Spartanburg is proud home to the first Women Veteran focused organization in the Upstate. BattleBetty is a community-based nonprofit that centers around providing Spartanburg-grown female veterans with support when transitioning from post-service. They are committed to empowering Women Veterans as they navigate post-transition life by providing wrap-around supportive services and resources.
The 2nd Annual Beyond the Battle 5K will take place on November 13, 2021 during the week of Veterans Day. This event will be a virtual 5k for supporters to run, walk, ruck, or bike anywhere they would like! All proceeds from the 5k will benefit BattleBetty’s mission to support women veterans post-service. Registration ends on November 7 and participants will receive a race t-shirt in the mail. Click here to register for this event and support a great cause!
BattleBetty was founded by DeAndria L. Hardy, a service-disabled veteran who served in the Marine Corps until she was honorably discharged in 2014. Shortly after she left the Marine Corps, DeAndria began to experience Post Traumatic Stress symptoms and led to her disconnection from her family and friends, self-isolation, and eventually homelessness. Her life changed in 2017 through the relentless support of her mother and the mentorship of Marine Corps Lt. Col, Mike Zacchea. DeAndria discovered a new passion for helping veteran women transition into life after serving and brought her personal understanding of these challenges to creating the BattleBetty Foundation.
BattleBetty’s Women Veteran Center aspires to “Take Care of H.E.R..” This program provides an emergency shelter with access to a clothes closet, hygiene essentials, food, and 1-on-1 case management. Taking Care of H.E.R. focuses on Empowerment through peer support programs like Fireside Fridays and Sheroes and Saddles Equine Therapy. BattleBetty also provides monthly sisterhood events to help female veterans reintegrate into society and find a sense of belonging among the community.
Outreach is an essential part of BattleBetty through having women’s items and clothes available to the women veterans. BattleBetty encourages members of the Spartanburg community to support their mission through volunteering, monetary donations, their Amazon Charity List, or donating women’s items such as female hygiene items, toiletry products, and clothes. If you are interested in available opportunities to support, click here to learn more about how you can help BattleBetty’s impact on the Spartanburg community.
