BAKERSFIELD,CA--You might have heard of a veterans stand down, where local organizations offer services to veterans in need and all in one place.
Saturday, a similar event was held at the DoubleTree Hotel in Bakersfield, but it was called a stand-up and geared toward women veterans in Kern County.
"So our stand-up is geared to women to identify their needs, empower them and provide resources to them," said Denita Oyeka, volunteer and veteran.
Kern County has held similar events called stand downs for veterans. One veteran, Starlyn Lara, said she felt those events were traditionally geared to help homeless vets.
"When you have a large population of homeless men and women in general, people don't feel comfortable in that environment," Lara said. "This is not only organized, but hosted by women veterans. Knowing that part makes it more inviting."
Jenny Maddern, an image consultant, was on hand to give women an extra boost of confidence.
"Help them build that self confidence through style and self esteem."
Maddern gave on-the-spot training to veteran Jessica Hayes.
"Finding a job is a little difficult because the Navy and the military has different standards from what normal work forces have," Hayes said. "So you kind of have to recreate yourself as a worker."
The Women Veterans Stand-Up also offered veterans help in health services and legal assistance.
"We have women veterans who were sexually assaulted in the military and then were kicked out under less than honorable conditions," said Attorney Elizabeth Kristin. "That can be a real barrier for them to access benefits they're entitled to."
State Senator Jean Fuller thinks the stand-up also benefits Kern County.
"When they came here today and met everybody else, they realized what a difference they could make in their community," Fuller said. "They were excited and I was excited to see that kind of an attitude."
Organizers hope to make the stand-up a yearly event in Kern County.
If you would like to learn more about veterans services, visit the California Veterans Assistance Foundation website.
http://www.cavaf.org