A weekly virtual Talking Circle for Women Veterans

Editor’s note: The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of VA. Veterans should verify the information with the organization offering.

Women Veterans are the fastest-growing group within the Veteran population. Many still encounter everyday barriers that make it difficult to stay connected to support: a canceled appointment because child care fell through, not knowing that assistance may be available to cover travel to a session, or simply not seeing their own experiences reflected in the room.

Televeda built a free resource around these barriers: another way for women Veterans to connect on their own time, alongside the care and support already available to them. It is a dedicated Virtual Talking Circle for Women Veterans, part of the Hero’s Story Project.

The circle meets every Tuesday at 3 p.m. Arizona time. It is held online through the Televeda platform, eliminating travel and the need to arrange child care around a clinic visit.

Peers, rather than clinicians, lead the group. Participants set the pace and share only what feels right. The group is designed around the experiences of women Veterans, including survivors of military sexual trauma, rather than a combat narrative that may not reflect their service.

On Televeda’s Hero’s Story Project page, Jessica Roza of Arizona Veterans’ Services describes the group:

“We have had women from Navajo County, Apache County, homebound Veterans who otherwise would not be able to meet, connect with other women Veterans and share,” Roza said.

One participant who is disabled and homebound told facilitators that after joining a session, she felt “excited all week to get up in the morning and get out of bed.” She said the group had become something to look forward to.

Who is it for?

Any woman Veteran seeking peer connection with people who understand her specific experiences.

How do you join?

Reserve a spot through the class schedule and join from a preferred device.

What happens next?

Participants join a weekly peer-led session rather than a clinical appointment. They set the pace and share only what feels right. Participants who want assistance applying for VA benefits or enrolling in VA health care can ask a facilitator for guidance through the process.

The pattern is clear: When women Veterans have a space built around their experiences, they participate and stay connected. Televeda built that space.

Learn more through the Hero’s Story Project.

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