Greater Austin YWCA Launches Women Veterans Support Group

AUSTIN, TEXAS — In honor of the upcoming Veterans Day observance, YWCA Greater Austin officials will launch a series of informational sessions and open house for women veterans, officials said Friday.

The series will kick off on Nov. 20 at the YWCA offices located at 2015 S. Interstate 35, Suite 11o, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. An RSVP isn't required, but encouraged. Breakfast will be provided. To RSVP, visit this link: https://wvetsoh.eventbrite.com.

Attendees will learn more about YWCA Greater Austin’s free counseling and therapeutic groups for women veterans, upcoming WoVeN peer support groups and how they can participate, according to a press advisory. The therapeutic processing group provides a safe environment for women veterans to meet and share their experiences in the military, and how and if those experiences affect them today. This group will meet on Tuesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m beginning Nov. 27.

"The State of Texas has the highest number of women veterans in the country, and over 6,500 women veterans who have served in the armed forces call Travis County home," YWCA Greater Austin Executive Director Angela-Jo Touza-Medina said. "We are so excited to be able to build upon and increase the number of women veteran to whom we are able to provide free mental health services. It is an honor for us to provide this support for the courageous women who have sacrificed so much for us.”

The program is supported by a grant from the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans’ Assistance, Touza-Medina noted. The Fund for Veterans’ Assistance provides grants to organizations serving veterans and their families. "We are grateful to them for prioritizing the mental health of our women veterans.”

Veterans Day falls on Nov. 11 this year, and will be officially observed on Nov. 12.

The Greater Austin YWCA in September staged its 2nd annual "Fabulous People Party" honoring local leaders they described as having "...exemplified the YWCA mission to strengthen our communities and work together to eliminate racism and empower women." Among those honored was Austin Mayor Steve Adler, who was bestowed with special recognition in furthering the YWCA's shared mission.

Austin Mayor Steve Adler addressed the "Fabulous People Party" gathering upon receiving an award for his efforts in strengthening the community. Photo by Tony Cantú/Patch staff

Related stories:

Greater Austin YWCA Schedules 2nd Annual Fabulous People Party

YWCA Greater Austin Celebrates 110th Year Serving The Community

Here's what Touza-Medina had to say to Patch at the event about the work of the Greater Austin YWCA:

About WoVen:

WoVeN is a nationwide network of peer support groups specifically for women. WoVeN connects women veterans of all eras and service branches and empowers them with information, education, and resources to improve their quality of life. By building strong connections among women Veterans, WoVeN groups are designed to enhance wellness, relationships, and career satisfaction. The next WoVen group will start in January 2019 and will meet weekly on Tuesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. beginning on November 27th.

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