A Weekend of Wellness: Women Veterans Find Solace and Support at Spring Retreat

By Kirsten Clark

Spencer - More than 40 Indiana women veterans gathered at McCormick's Creek State Park's Canyon Inn for a weekend of wellness, connection, and relaxation. The Spring Women Veterans Wellness Retreat, hosted by the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs, was a chance for women to come together, share their stories, and find support.

From yoga and art therapy to hiking and drum circles, the retreat offered something for everyone. Women veterans had the opportunity to learn about military war dogs, explore their identity, and connect with others who understand their experiences.

For many, the retreat was a chance to finally feel seen and recognized. "It's frustrating when I get mail addressing my husband as the veteran, assuming he's the one who served," said Patricia Hawks, a U.S. Army veteran. "But here, I'm among women who understand me."

“What I found most beneficial for me was being able to be around other women veterans and seeing a reflection of myself in others,” Miranda Durham, a U.S. Army veteran said. “Being able to share experiences in a supportive environment helps me deal with my traumas. It was great to be able to create new memories with other women warriors in the state of Indiana.”

The retreat also provided access to federal and state resources tailored to women veterans' unique needs. "It's special to be able to connect someone with the resources they need right away," said Laura McKee, IDVA Women Veterans Coordinator.

The wellness retreat was created from a vision to connect women veterans with each other and with the benefits they've earned. And it's growing! The partnership with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources has created the perfect setting for women veterans to enjoy a weekend of camaraderie and relaxation.

As Lisa Wilken, a U.S. Air Force veteran, put it, "This retreat had something for everyone - stress relief, learning, and connection. It was a chance to rejuvenate and connect with others."

The IDVA Outreach Team hopes to hold more Nationally-recognized wellness retreats and make them accessible to every woman veteran in the state.

"Thank you to each woman who made it a priority to come out," said McKee. "You made the weekend amazing!"

If you're a woman veteran looking for support and connection, keep an eye out for future retreats and events.

View images from the Retreat here.