Special Resources for Women Vets

Women veterans, mark your calendars for April 21-22, when the 2017 National Women Veterans Summit is held in Dallas.

Women make up 10 percent of all veterans, and that number is expected to rise to 15 percent. The summit will focus on what women veterans need and will offer information, training and guidance in exploring resources both in the Department of Veterans Affairs and out in the community. It will bring together those in public-sector agencies, private government, nonprofits, corporations, researchers … and of course, women veterans. They’ll be panels, open forums, lectures and more.

Read about the event at www. va.gov/womenvet. Keep an eye on the site, as the exact location has not been confirmed as of this writing. Registration will be posted on the site.

While you’re on the website, The Center for Women Veterans has a full list of resources and programs. Check out the Veteran Artist Program, which includes collaboration and mentorships in visual art, performing arts, film and video, and interactive media. Look at MusiCorp, a conservatory-level music rehab program, and Operation Encore, showcasing the singer-songwriter talents of veterans and military members. If there’s nothing near you, click on Americans for the Arts for a state-by-state directory of art opportunities.

Did you know there’s a call center just for women veterans? See www.womenshealth.va.gov. The WVCC staff is specially trained to help women veterans. You can either call them Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET, or click the Chat button on the right side of the screen. The trained staff members are women as well, and so far, they’ve helped 33,000 veterans.