The Nationals Veterans Transition Services, Inc, collaborated with the Ford Motor Company to create The Freedom’s Sisters REBOOT Workshop, which celebrated their first graduating class this past Friday at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Fifteen women veterans attended free classes, five days a week for three weeks, with the focus on employment and career development, and personal well-being.
“These brave women have served and sacrificed to defend our freedom, and yet there are few programs that address their unique needs as they return to the home front and to their families,” said Pamela Alexander, director of community development, Ford Motor Company Fund. “It’s another opportunity to say thank you, while also helping them make a successful transition.”
Numerous studies have shown that female veterans deal with issues that their male counterparts do not when they re-enter civilian life. Female veterans are less likely to be married and more likely to be single parents and unemployed than male veterans. They have a higher rate of homelessness, and they often face longer gaps in medical care, as the veterans system is geared toward treating men.
“We designed this program to meet the unique needs of women, and the training builds upon the participants’ military training, skills and experience,” said Maurice Wilson, co-founder, REBOOT Workshop and retired Navy Master Chief Petty Officer. “The workshop addresses the professional, social and personal aspects of life, along with connections to community resources that could also be of help.”
REBOOT addresses the personal and social aspects of transitioning to civilian life by using research-based, outcome-driven methods drawn from best practices in career planning and cognitive-behavioral techniques. Workshop training is supplemented with extended follow-up that enhances career opportunities, promotes social networking, and leverages peer support. REBOOT is available to military active duty, veterans of all wars, and spouses.
Women veterans and the wives of combat veterans can learn more by visiting www.nvtsi.org/women-veteransspouses.
