YWCA Northern New Jersey Announces Expanded Support for Women Veterans Through Operation Sisterhood

New program to address military sexual trauma unveiled at Women Veteran Symposium

Teaneck, NJ (November 13, 2025) – During last week’s Women Veteran Symposium at Fairleigh Dickinson University, YWCA Northern New Jersey announced a new Military Sexual Trauma (MST) program through its Operation Sisterhood initiative.

National Veteran Affairs data shows that approximately 1 in 3 women veterans report experiencing military sexual trauma during their service, underscoring the urgent need for dedicated support and recovery resources.

“This is not political for us,” said Helen Archontou, CEO of YWCA Northern New Jersey. “You have completed your service and now it’s our time to serve you. That’s what matters to us, and that’s what this work is about.”

Bringing the MST program in-house will allow YWCA Northern New Jersey to leverage its comprehensive wraparound services, including YW360, the Center for Racial Healing, case management, and advocacy, to deliver holistic support for women veterans as they heal, rebuild, and lead. The organization also introduced Nadine Mass, its newly hired Clinical Director, who will oversee the expansion of veteran-focused mental health services.

The Women Veteran Symposium, held on November 7 at Fairleigh Dickinson University, brought together women veterans from across the region for a morning of connection, empowerment, and shared purpose. The event was made possible through the support of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and featured sessions on health care, entrepreneurship, and community leadership.

Keynote speaker Casey Moes, Senior Client Executive at CWT and a 20-year U.S. Army veteran, spoke about redefining leadership and community impact.
 

“You don’t need to be the strongest, fastest, or smartest,” Moes said. “You already have what you need to bring value to your community. Take your time, find your fire, and tell your story—because bravery doesn’t end when your service does.”

Additional discussions featured insights from Col. Jeff Cantor and Michelle Osorio, who encouraged veteran entrepreneurs to pursue certification as minority, women, or veteran-owned businesses. During the Community Care panel, new Clinical Director Nadine Mass, along with others, emphasized the importance of self-advocacy within the Veterans Affairs system, encouraging women to request the care they need and connect with others who can share resources and support.

Launched in 2024, Operation Sisterhood provides a 360-degree support system for women veterans, including mental health resources, career readiness training, and leadership development. The initiative also advocates for greater equity and visibility for women veterans across New Jersey, ensuring their experiences and voices remain central in the broader veteran conversation.

For more information on Operation Sisterhood or to learn how to get involved, visit https://www.ywcannj.org.