New Jersey Launches Office of Women Veterans To Address Service Access Gaps

The New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs rolled out a new Office of Women Veterans. This will serve the 26,000 women across the state who wore the uniform. Health care access, mental health resources, benefits guidance, job prospects, and connections with other veterans — the office will tackle all of it.

Women who served encounter obstacles their male counterparts don’t. Systems were designed decades ago with only men in mind. Gender-specific health issues get overlooked, and barriers block the path to care.

“Women veterans have played an essential role in defending our country and strengthening our communities, yet their service has too often gone unrecognized,” said Gov. Mikie Sherrill in a statement, according to app.com. “The creation of the Office of Women Veterans ensures that New Jersey is meeting the needs of this growing population with dedicated leadership and focused support.”

Sherrill made history as America’s first woman veteran to hold a governor’s seat. She’s one among the nearly 26,000 women in the Garden State who answered the call to serve.

Commissioner Vincent Solomeno pointed out that women veterans now make up the fastest-growing group in the military community. “The Office of Women Veterans ensures that their service is not only recognized, but that our team ensures access to the veteran benefits and programs that they have earned during their time in uniform,” said Solomeno in a statement.

Lucy DelGaudio will take the helm as the first Women Veterans Coordinator. DelGaudio wore Army green before becoming a fierce advocate for veterans’ rights. Her most recent post was Program Coordinator at Operation Sisterhood through YWCA Northern New Jersey, where she built programs connecting women veterans, smoothing their transition back to civilian life, and helping them reclaim their power.

“Lucy DelGaudio brings both lived experience and extraordinary leadership to this role,” said Solomeno in the statement. “Her dedication to ensuring women veterans are seen, heard, and supported makes her uniquely qualified to help guide this important work.”

Want more details? Check out veterans.nj.gov.

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