Trustees of Boston University

Women Veterans Network (WoVeN)

Many female veterans grew personally and professionally from their military service, but also experienced significant difficulties re-adapting to civilian life. The Women Veterans Network (WoVeN) is a peer support network designed to target the unique needs of female veterans. WoVeN offers an evidence-based, 8-session program led by vetted and trained peer leaders that improves the mental health, social support, and well-being of female veterans. Female veterans’ interest in WoVeN has increased rapidly, and the demand for additional programming has outpaced the availability of in-person groups. This NFL-BWF Healthy Lifestyles and Creating Community grant will allow WoVeN to meet the increased demand for WoVeN by offering online groups, providing a place for more female veterans to enjoy a sense of community and belonging amongst their peers. Especially in the context of COVID-19, these web-based peer groups will provide vital support to female veterans across the United States, increase their hopefulness, social support, and community engagement; and decrease feelings of distress. This funding will support a national web-based rollout of online groups with streamlined content and improved peer leader tools for regional trainings.