The women’s program at Soldier On has been providing services to women veterans since 2005. The program provides women veterans with a safe, structured environment that allows them to regain stability. The transitional housing units are located on our Leeds, MA campus and hold up to twelve female veterans in a duplex cottage with two double bedrooms and eight single bedrooms. Aligned with Soldier On’s peer-to-peer support system, the cottage is managed and maintained by the women who live there. Three women make up the committee which coordinates the management of the household, transportation, supplies, maintenance requests and grocery shopping. The Soldier On women’s program is a program for women, by women.
The women’s program at Soldier On provides a safe, homelike environment for women veterans in a period of transition. Each woman, with assistance from a case manager, develops an individualized treatment plan addressing issues of addiction, physical or mental health problems and homelessness. While staying at Soldier On the women receive services from our staff, the community and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Each woman is responsible for attending weekly house meetings and performing household chores but is given the independence and resources to seek further counseling, education or employment opportunities. The goal of the Soldier On women’s program is to foster a supportive environment of peers as these women transition back to independent or family life.
To view a wish list and information about donating to our women’s program please visit our donate page.
The residents of the women’s program:
- Are expected to access therapy and treatment opportunities provided by Soldier On and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center or in the community
- Have access to needed medications and counseling services, as well as transportation to counseling, educational programs and work
- Are expected to participate in group activities based on proven practices that are designed to build self-awareness, communication and coping methods
- Are assisted in their efforts to stay connected to their families
- Are supported in their efforts to transition back to independent or family life