MORE THAN ONE STORY
A creative program for women and non-binary military looking to connect with one another and tell their stories. Now renewed for a second year as a SSG Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant recipient through The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Join Community Building Art Works for a virtual orientation to learn more about our program for women and non-binary military (Active Duty and Veterans), More Than One Story (MTOS.) This monthly program uses live, interactive online art and creative writing workshops held over several weeks to create a “Virtual Community Center” where women and non-binary military members can gather and experience belonging in a healthy, safe, and connected environment.
There are almost 2 million women Veterans living in the United States today, and over 400,000 currently serving in the military. There’s less information about non-binary Veterans and military members, but research suggests that gender diverse individuals are twice as likely to serve in the military.
CBAW’s innovative methodology and programs have been tested and refined over twelve years and have been demonstrated to be an effective creative arts intervention for those struggling with the symptoms of PTSD to include substance misuse and suicidal behaviors. Designed in partnership with volunteers, military clinical personnel, community organizations, and VSOs, these workshops and community events are effective for Veterans wherever they are along their healing journey.
Are you interested?
To participate, attendance at one virtual orientation is required. Orientation sessions will be offered at 12 PM & 6 PM ET, on the Second Tuesday of each month, unless otherwise specified*. For more details, visit our Eventbrite page by clicking the button below.
*Orientation will not take place in September, and registration for orientation sessions from October 2024 and beyond will be listed soon. Stay tuned to our Events Calendar and subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest updates.
Once orientation is completed, the MTOS Workshops will take place on the fourth Monday of each month at 7 PM ET.
For more information about CBAW and the full schedule of events
(including events for caregivers, all Veterans, and civilians) please visit our Events Calendar.
Real Testimonials From Participants
Program Staff
Valerie Acosta
United States Air Force, (Ret.)
Visual Arts Facilitator
Alexis Laryea
United States Army Reserve, (Ret.)
Program Manager
Ester Ortiz-Sanchez
USMC Military Spouse
Program Coordinator
Other Resources
•VA Healthcare Fact Sheet For LGBTQ+ Veterans: Click here to view.
•US Dept of Labor Women Veterans Research Demographic: Click here to view.
Program Partners
This program is partially funded by the SSG Parker Gordon Fox
Suicide Prevention Grant Program through the VA.
Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP) is a three-year program that provides funding to community-based organizations with innovative ideas for preventing Veteran suicide.
SSG Fox SPGP honors Veteran Parker Gordon Fox, who joined the Army in 2014 and was a sniper instructor at the U.S. Army Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia. Known for a life of generosity and kindness to others in need, Fox died by suicide on July 21, 2020, at the age of 25.
To learn more about the SSG Fox SPGP, please visit www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ssgfox-grants/.
Research support provided by The Center for the Advancement of Military and Emergency
Services Research (AMES Research) at Kennesaw State University.
The Center for the Advancement of Military and Emergency Services Research (AMES Research) at Kennesaw State University leads the development of solutions to complex occupational and behavioral health concerns that negatively impact military and emergency services personnel, their families, and the communities in which they live. We use cutting-edge, multidisciplinary scientific expertise to design and execute tailorable, scalable, and culturally aligned research. Our mission is that the AMES Research Center will be the nexus for translational military and emergency services health and wellness research implementation in the state of Georgia. https://research.kennesaw.edu/ames-research/