Last month, we were so happy to have Women Serving Women Veterans back for their third annual retreat at the National Home. Every year, women veterans from the Greater Metro Detroit area come together to spend a weekend relaxing and spending time in fellowship with other female veterans. They stay in the Guest Lodge in our community and have access to the beautiful grounds, the pond and nature trails. One of the women this year described it as “a self-contained oasis of peace”. ​The Michigan based organization seeks to identify and help the over 14,000 female veterans living in the state. These women may be struggling with addiction, homelessness, sexual trauma, PTSD, or joblessness; the mission of WSWVETS is to connect them with the service organizations that will provide assistance in these areas. This year there were massages, pedicures, and essential oil projects all aimed at helping the women to relax, get to know one another, and spend some time reflecting on themselves. At the end of the retreat, the women were asked what they had experienced over the weekend. One woman said “With life’s journey, work, and family raising, as female veterans, we sometimes forget to take care of ourselves for the sake of others. Thank you for getting me out of the house and away from my stagnant routine of home, work, home. It has been very relaxing” Everyone is looking forward to next year’s Women Serving Women Veterans retreat at the National Home. To see more photos from their retreat, check out the flickr album.