New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Announces First-Ever In-Person Healing Haven Wellness Retreat for Military Spouses Taking Place November 14 in Chittenango
Building on the Healing Haven Virtual Program Launched in December 2025, the First In-Person Retreat Will Bring Military Spouses Together for a Free Day of Wellness, Stress Reduction, Resources, and Connection in Central New York
ALBANY, N.Y. – The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS), in partnership with Clear Path for Veterans through its Wellness and Enrichment Program and Stress Is Gone with Brett Cotter, today announced the first-ever in-person Healing Haven for Military Spouses Wellness Retreat, a free, daylong event taking place November 14, 2026, at Clear Path for Veterans in Chittenango, Madison County.
Building on the Healing Haven for Military Spouses virtual program launched by DVS in December 2025 thanks to the historic investments in suicide prevention funding delivered by Governor Kathy Hochul in the 2025-26 State Budget, this inaugural in-person retreat on November 14 during Veterans Month, marks an important milestone in the initiative’s continued growth, bringing Military Spouses together face-to-face for a full day dedicated to their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. The event will offer hands-on wellness activities, stress reduction workshops, individualized benefits assistance, and opportunities to build meaningful connections with others who share the unique experiences of military family life.
The retreat will take place Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Clear Path for Veterans, located at 1223 Salt Springs Road in Chittenango, and is open to spouses of active-duty Service Members, National Guard and Reserve personnel, and Veterans.
Military Spouses play an essential yet often underrecognized role in supporting those who serve. From navigating deployments and frequent relocations to managing family responsibilities and supporting loved ones through the transition to civilian life, their contributions are fundamental to the strength and resilience of military families.
Healing Haven was established by DVS to recognize these experiences and provide Military Spouses with opportunities for self-care, emotional support, stress management, and connection. This first in-person retreat builds upon that mission by bringing wellness professionals, Veterans advocates, and community partners together in a welcoming, supportive environment.
The retreat will feature a variety of complimentary wellness activities, including:
- Chair massage and yoga
- Sound therapy and music therapy
- Meditative mindfulness
- Stress reduction workshops
- Clinical nutrition guidance
- Additional wellness experiences
Participants will also have access to valuable resources and support services, including:
- Legal services
- Veterans benefits assistance
- TRICARE assistance
- VA medical care enrollment
- VA home loan assistance
- FreshConnect Checks
- Additional programs and services for Military Families
The retreat is completely free for eligible Military Spouses. Clear Path for Veterans is generously providing the venue, breakfast, and lunch at no cost. Funding to cover childcare expenses for the day is also available upon request through DVS, helping remove a potential barrier to participation.
“Behind so many of our nation’s Veterans and Service Members are Military Spouses whose strength, sacrifice, and unwavering support make an immeasurable difference, often without the recognition they deserve,” said New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Dr. Viviana M. DeCohen. “Since launching Healing Haven virtually last December, we have remained committed to creating even more opportunities for Military Spouses to prioritize their own well-being. Hosting our first in-person retreat represents an exciting new chapter in that commitment, allowing us to bring people together, build meaningful connections, and provide direct access to valuable resources. Most importantly, we want these extraordinary individuals to know that their health and happiness matter, their contributions are valued, and they deserve the same compassion, care, and support they so generously provide to others.”
The retreat will also connect participants with DVS expert Veterans Benefits Advisors and other fellow professionals from partner Veterans Service Organizations who can help them better understand available benefits, navigate complex systems, and identify resources to support themselves and their families.
“Military Spouses are often the people holding everything together, managing households, navigating complicated benefits systems, supporting loved ones, and making countless sacrifices that are not always visible to the outside world,” said DVS Deputy Counsel Benjamin Pomerance, Esq. “We want this retreat to be more than simply a day of relaxation. Our goal is for participants to leave feeling supported, better informed about the benefits and resources available to them, and connected to people and organizations that can help them navigate the challenges they may face. By bringing wellness and practical assistance together in one welcoming environment, we are helping ensure that Military Spouses know they are not alone.”
