearly 1 in 3 Women Who Serve
say that they were raped or sexually assaulted during their time in service.
The Suicide Rate of female Veterans
is nearly double that of civilian women.
HOW IT WORKS
APPLY ONLINEApply for your FREE Membership above, then RSVP for each Chapter Meeting & Recreational Therapy Event
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GET PLUGGED INAttending monthly meetings with like-minded women and positive, focused content
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STAY CONNECTEDBuilding & maintaining life-long relationships through regular group gatherings
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WHAT WE FOCUS ON
#1: STIGMAWe are dedicated to lowering the stigma attached to seeking help for mental health issues
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#2: SELF-ADVOCACY
Did you know that women who have served in the military do not identify with the word "Veteran"?
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#3: TESTIMONIALS
Giving a voice to all military women, we work towards owning and sharing life experiences
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the program and how is it funded?
A: We provide peer support for women who have served in the military and this includes every status. We aim to improve the mental resiliency of women by helping to create a community of support and encouragement. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, through the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan, has provided funding for this initiative through a Federal Community Mental Health Block Grant and a Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant.
Q: What is the meeting schedule?
A: Members meet monthly on a flexible schedule.
New members are always welcome. We also host an annual Retreat and quarterly Recreational Therapy events.
Q: Where are the meetings held?
A: See the "Current Meeting Schedule" listed above. To ensure maximum participation, members provide input on the dates & locations of the meetings.
Q: How many women attend, and how are they chosen?
A: Groups are small in size and range from 3-6 women.
Applicants are screened ahead of time by the program coordinators to ensure all participants are a good fit.
Q: What are the meetings like?
A: All meetings are led by a screened and qualified Chapter Leader in a safe space.
At your first meeting, New Members are officially welcomed, given a gift and complete the onboarding process. The statewide content aims to encourage members towards embracing a positive, forward-thinking mindset. Subjects include building confidence, setting boundaries, building healthy relationships, being financially literate and more. Whenever activities are planned, they are free for members and provide the opportunity to strengthen one's personal support group by connecting with other like-minded women.
A: We provide peer support for women who have served in the military and this includes every status. We aim to improve the mental resiliency of women by helping to create a community of support and encouragement. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, through the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan, has provided funding for this initiative through a Federal Community Mental Health Block Grant and a Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant.
Q: What is the meeting schedule?
A: Members meet monthly on a flexible schedule.
New members are always welcome. We also host an annual Retreat and quarterly Recreational Therapy events.
Q: Where are the meetings held?
A: See the "Current Meeting Schedule" listed above. To ensure maximum participation, members provide input on the dates & locations of the meetings.
Q: How many women attend, and how are they chosen?
A: Groups are small in size and range from 3-6 women.
Applicants are screened ahead of time by the program coordinators to ensure all participants are a good fit.
Q: What are the meetings like?
A: All meetings are led by a screened and qualified Chapter Leader in a safe space.
At your first meeting, New Members are officially welcomed, given a gift and complete the onboarding process. The statewide content aims to encourage members towards embracing a positive, forward-thinking mindset. Subjects include building confidence, setting boundaries, building healthy relationships, being financially literate and more. Whenever activities are planned, they are free for members and provide the opportunity to strengthen one's personal support group by connecting with other like-minded women.