SHIELD OF SISTERS INC

Shield of Sisters – Organizational Description

Shield of Sisters is a nonprofit organization founded with the singular purpose of walking alongside women survivors of Military Sexual Trauma (MST), offering them a path to healing, restoration, empowerment, and advocacy. Born out of lived experience and fueled by the voices of warrior women who have endured the invisible wounds of military service, Shield of Sisters exists to ensure that no woman who has experienced MST ever feels alone, unheard, or unworthy of support.

We recognize the deep, enduring impact of MST — not only on the individual survivor, but also on their families, their communities, and their futures. We know that healing is neither linear nor one-size-fits-all. That's why our programs are survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and guided by a commitment to long-term, holistic care.
Our Mission

Shield of Sisters exists to restore, empower, and uplift women survivors of Military Sexual Trauma (MST) through holistic healing, trauma-informed retreats, ongoing support, and survivor-led advocacy. We are dedicated to creating safe spaces, building resilient communities, and driving systemic change to ensure that no sister walks alone.

Our Vision
A world where women survivors of Military Sexual Trauma are fully supported, deeply connected, and empowered to thrive — personally, professionally, and within their communities. A future where military and veteran systems respond to trauma with empathy, resources, and accountability.
What We Do

Shield of Sisters provides direct support, healing environments, advocacy, and education for MST survivors, with a focus on three core pillars: **Healing, Connection, and Empowerment**.

1. Retreat Programs
Our signature retreats are safe havens designed for deep rest, trauma processing, and connection. These are not just “getaways” — they are structured, intentional healing experiences. Each retreat includes:

- Group therapy sessions and individual wellness support
- Trauma-informed care delivered by trained professionals
- Mind-body-spirit integration: yoga, art therapy, nature-based healing
- Peer-led discussions and survivor panels
- Restorative community activities
- Spiritual or faith-based components (optional and inclusive)

We host five retreats annually for women and are expanding to include one retreat per year for male survivors. Locations rotate between Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Florida to increase accessibility.

2. Post-Retreat Continuity of Care
We are committed to the long haul. After each retreat, participants are offered:

- Access to ongoing counseling or therapy
- Monthly virtual support circles and check-ins
- Emergency crisis support navigation
- Resource navigation for VA benefits, housing, legal aid, and more
- Local meetups and peer support networks

This commitment to continuity ensures our survivors are not left without a support system after their initial retreat experience.

3. Advocacy and Education
Shield of Sisters believes that change happens both at the personal and systemic levels. Our advocacy efforts include:

- Survivor-led speaking engagements
- Policy recommendations around MST reporting, response, and VA access
- Training for healthcare providers, case workers, and military leaders
- A planned video series (in partnership with Psych Armor) educating stakeholders about the unique needs of MST survivors

We also partner with national initiatives such as **Face the Fight Coalition** to integrate MST-specific programming into broader suicide prevention efforts.

4. Training and Conferences
We are currently developing robust training modules for both internal staff and external partners. These include:

- Trauma-Informed Practices and MST 101
- Suicide Prevention Strategies
- Restorative Justice Models
- Peer Leadership Development
- Military Culture Competency

In addition, we host two conferences annually:

The Warrior Conference: A gathering for survivors, featuring healing workshops, panels, and celebration of resilience.
-The Advocacy and Awareness Summit: A conference for stakeholders, policymakers, and care providers focused on systems change and survivor-informed best practices.

Our People

Shield of Sisters is survivor-founded and survivor-led. Our leadership team brings lived experience, professional expertise, and an unwavering dedication to transformation. Our staff includes:

- Executive Director
- Director of Outreach and External Relations
- Director of Programs
- Chief Financial Officer
- Executive Assistant
- Four Case Workers
- Two Trauma Therapists
- Director of Advocacy
- Chief of Staff

We are supported by part-time grant writers, retreat coordinators, and peer staff — many of whom are graduates of our own programs.

Our leadership model is based on service, humility, and fierce advocacy. Every decision we make is filtered through the question: *Is this what our sisters need?
Our Values

- Survivor-Led: We trust and honor the voices of MST survivors in all aspects of our work.
- Trauma-Informed: Safety, choice, empowerment, and collaboration are central to our approach.
- Community-Centered: Healing happens in connection — no one heals alone.
- Empowerment over Pity: We see our sisters not as victims, but as warriors. We don’t save them — we walk beside them.
- Equity and Inclusion: We serve all women, inclusive of race, background, orientation, rank, and belief system.
- Accountability: We challenge systems that perpetuate harm and advocate for change grounded in justice.
Our Partners

We proudly collaborate with organizations that share our vision for transformation, including:

- Face the Fight Coalition – integrating suicide prevention models
- Local and national veteran service organizations – for resource sharing and care continuity
- Faith-based networks – when requested, to support spiritual healing

Our Impact

Shield of Sisters has already supported hundreds of MST survivors on their path to healing. The feedback from our community has been overwhelmingly clear: our retreats and ongoing support are *life-changing*. Many report a newfound sense of hope, connection, and purpose — some for the first time in years.

In our evaluations:

- 92% of participants reported decreased feelings of isolation after attending a retreat.
- 85% of participants stayed engaged through post-retreat programming for 3+ months.
- 70% of those who were unemployed prior to a retreat reported improved personal stability that led to job search re-engagement.
- 100% of surveyed participants said they would recommend Shield of Sisters to other survivors.

We aim to expand our reach, deepen our programming, and build a national network of support that ensures no MST survivor is left behind.
Looking Ahead

Our 5-year strategic plan includes:

- Scaling to 10 retreats annually, including dedicated male and co-ed offerings
- Launching a full MST Care Navigator Training Program
- Developing a national database of MST-informed counselors and providers
- Building a Veteran Sisterhood Network to maintain long-term peer engagement
- Securing sustainable funding through grants, partnerships, and donor campaigns
- Publishing MST-focused research to shape future policy and care models
Final Thoughts

Shield of Sisters is more than an organization. It is a movement — one rooted in compassion, forged by resilience, and committed to walking with every survivor who is ready to reclaim her life.

We are here for the silenced voices, the forgotten warriors, and the sisters who carry their battles inside. We are building a future where MST survivors are no longer hidden, shamed, or overlooked — but honored, seen, and celebrated.

Together, we heal. Together, we rise.