A central component of the retreat will be opportunities for participants to learn practical techniques for managing stress, strengthening emotional resilience, and incorporating mindfulness and self-care into their daily lives. Brett Cotter, Founder of Stress Is Gone, brings more than 25 years of experience helping individuals address emotional stress, trauma, and anxiety through wellness education, mindfulness, and stress reduction techniques and is a nationally recognized expert and author in the field.
“Military Spouses carry tremendous emotional responsibilities, and too often their own stress and well-being take a back seat to the needs of everyone around them,” said Cotter. “Our goal is to create a welcoming, compassionate environment where participants can release stress, reconnect with themselves, and learn simple, practical techniques they can use long after the retreat ends. Healing begins when people feel safe, supported, and empowered to take care of themselves. We are honored to be part of an event that places the needs of Military Spouses at the center of that experience.”
Clear Path for Veterans, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families, will host the retreat at its Chittenango campus.
“Supporting Veterans means supporting the families who stand beside them,” said Ryan Woodruff, President and CEO of Clear Path for Veterans. “Military Spouses play an essential role in the strength and resilience of our military community, yet their own needs can sometimes be overlooked. At Clear Path, we believe that healing, connection, and a sense of belonging are fundamental to the well-being of the entire military family. We are proud to stand with DVS and Brett Cotter in welcoming Military Spouses to our campus for a day dedicated entirely to their health, happiness, and personal renewal.”
“As a Military Spouse, I know firsthand that military life can be both incredibly rewarding and deeply challenging. When I had the opportunity to work with DVS and help develop Healing Haven, we wanted to create something that truly reflected the experiences, challenges, and aspirations of Military Spouses, while giving them a space where they could focus on themselves as individuals,” said Cindy Meili, Onondaga County Veterans Service Agency Assistant Director, 2022 National Guard Military Spouse of the Year, and longtime advocate for Military Families. “We become so accustomed to adapting, finding solutions, and putting our families first that we sometimes forget to make time for ourselves. Seeing Healing Haven grow from an idea into a virtual program, and now into its first in-person retreat, is incredibly meaningful to me. We are more than the roles we fulfill for others. We have our own dreams, aspirations, and needs that deserve attention. My hope is that every Military Spouse who participates walks away with a renewed sense of purpose, a greater appreciation for their own worth, and the understanding that investing in themselves is just as important as everything they do for their families.”
EVENT DETAILS
Healing Haven for Military Spouses In-Person Wellness Retreat
Date: November 14, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Clear Path for Veterans, 1223 Salt Springs Road, Chittenango, NY 13037
Cost: Free for all eligible Military Spouses
Meals: Complimentary breakfast and lunch
Childcare: Funding assistance available upon request
RSVP Deadline: November 4, 2026
To RSVP: Email benjamin.pomerance@veterans.ny.gov
About the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services
The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services proudly serves New York’s Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families, connecting them with benefits, services, and support. All Who Served should contact the Department at 888-838-7697 or via its website – veterans.ny.gov – to meet in-person or virtually with an accredited Veterans Benefits Advisor to receive the benefits they have earned. Follow DVS on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Threads, Bluesky Social, and YouTube.
About Stress Is Gone
Founded by Brett Cotter, Stress Is Gone provides stress reduction education, wellness programming, coaching, and practical techniques designed to help individuals manage stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges. Its work includes supporting Veterans, first responders, and individuals affected by trauma through workshops, retreats, and educational resources. For more information, visit www.stressisgone.com.
About Clear Path for Veterans
Clear Path for Veterans is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Chittenango, New York, providing programs, services, and community connections that support Veterans, Service Members, and their families. Through wellness programming, peer support, career services, canine programs, and community partnerships, Clear Path works to foster healing, personal growth, and a sense of belonging. For more information, visit www.clearpath4vets.com.
