The Impact of WoVeN on Female Veterans’ Journeys 

Many female veterans struggle to reintegrate into civilian life, even within veteran communities. The Women Veterans Network (WoVeN) is a peer support network that addresses the unique needs of female veterans through a structured program led by peer leaders. Since 2017, nearly 2,000 women have participated in WoVeN groups in person and online. 

Before WoVeN, there was a lack of peer-to-peer connections for female veterans after service. By providing an opportunity for female veterans to connect, share experiences, and support each other, WoVeN fosters long-lasting peer-to-peer connections and helps women re-entering civilian life.  

Elisa Edington discovered WoVeN’s peer support groups through an internet search. Before that, Elisa, who was a US Air Force Cryptologic Linguist for six years, felt isolated in an area with few female veterans. She signed up, and after participating in a couple of groups and realizing their value, Elisa participated in WoVeN’s peer leadership. Now, she hosts and facilitates her groups.   

Cheyanne Gordon of the Bob Woodruff Foundation spoke with Elisa Edington.  

CG: Tell us about the WoVeN programs or initiatives that significantly impacted your journey as a veteran.  

EE: It’s been about the sense of camaraderie within WoVeN. The connections I’ve made through the groups as a participant and peer leader have been meaningful. WoVeN provides resources, like their fantastic newsletter and meetings, and creates ample opportunities for us to connect, network, and support one another. They cover everything from mental health to navigating VA benefits and housing issues, which has been crucial for many of us. 

CG: Could you provide more detail on your current involvement with WoVeN? 

EE: As a volunteer peer leader, I’m actively engaged in facilitating groups and participating in training sessions. WoVeN’s peer leader training, which happens about twice a year over Zoom, is comprehensive. We review the entire curriculum, discussing everything from managing challenging conversations to emotional intelligence. This involvement allows me to give back to the community and offer support to fellow female veterans. 

CG: Can you share a personal success story or moment where WoVeN has helped you overcome a significant obstacle? 

EE: I felt stuck in a job that didn’t fulfill me and was questioning my career path. Being part of a WoVen group during that period was incredibly helpful. We applied WoVeN’s lessons to my situation, which was reassuring. The support group allowed me to share my concerns and receive invaluable feedback. Ultimately, it helped me to make the necessary changes and regain confidence in my choice.  

CG: How does WoVeN contribute to building a supportive veteran community? 

EE: Well, what’s excellent about WoVeN is its accessibility. Being online means it’s available to many of us. This is regardless of where we are and ensures that even during challenging times, like the pandemic, we can still connect and support each other. The different meeting options, like weekly or condensed sessions, accommodate personal schedules and preferences. It’s a lifeline for many of us. 

CG: What advice do you have for veterans who face challenges like yours? 

EE: I tell fellow veterans to consider joining WoVeN. It’s been a game-changer for me and many others I know. The resources, connections, and support you find are invaluable. Plus, you can be as involved as you want, whether seeking specific resources or looking to give back by becoming a peer leader. WoVeN offers something for everyone. 

CG: How has the collaboration between the NFL and the Bob Woodruff Foundation impacted the perception of WoVeN and its work?  

EE: The collaboration has boosted WoVeN’s visibility and credibility within the veteran community. When established organizations like the NFL and the Bob Woodruff Foundation support WoVeN, it adds legitimacy and trust. This partnership has helped expand WoVeN’s reach, ensuring more veterans know the support and resources available. It’s been a significant boost for WoVeN and for the veterans it serves. 

CG: Is there any aspect of WoVeN, the Bob Woodruff Foundation, or the NFL collaboration for which you’re grateful? 

EE: Absolutely. I’m genuinely grateful for these organizations’ recognition and support of programs like WoVeN. Their backing ensures that vital resources and support systems remain available to veterans in need. It’s heartening to see such commitment and generosity toward helping veterans thrive. As someone who has benefited from WoVeNn’s programs, I can’t express enough gratitude for their ongoing support. 

This NFL-BWF Healthy Lifestyles and Creating Community (HLCC) investment will support ongoing WoVeN peer groups nationwide, national peer leader training, and qualitative research to identify potential obstacles preventing veterans from participating in WoVeN groups. Overall, this investment will increase social support, improve the well-being of 320 women veterans, and increase WoVen’s capacity to meet their needs. 

Learn more about the NFL-BWF Salute to Service partnership.