Protect Firefighter Resilience

First Responders (firefighters and EMS) stand ready to respond and assist when we are in our most difficult times, but who stands ready to assist them in their need?

Responding to traumatic situations exposes us to traumatic stress. We wear protective clothing to keep our bodies safe, but what about our minds and spirits? More and more the negative effects of traumatic situations are being realized as a hazard and threat to the very people who offer comfort to others - leading to diminished relationships, burnout, and even suicide. The very work for which we train - providing comfort and aid in disastrous situations - puts a weight on our mental and emotional health which will ultimately make it impossible for us to continue helping.
Through my work as a chaplain (and a volunteer First Responder) I plan to use information from my studies on traumatic stress to offer a retreat for my fellow volunteers to help them recover from this stress and strengthen themselves against it in the future, before it becomes a threat to their lives. Your donation will help by making sure this retreat (two nights in a peaceful & comfortable retreat center, five meals, curriculum and supplies) comes at no cost to the very people who will benefit the most from it!

All funds raised will go directly toward the cost of this retreat. Any excess will be put toward future retreats of this nature or, if no such retreat is to follow, will be donated toward a verified organization working for the mental health of First Responders.

Your help is greatly appreciated by me, as this is a dream of mine, but even more so it will be appreciated by the First Responders who benefit from this offering! Thank you for your help, but don't wait - this GoFundMe will end in early April! [UPDATE: April 8, specifically, will be the end date.]