Transitional Home For Female War Veterans Facing Closure

Transitional Home For Female War Veterans Facing Closure
Lack Of Funding, Donations Mean The Great Spirit Lodge Will Close Permanently

Christine Dinh - 23ABC East Bakersfield Reporter
April 12, 2012

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Many female war veterans are coming back from combat zones only to end up on the streets.

"They do have a place to come, to run to. They don't need to be out there. We give them all love and support," said Great Spirit Lodge volunteer Nancy Grijalva.

Grijalva is talking about the Great Spirit Lodge -- a six-bed, transitional home for Native Americans and female veterans in central Bakersfield.

"They're coming back with PTSD and sexual trauma. Some have Purple Hearts so they served and they deserve," said the Great Spirit Lodge CEO James Leon.

Leon says the home offers services such as help with job searches, resume skills and veteran resources.

But this home, which has helped more than a dozen veterans since opening its doors two years ago, now needs your help.

"We're always at risk of closing our doors," said Leon.
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