Retreat fosters support and connection among women Veterans

Harold Washington College Veteran Services partnered with Jesse Brown and Hines VA Hospital Women Health, to provide a day filled with resources.

More than 170 Chicago-area women Veterans came together for a special retreat organized by the Department of Veterans Affairs on Sept. 8 at Chicago’s Malcolm X College.

The event aimed to connect women Veterans with services tailored to their needs, promote a healthy lifestyle and foster a sense of community.

“Despite much recent progress, women veterans continue to face significant barriers accessing their earned benefits and still do not receive proper recognition for their service to our nation,” said Marcus Williams, Veteran Services Specialist at Harold Washington College. “This event connected our women veterans to the supports they need and deserve.”

Government agencies, nonprofit organizations and local businesses provided additional support, including VA, Cook County and Illinois government representatives, Daughters of the American Revolution, VWB Coaching, Women Veterans Network, and Wounded Warrior Project. Personal wellness was highlighted, with attendees offered free massage therapy, yoga, reiki, and manicures donated by local businesses.