Monthly Newsletter

Dear Camp SHiEld Alumnae,

As we begin a new year, we’re grateful for the strength and resilience of our Camp SHiEld Alumnae community. Each of you represents the power of post-traumatic growth, and we’re honored to walk this journey with you.

This month, we’re excited to share updates on our impact, highlights from recent programs, and new opportunities to connect and grow in 2025. Whether you’ve been with us consistently or are reconnecting, we’re thrilled to have you here.

Here’s to a year of empowerment, possibility, and community!

With gratitude and hope,

Maggie Peterson
Founder and CEO of Camp SHiEld

Programming Updates

A YEAR IN REVIEW: 2024

2024 was a transformative year for Camp SHiEld as we deepened our impact and expanded our reach. Over 400 Women Veterans and their families participated in retreats, workshops, programs, and community events, including new initiatives like Financial Assistance through the Texas Veterans Commission grant and Women’s Self-Defense in partnership with Osiris Martial Arts.

With diversified funding and strengthened leadership, including AmeriCorps VISTAs and our first Social Work Intern, we enhanced our capacity to serve. Looking ahead, we’re excited to expand monthly workshops, launch children’s programming, and grow community partnerships. Thank you for being an integral part of the Camp SHiEld community and making this progress possible!

Holiday Party Recap

Thank you to the Women Veterans and their families who made our holiday celebration unforgettable this year! From a festive meal and exciting raffles to heartfelt connections and holiday magic for the kids, this event was a beautiful reminder of the strength and joy in our community. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and to our incredible partners for making it all possible!

Volunteer Highlights

Volunteer Spotlight: Mary Johnson

This month, we’re thrilled to recognize Mary Johnson for her outstanding dedication and service! Mary is not only a SHE Thrive retreat alumna but has also gone above and beyond by volunteering at both the Houston Stand Down and the Houston Veterans Day Parade. Her commitment to supporting fellow veterans and contributing to our mission is truly inspiring.

Thank you, Mary, for your incredible support!

Volunteer with Camp SHiEld at the University of Houston-Downtown Spring Resource Fair!

We’re looking for volunteers to join Camp SHiEld at the University of Houston-Downtown Spring Resource Fair! This is a fantastic opportunity to engage with the community, share information about our programs, and support Women Veterans in their journey of post-traumatic growth. Volunteers will help staff our booth, connect with attendees, and raise awareness about the resources Camp SHiEld offers.

If you're passionate about giving back and supporting fellow veterans, contact lmilz@campshield.org if you are interested!

Click here to learn how YOU can get involved!

Testimonial

Upcoming Events

💻 Wonder Woman Wednesday 💬

January 15th, 2025, at 6 PM (CT) – Peer-to-Peer Support Social Facilitated by Dr. Angela Dickson. Reconnect and network in a supportive online environment during our Peer-to-Peer Support Social. This gathering offers a space to build community, share experiences, and support one another in a virtual setting.

Click here to sign up TODAY!

Activities

The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line: Untold Stories of the Women Who Changed the Course of World War II by Mari K. Eder, retired U.S. Army Major General

The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line takes you inside the lives and experiences of 15 unknown women heroes from the Greatest Generation, the women who served, fought, struggled, and made things happen during WWII—in and out of uniform—for theirs is a legacy destined to embolden generations of women to come.

SISTERS in ARMS: A Heartwarming Historical Novel of the Daring, First Black Women Who Served in the Six Triple Eight During World War II

Grace Steele and Eliza Jones may be from completely different backgrounds, but when it comes to the army, specifically the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC), they are both starting from the same level. Not only will they be among the first class of female officers the army has even seen, they are also the first Black women allowed to serve.

As these courageous women help to form the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, they are dealing with more than just army bureaucracy—everyone is determined to see this experiment fail. For two northern women, learning to navigate their way through the segregated army may be tougher than boot camp. Grace and Eliza know that there is no room for error; they must be more perfect than everyone else.

When they finally make it overseas, to England and then France, Grace and Eliza will at last be able to do their parts for the country they love, whatever the risk to themselves.

Based on the true story of the 6888th Postal Battalion (the Six Triple Eight), Sisters in Arms explores the untold story of what life was like for the only all-Black, female U.S. battalion to be deployed overseas during World War II.

As always...

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Our Values

Camp SHiEld Team Values

1. Integrity
We hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards of honesty and transparency. By embracing authenticity, we ensure that our words and actions align with our values, fostering a space where Women Veterans feel safe being their true selves while building trust through genuine relationships.

2. Compassion
We lead with compassion by showing kindness, respect, and nonjudgmental grace to ourselves and others. We recognize the unique beauty within each individual, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. We create a space where everyone feels seen, accepted, and appreciated for who they truly are.

3. Connection
We believe in the power of connection through shared adventures, fun experiences, and meaningful exploration. By sharing our stories and offering mentorship, we create a supportive environment where trust, belonging, and mutual support thrive, strengthening our community.

4. Purpose
Our purpose is fueled by hope, resilience, and a commitment to creating positive change. Through intentional action and results-driven programs, we empower Women Veterans to thrive and transform their lives.

5. Balance
We promote balance through joyful experiences, healing opportunities, and nurturing environments. Resilience is at the heart of all we do, supporting every woman and child in their journey toward well-being.

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