About Us
Our Story
BattleBetty Foundation is the journey of a Marine and the unwavering support of her Blue Star Mom. BattleBetty was started in 2018 by DeAndria Hardy, with a focus on providing support for fellow women veterans. Initially programming only including Peer Support meetings occurring in spare classrooms or coffee houses around Spartanburg. With DeAndria's mom, Karen, providing everything from encouraging support, transportation, snacks, to motherly hugs for any fellow veteran in need.
Over time, BattleBetty Foundation grew to providing essential items for women in need at homeless veteran stand downs after realizing the glaring gaps in items available for women. BattleBetty began providing hygiene kits and preforming street outreach.
Our Mission
BattleBetty Foundation is committed to empowering Women Veterans as they navigate post-transition life by providing wrap around supportive services and resources
Our Vision
To create an environment where every Woman Veteran is seen for her service, honored for her sacrifice and uplifted in her time of need
Our Founder
DeAndria L. Hardy
Corporal, United States Marine Corps
DeAndria is a service disabled veteran who served in the Marine Corps until 2014 when she was Honorably Discharged. Shortly after leaving the Marine Corps she found herself experiencing severe Post Traumatic Stress symptoms and unable to reconnect to her family and friends. The downward spiral led to self-isolation, joblessness and homelessness.
That all began to change in 2017. With the unwavering support of her mother, Karen and the mentorship of Mike Zacchea, Marine Corps Lt. Col (ret) thru the Entrepreneur Bootcamp for Veteran with Disabilities she found a new passion and purpose. Through her own journey she had a unique understanding of the challenges women deal with post-service while seeking support and resources. She made the commitment to her follow Women Veterans to be the support they need, thus BattleBetty was born
With the love and support of those around her, DeAndria has continued fighting on for the betterment of herself and all women veterans she meets.
Advisory Board of Directors
Dr. S. Gale Whitfield
Kathy Buckson-Fullenwider
Kathy Buckson-Fullenwider
Principal,
Fairfield Magnet School of Math & Science
*Veteran Spouse
Kathy Buckson-Fullenwider
Kathy Buckson-Fullenwider
Kathy Buckson-Fullenwider
Case Manager,
GLEAMS-LIHEAP of Spartanburg County