Warriors Heart Lodge rolls out welcome mat
Handcrafted items made by those in treatment at Warriors Heart were on sale at last Saturday’s grand opening of the Warriors Heart Lodge. BULLETIN PHOTO/Chuck McCollough
Warriors Heart Lodge turned on the welcome lights and fired up the BBQ grill to invite the community to its grand opening last Saturday, May 22, held in sync with
Visitors to the grand opening enjoyed a number of amenities including food, drinks, face painting, looking at large first responder vehicles, and large and small dogs brought by the visitors.
Warriors Heart acquired the former Bandera Lodge on Hwy 16 about six months ago to help meet the growing needs of treating “warriors” (active-duty military, veterans, first responders and EMTs/Paramedics) struggling with addiction, PTSD, mild traumatic brain injury and other co-occurring issues.
The 38-room lodge has undergone an amazing change allowing 52 warriors to have structured living after successfully completing the Warriors Heart Inpatient Program.
Visitors to the grand opening got to see the many changes and amenities available at Warriors Heart Lodge.
Co-Founder Lisa Lannon said the look of the lodge, especially the rooms, was changed to feel more like home rather than a hotel.
The bar was taken out and turned into a group room, the restaurant remodeled and turned into a chow hall for the clients.
“The rooms all have different looks and a warmer and friendly feel”, said Luis Moreno, a Warriors Heart partner.
“Clients have time to transition in a safe environment after residential treatment,” added Moreno.
Warriors also have fellowship and gatherings at the swimming pool, large patio with outdoor seating and a custom gas grill for cookouts.
Many attend fire pit AA meetings at the river at night or reflect there during the day. In their down time, clients can play volleyball, horseshoes or badminton.
Warriors Heart Lodge also hosts an open Warriors Anonymous meeting that any local warrior can attend who is in recovery and needs support. Meetings are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7 p.m.
Additionally, local law enforcement, EMS and firefighters are welcome to come have free breakfast Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. if in uniform.