Military Family Wellness Conference 2026

Schedule

Sat Nov 07 2026 at 09:00 am to 01:00 pm

UTC-05:00
Location

Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center | Newport News, VA

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Join us for a day of support and making connections with the Hampton Roads military community.
About this Event

Military Family Wellness Conference


Sponsored by The Newport News(VA) Chapter of The LINKS, Inc.

Come join us for a conference filled with informative workshops focused on promoting the well-being of military families in the Hampton Roads community. Whether you are an active duty service member, veteran, reservist , or military spouse, this event is designed to provide you with valuable resources and support. A hot breakfast and lunch will be provided and gift card raffles. The conference is free to attend. Registration is required to attend the conference. Registration deadline is October 30th. Seating is limited. Mark your calendars bring a friend and make your way to the Military Family Wellness Conference.

Contact information: [email protected]



Agenda
Military Family Wellness Conference Agenda

Info: * Agenda subject to change*


8:15AM-8:55AM Hot Breakfast
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:10 AM
Welcome and Greetings

Info: Ms. Andrea Donnor. President, Newport News(VA) Chapter of The Links Inc. , Ms. Latoya Jones, National Trends and Service, Chair, Newport News(VA) Chapter of The Links, Inc.


🕑: 09:10 AM - 09:20 AM
Department of Veterans Affairs
Host: Major General Wallace
🕑: 09:20 AM - 09:30 AM
Unmuting The Room

Info: Ms. Carol Dufresne-Skubic, The Newport News(VA) Chapter of The Links, Inc.


🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
MIND YOUR HEALTH PLENARY SESSION

Info: What does it truly mean to live a healthy life? This plenary session shifts the conversation from merely treating illness to actively cultivating good overall long-term health. Panelists:
Dr. Rana Graham Montague, MD Dentistry,
Dr. Jade L. Ranger, PharmD, The Prescription Shoppe,
Dr. Jamila Wynter, MD-Gastroenterology, Riverside Health, Mr. Charlie Hill, Community Health Advocate

Moderator: Dr. Ethlyn McQueen-Gibson, DNP,MSN,RN-BC. EVMS Glennan Geriatric & Gerontology Center, Urban League, Director Health Equity Education and Policy


BREAK: 10:00AM-10:15AM
🕑: 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Workshop 1 -Navigating VA Claims and Benefits

Info: This workshop provides veterans, family members, and advocates with an actionable roadmap to navigate and maximize the benefits administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Navigating these systems can be complex, and this workshop is designed to break down eligibility, core programs, and the application process into manageable components. Presenter: Ms. De'Ione Jenkins, CEO
Thru The Eyez of Color, LLC


BREAK: 10:45AM-10:55AM
🕑: 10:55 AM - 11:30 AM
Workshop 2-From Service to Success: Workforce & Entrepreneurship

Info: Unlock your next mission. This workshop helps veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses translate military leadership, discipline into a civilian career or small business ownership. Workshop Presenters: The Apprentice School, Hampton Roads Veterans Employment Center (Peninsula), Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity , Virginia Peninsula Community College/Newport News Trades Center
Moderator: Ms. Debra Carroll,Newport News (VA) Chapter of The Links, Inc.


BREAK: 11:30AM-11:45AM
🕑: 11:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Workshop 3-Trauma, Healing and Recovery

Info: True recovery for veterans requires a whole-person approach that stretches beyond traditional clinical settings. This workshop examines the vital components of holistic healing, detailing how peer support, and family-inclusive care accelerate trauma recovery. Dr. Patricia King, MD. Psychiatrist, Panelist(TBD)
Moderator: Ms. Latoya Jones


🕑: 12:20 PM - 12:45 PM
Rhythm in a Row- LINE DANCING
Closing Remarks, Ms. Andrea Donnor, President
Lunch(Take away)
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Where is it happening?

Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center, 2410 Wickham Avenue, Newport News, United States

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

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The Newport News(VA) Chapter of The Links, Inc.
Host or PublisherThe Newport News(VA) Chapter of The Links, Inc.

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