Advocate awards grant to Newark sanctuary assisting veterans with PTSD

The Advocate, along with the Gannett Foundation, have awarded its community grant this year to the Save a Warrior organization.

The $5,000 grant will assist Save A Warrior, a non-profit that has served hundreds of people across the United States since 2012.

The organization offers active-duty military personnel, veterans, and first responders living with PTSD a five-and-a-half day retreat where they will experience evidence-based program described as "war detox." Through this, they will learn coping mechanisms, establish peer relationships, and begin constructing a healthy, productive lifestyle.

"Providing help to an organization that assists our military heroes in their transition back to civilian life was a perfect fit four our grant program that is intended to improve our community," Advocate Editor Benjamin Lanka said.

The non-profit established its headquarters, Warrior Village, on a 47-acre sanctuary outside Newark. The facility is located on Gratiot Road south of the Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve.

"Save A Warrior is so grateful to be a part of the Licking County community and for the grant opportunity with The Advocate in Newark," said Nichelle Atkinson, director of development with the organization. "We couldn't imagine a more welcoming location to establish a center of excellence where we can provide healing to veterans and first responders suffering from post-traumatic stress and suicidal ideation. Thank you for being amazing friends and neighbors. We can't do it without you!"

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In 2019, Warrior Village is expected to provide services to at least 140 warriors. The retreat center, which previously served as a horse farm and vacation home, is the first and only facility that the organization owns according to the American Veterans of Ohio.