WDVA's 14th annual Women Veterans Retreat was held at Trinity Equestrian Center just outside of Eau Claire on June 7th and 8th. The two-day event was filled with self-reflection, community building, joy, and laughter. The retreat focused on veterans showing the "Masks We Wear" art therapy, equine therapy, and attendees reading this year's Women Veterans Day proclamation.
The annual retreat provides a reprieve from the stress of daily life, affording women veterans an opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals in a nurturing environment. This initiative owes its success to the exceptional women veteran volunteers who willingly lend their support wherever needed. Their readiness to contribute is sincerely valued. The retreat is carefully crafted to cultivate camaraderie while affording access to valuable resources for veterans.
We sincerely appreciate our hosts at Trinity Equestrian Center, our keynote speaker from Trauma Life Consulting, LLC, participating veteran service organizations, Camp Victory, Inc., and the Buffalo County Veteran Service Office for attending and sharing veteran resources.
View more pictures from the Women's Retreat here.
On Women Veterans Day, Wednesday, June 12th, the 'In Her Boots' project display was unveiled in the display window at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum. This project aims to raise awareness and understanding of the unique challenges faced by female veterans in our state and across the nation.
Over the past year, Jodi M. Barnett, WDVA's Women Veteran Coordinator and US Navy veteran, has organized community events to collect over 130 decorated combat boots designed by women veterans. Each of these combat boots were embellished with symbols, colors, and designs that reflect each woman's military experiences. The boots will be displayed in partnership with the Wisconsin Veterans Museum through the end the summer.
The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs invites you to an evening reception at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum on July 29th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., to honor the "In Her Boots" exhibit. Wisconsin women veterans whose boots were featured in the initial rotation (June 11 - July 29) will have the opportunity to retrieve their boots from WDVA during this event. The second rotation of the "In Her Boots" exhibit will be accessible in the Wisconsin Veterans Museum window for an extended duration. Light appetizers, refreshments, and opportunities for camaraderie will be provided. RSVP by clicking here.
Are you a Wisconsin nonprofit organization that helps veterans achieve their dreams of owning their own business or provides direct assistance to veteran families?
The WDVA Nonprofit Grant is awarded to registered nonprofit organizations that provide financial assistance or other services to Wisconsin Veterans and their families. The Nonprofit Grant provides up to $25,000 to each recipient, with a maximum of $250,000 awarded annually.
The WDVA Entrepreneurship Grant is awarded to registered nonprofit organizations that provide entrepreneurship training, technical support, or other assistance to the diverse group of Veteran entrepreneurs in our state to improve employment outcomes.
The Entrepreneurship Grant provides up to $100,000 to each recipient, with a maximum of $300,000 awarded.
Questions about the grant application process should be directed to the WDVA Grants Unit at 1-800-WIS-VETS or email vetsbenefitsgrants@dva.wisconsin.gov.
Join us for an evening of fun and networking with local veterans. This event offers an opportunity to connect with new comrades and gain insights into the programs offered at MKE Urban Stables.
The WDVA Veteran Meet & Greet is scheduled for Tuesday, August 13, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Light appetizers and refreshments will be provided. We express our gratitude to MKE Urban Stables for their gracious hospitality, and we look forward to a meaningful gathering. RSVP is not required.
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