LYNN — Women veterans in the North Shore region will have the opportunity to access vital services, wellness activities, and community support at the Mind, Body, Service Wellness Workshop on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at North Shore Community College’s Lynn Campus.
The event is supported by the Lynn-Swampscott Veterans Service Office (VSO), Women Veterans Network, North Shore Juneteenth Association, VA Bedford Health Care System, and other community organizations. It aims to provide women veterans with access to self-care activities, VA health care enrollment, family support services, and employment and education resources.
Deputy Secretary Andrea Gayle-Bennett of the Executive Office of Veterans’ Services emphasized the importance of creating spaces where women veterans feel seen and supported.
“There has been a demonstrated need for women veterans to get together and have these services provided for them. This event was brought on by the Lynn-Swampscott VSO, and we saw it as a wonderful opportunity to serve the veterans of the North Shore,” she said.
The workshop will feature chair massages, Zumba, Reiki, and health demonstrations, as well as on-site VA health care enrollment and PACT Act toxic exposure screenings. A speaking program at noon will feature remarks from Mayor Jared C. Nicholson.
Mike Sweeney, director of Veterans Services for Lynn and Swampscott, said the event is an opportunity for women veterans to begin the process of enrolling in VA health care, particularly at the Lynn VA Clinic on Boston Street.
“We’re encouraging women veterans to come down, not just for the event, but to start the process of signing up for VA healthcare. Having the Bedford VA as a partner means women can take those first steps right on-site,” Sweeney said.
One of the biggest barriers to care, Gayle-Bennett noted, is that the VA system has historically been designed for men, making it more difficult for women to access the support they need.
“The VA is doing a good job of working through these challenges, offering specialty clinics and community care when needed. But there are still gaps, and events like this help bridge those by making services more accessible,” she said.
She also pointed out that many veteran support programs, including housing assistance, often fail to consider the needs of women who are also mothers.
“A lot of women veterans come with children, and many services have traditionally been geared toward men. Even things like veteran housing tend to offer one-bedroom or studio units, which don’t accommodate families. That’s why this event includes a Kids Zone — to make sure women veterans don’t feel like they have to choose between getting support and taking care of their children,” she said.
The event is made possible with support from Lynn Public Health, Salem Mass General Brigham Community Care, the Red Cross, and other organizations. The Lynn Veterans Council contributed by donating funds for food, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for all attendees.
Gayle-Bennett encouraged women veterans to take advantage of the opportunity, whether for services, relaxation, or simply to connect with others.
“We just want women to come and have a good time. This is a chance to put aside their worries for a few hours, take care of themselves, and know they are part of a community that values them,” she said.
Those interested in attending can register at https://qrco.de/bfkYPA.
Those unable to attend in person can access similar resources through the Executive Office of Veterans’ Services, the Women Veterans Network, and the Lynn-Swampscott VSO website. More information is available on the event’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/4011281239154165.
