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Right Turn for Yuma Veterans get some TLC from Fort Yuma Rotary Club

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News 11's Adonis Albright speaks with the organizations to learn more about the renovations

YUMA, Ariz, (KYMA, KECY) - The Fort Yuma Rotary Club typically does a service project every year. This year, the organization decided to give some TLC to the Right Turn for Yuma Veterans, a local non-profit that provides transitional housing for veterans in the Yuma community. The transitional housing received several renovations in May, including new lighting, fresh painting, roof repairs, and more.

“We decided that this was time, it was a perfect opportunity... It just all happened, we bloomed and we just kept saying ‘Let’s do more, we want to do more’, and we came here and it’s just been exciting", said Leslie McClendon, a member of the Fort Yuma Rotary Club and Yuma City Councilmember.

The transitional housing, according to Judy Smith, the CEO of the Right Turn for Yuma Veterans, is roughly 100-years-old. The organization provides services to homeless or at-risk veterans in the community, and is also part of the Child and Family Services, which provides families and children with therapy and life skills.

Richie Rubi is a 14 year combat veteran who served in the Marine Corps in Iraq. He lives in the transitional housing with his fellow veterans, and serves as a mentor and resident manager with the Right Turn for Yuma Veterans. When Rubi got out of the military, he had a hard time transitioning to civilian life - a story many veterans know all too well.

“I did look at being homeless, which is what brought me to Right Turn for Yuma Veterans... Here I am, I’m one of the success stories", said Rubi.

Rubi is now paying it forward by helping veterans navigate the legal system and identifying their needs.

“We are here helping veterans - veterans do require a lot of services. A lot of times, they don’t tell you what they need. They come here because they might need a roof over their head, and we find out there’s so many other things they’re lacking, and that’s where we come in and we help them out.”

The Right Turn for Yuma Veterans relies heavily on donations to help get veterans back on their feet, as well as any household items they need once they move out of transitional housing.

“Almost everything is important to us. Towels, wash cloths, dish towels", said Smith.

The Right Turn for Yuma Veterans is located at 257 S Third Avenue in Yuma. To find out more about how to get involved or donate, you can visit their website or Facebook page. You can also call 928-783-2427 or email office@rightturnyumavets.com.

More information about the Fort Yuma Rotary Club can be found here, or you can send an email to fortyumarotaryinfo@gmail.com. You can also find them on Facebook.

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Adonis Albright

Adonis Albright anchors the News 11 shows at 5 PM, 6 PM, and 10 PM.

If you have a great story idea, you can reach him at adonis.albright@kecytv.com.

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