Workshop Series for Military Veterans
At Pole Impact, our mission is to support and empower veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma or combat trauma by providing specialized pole and aerial program. We are dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive environment where survivors can rebuild their strength, regain their confidence, and find a supportive community. Through our innovative classes and workshops, we aim to facilitate physical healing, emotional resilience, and mental well-being, helping veterans reclaim their lives and thrive. Our commitment is to honor the courage and sacrifice of our veterans by offering a path to recovery and empowerment through the transformative power of pole and aerial arts.​​
How will we do this?
We have a three-month workshop series for women veterans with military sexual trauma or combat trauma. Our objective is to explore how pole fitness can contribute to healing physically, mentally, and emotionally.
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Pole Impact is fully sponsoring this workshop series, which will include 2-3 pole classes per week over three months. One of these classes will be exclusively for veterans, taught by our Founder — who is a woman veteran and certified pole instructor—to ensure a comfortable and supportive environment. This class will focus on basic pole movements and choreography flow. Participants can then select their additional classes from our regular offerings, such as Stretch, Choreo Flow, or HIIT That!
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To monitor progress, participants will complete surveys about their mental and physical health. At the end of the series, we will review the results and make any necessary adjustments to improve the program.
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Why are we doing this?
The suicide rate among women veterans increased
24.1% between 2020 and 2021. This is 4x higher than
the 6.3% increase among male veterans.
​Among nonveteran women, the suicide rate increased 2.6%.
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On average, 13% of women veterans have post-traumatic stress disorder – which is more than twice as much as male veterans. This is due in part to the prevalence of sexual trauma; 1 in 3 women veterans tell their VA health care provider they experienced sexual harassment or sexual assault while in the military. Women veterans also have a difficult time transitioning into civilian life and reclaiming their bodies; they often feel “de-feminized” by their military service.
Unfortunately, post-military assistance for women veterans consists of long wait times, and poor care that does not address all facets of the women veteran experience. Pole Impact disrupts this inequity in wellbeing by providing women veterans with a safe outlet where they can feel empowered – mentally, physically, and socially – after their military service. The strength and flexibility that pole develops can support women with their individual health journeys and boost their confidence. The sexiness of pole can also help these women to regain their love for their bodies after enduring sexual trauma and/or the de-feminization of the military. Pole as exercise can improve mental, physical, and emotional health. Our studio also offers social wellbeing by providing a community of enthusiastic, supportive individuals who love pole and believe in its healing power.
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How can I get involved?
For Military Veterans: If you are a military veteran, regardless of your gender, you may be eligible for free class passes or reduced tuition at Pole Impact. To receive your discount, please email us at veteransprogram@poleimpact.org
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Workshop Series Application: If you are interested in participating in the three-month Pole Workshop Series for Military Veterans, please complete the application here:
Donations: Pole Impact is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
100% of donations fund scholarships for veterans.
If you would like to support our cause, please click the link below or contact us at veteransprogram@poleimpact.org.
We appreciate you!
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As always, we thank you for your service to this beautiful country.
Funded in part by the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services as made available through the Arizona Veterans’ Donations Fund.