Interview: More Than One Story: Suicide Prevention Program for Women and Non-Binary Veterans

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For Veteran Valerie Acosta, making art is more than a hobby or even a passion. She credits art with giving her new purpose and meaning after her career as a Russian linguist in the Air Force.

Rediscovering Art: Valerie Acosta's journey to creative expression

Acosta reconnected with her artistic passions when she discovered creative writing and art workshops with Community Building Art Works (CBAW) while still on active duty and preparing for retirement. CBAW provides both in-person and virtual writing and art workshops, bridging the gap between Veterans and citizens through the language of creative expression.

Since 2017, CBAW has empowered thousands of workshop participants who, like Acosta, found a sense of community, social connection and belonging through these creative outlets.

The birth of "More Than One Story: A Program for Women and Non-Binary Veterans"

When CBAW received the SSG Parker G. Fox Suicide Prevention Grant in 2023, aimed at bringing expressive arts and writing programming to women and non-binary Veterans, Acosta was a natural choice to lead the initiative. Her journey with CBAW and her passion for art made her the perfect fit to direct the first year of the More Than One Story program.

After retiring from a 20-year career in the Air Force, Acosta delved into painting, drawing and sculpture, using various mediums, including acrylic, gouache, watercolors, pencils, pens, clay and wood. Combined with her experience as a DoD-certified Master Resilience Trainer and her dedication to teaching resilience skills and supporting mental health, Acosta brought a unique blend of artistry, advocacy and leadership to the role.

Impact of More Than One Story under Acosta's leadership

Under Acosta's guidance, the More Than One Story (MTOS) program has achieved significant milestones. The rate of reported suicidal ideation among participants decreased by an impressive 89%. Additionally, 68% of participants reported having a stronger support network because of the program. Another 68% received advice, guidance, encouragement or emotional support from fellow participants. Notably, 48% of participants maintained contact with others outside of the program, building lasting connections through various means of communication.

These outcomes demonstrate that MTOS and CBAW's virtual programs are not just convenient, but highly effective. MTOS has created an environment where women and non-binary military members can gather, share experiences and form enduring bonds.

Interview with Valerie Acosta: Reflections on leading More Than One Story

As MTOS approaches the completion of its second year, we had the opportunity to sit down with Acosta to discuss her experiences with CBAW, working with women and non-binary Veterans, and what the program continues to mean to her as a woman Veteran.

CBAW: What made you want to come on board as the first program director for MTOS?

Acosta: I had been collaborating with CBAW for more than a year as a visual arts facilitator when Seema and Ashy approached me and said: "We have an idea, and we think you'd be perfect for the role." I didn't have to think twice before I jumped at the opportunity to work for a cause I believe in with a team I greatly admire. My management experience and work as a Suicide Prevention Advocate in the military, combined with my time as a visual arts facilitator for CBAW, really did come together in the role of program facilitator for MTOS.

CBAW: What are you most proud of having accomplished with starting the program?

Acosta: There's so much to be proud of. First, I'm proud of the participants who were skeptical of what we offered but still showed up. I'm proud of those who decided to share something for the first time in their lives, even though they thought it would break them. I'm proud that they came back to do for others what had been done for them. I'm most proud that I had a part in helping to create this space because it's become bigger than me. It has its own life now, and to say that I was part of it will always be one of the biggest accomplishments of my life.

CBAW: Tell us about your favorite moments from your year with MTOS.

Acosta: My absolute favorite moment of this whole year was our Day of Belonging. I had the opportunity to meet in person with participants who had witnessed some of the most vulnerable moments in my life. We could show the rest of our community a bit of the magic we had created. To be a witness to someone else's humanity is an honor as well as a great responsibility, and to be able to hug them and look them in the eye and say: "I understand"… in my opinion, there's no greater connection than that. Day of Belonging was the highlight of the year.

CBAW: What was the greatest challenge you faced in getting the program started?

Acosta: We built this program from the ground up. No other organization in the SSG Fox grant was or is doing what we do for women and non-binary Veterans. We navigated many obstacles in the beginning and, throughout our first year in the grant, many of them related to processes and paperwork. It would be accurate to say that we did really "build the plane as we flew it," but when you have a team like we do, it's almost easy to rise to these challenges. Seema, Ashy, Rob, Ben and Amelia are the best team and support system I could've asked for. They are all experts at what they do, and without them, there would be no MTOS.

CBAW: What do you see for the future of MTOS?

Acosta: More Than One Story has become an integral part of our community. I hope that we can reach more Veterans and that the program helps them to continue their healing journey. I also see MTOS helping our women and non-binary Veterans become beacons of light shining on others. We've merely planted a seed, and I hope that it steadily grows into a better and more accepting world for Veterans like me.

About More Than One Story

More Than One Story uses live, interactive online art and poetry workshops to create a "Virtual Community Center" where women and non-binary Veterans can gather and experience belonging in a healthy, safe and connected environment. The program provides a unique space that welcomes women and non-binary military members and Veterans with diverse backgrounds and services.

CBAW holds online orientation sessions for More Than One Story each month. All women and non-binary Veterans service members interested in participating should register for an upcoming orientation session via Eventbrite.

For more information about CBAW and the full schedule of events, visit CBAW Events.

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