How WCC Writing Workshops Empower Veterans 

“Writing alongside like-minded women—fellow Veterans—created an experience unlike any other. In those moments, we weren’t just telling our stories; we were seeing ourselves in each other’s words. We weren’t alone.”  – Debbie Adams, Veteran & WCC facilitator 

Writers Collective of Canada (WCC) is a charitable arts-health organization that illuminates the authentic voice within every person through the power of storytelling.  

With the support of True Patriot Love Foundation and donors like you, WCC offers writing workshops that create space for Veterans to explore their experiences, strengthen resilience, and build meaningful connections. 

In every WCC workshop, participants gather in community to write, listen deeply, and be heard. Guided by trained facilitators like Stacy Wyngaarden and Debbie Adams, these workshops cultivate an environment of courage and respect, where every voice matters. 

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 “For a long time, I distanced myself from other Veteran women because of the pain surrounding my own discharge from service.” 

Writing as a Path to Connection and Growth 

Writing together is an act of reflection, a way to navigate the past while embracing the present and imagining the future. It is a process of self-discovery through which participants reconnect with themselves and with others. In a private workshop series like those offered to Veterans through True Patriot Love, this process happens among a group of peers with a shared journey. 

For Debbie, this practice has been profoundly transformative. 

“For a long time, I distanced myself from other Veteran women because of the pain surrounding my own discharge from service. I thought separating myself was the only way forward. But through this community, I’ve been able to see what was best about my time in service—not just the challenges, but the camaraderie, resilience, and shared understanding. I’ve realized that I do need these sisters, not just to share stories, but to heal, grow, and move forward together.” 

WCC’s Six Essential Practices ensure that every participant—whether they have written before or are putting pen to paper for the first time—feels supported and valued. Under a WCC facilitator’s careful guidance, writing in community is more than a creative practice; it is a tool for healing and transformation. 

“Writing with female Veterans, understanding a shared experience, knowing you’re not alone, and being in an environment that explores deep listening over being the loudest voice in the room has changed so much in my life it’s difficult to put into perspective,” says Stacy. 

From Participant to Facilitator 

For some, writing in a WCC workshop is just the beginning of a multifaceted journey of transformation.  

Many participants go on to become volunteer facilitators, creating brave spaces for others to write, reflect, and grow. Yet others create their own workshop series, bringing the many benefits to other individuals and communities they are connected to. 

Stacy shared her journey from writer to facilitator. “Still stuck in the mindset of not prioritizing me, I almost didn’t accept the offer [to train as a WCC facilitator]. I went for a long walk and considered some positive thoughts of ‘what if’: What if I can provide a space for others, like me, who just need to be heard? What if I can spark something in just one person? What if I am seen as an equal in a Veteran group? What if I grow more as a human? Most importantly, what if it all works out? 

“All of these questions—and the sunrise that morning—brought beautiful colours of hope and understanding that perhaps I needed this more than WCC needed me. Maybe I would grow more as a person, as a mother, as a wife—and as a human whose greatest desire is to see my reflection as enough. I had to choose my “busy” wisely and make my time a priority.” 

What makes this experience truly special is the bond we share—we are all Veteran women, peers who understand each other in a way few others can. 

Debbie echoes the deep fulfilment that comes from leading WCC workshops. 

“Becoming a facilitator in this program has been one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made. I love the creative process of choosing writing prompts each week, knowing that they will spark reflection and connection. What makes this experience truly special is the bond we share—we are all Veteran women, peers who understand each other in a way few others can. In this space, we cheer each other on, share our stories, and grow together. Knowing that I’ve played a role in fostering that deep connection is incredibly fulfilling.” 

Through WCC’s facilitator training, Veterans who have experienced the impact of writing together step into leadership, creating space for others to find their voice. It is a powerful reminder: when we lift others, we grow ourselves. 

Your Story Matters—Join Us 

With the support of True Patriot Love Foundation, WCC continues to deliver its workshops for Veteran women, ensuring greater access to spaces where they can bravely write, connect, and heal. WCC anticipates expanding its program delivery to soon include writing workshops for Veteran men and military families.   

One of the most powerful outcomes of these workshops is Then, I Was A Dragon, a chapbook featuring writing from veteran participants of a True Patriot Love-enabled workshop series.

This collection amplifies the voices of those who have served in the Canadian military. Explore it here as a testament to how the WCC workshop experience creates a wide-open space for self-discovery and expression. 

If you are a Veteran looking for an empowering community, an opportunity to explore your authentic voice, to deepen your listening skills, and to be heard, we invite you to join. If you feel called to hold space for others, WCC’s facilitator training provides an opportunity to lead and inspire. 

Writing together empowers every voice, celebrates every story, and creates lasting change. Your voice matters. Your story deserves to be heard.  

Register Now for Upcoming Workshops 

WCC is proud to announce the return of its A Force for Women: Her Story workshop series, offered in partnership with True Patriot Love. The workshops welcome women-identified Canadians who have served in the military.

Dates: July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30 

Time: 5 PM – 6:30 PM ET 

Registration is free. No writing experience required. Workshops are virtual via Zoom and participants are welcome to register for one, many, or all workshops in this series.

REGISTER FOR A FORCE FOR WOMEN: HER STORY