ABOUT US
The First Responders Resiliency Foundation cares for those who voluntarily sacrifice their physical and mental well-being for others. The Foundation’s aim is to be proactive in providing resources and education to improve the mind and body. We exist to make sure your call for help never goes unanswered.
Our Story
In the aftermath of the Champlain Towers collapse in Surfside on June 24, 2021, the Resiliency Foundation was established by Metro-Dade Firefighters Local 1403 to address the urgent mental health needs of first responders. This catastrophe highlighted the emotional and psychological toll on members of the first responder community, leading to the immediate creation of the Resiliency Hotline. This service connects first responders with licensed mental health professionals for an initial assessment and further psychotherapy sessions as needed. Since its inception, the hotline has facilitated 685 psychotherapy consultations for 100 first responders, with 70 receiving ongoing therapy and 30 benefiting from a single consultation. Within these consultations, 3 involved suicidal ideation, 40 centered around work stress, and 56 focused on managing anger and anxiety. This effort showcases a scalable model for broader implementation, ensuring comprehensive care.
Enhancing 24/7 Resilience Hotline
This initiative aims to significantly enhance a 24/7 resilience hotline for first responders in Dade County, with an immediate expansion plan targeting additional municipalities such as Hialeah, City of Miami, Key Biscayne, and potentially Monroe County. Addressing the urgent mental health needs of police, firefighters, and EMTs, the project requests a total funding of $250,000 to support:
What We Do:
Our top priority was the creation of a 24 hour/ 7 day a week hotline to be answered by a clinician, so our first responders’ calls are answered whenever they decide to reach out. It takes a lot for a first responder to decide they need help, and our goal was to have a culturally competent clinician ready to answer their call. Once the call is received, the clinician will set up an appointment to be completed within 48 hours for whatever needs the first responder requires.
What We Continue to Build Upon
Awareness: Through campaigns and events, we continue to reach out to our members and community about the importance of taking care of your physical and mental health. We bring in speakers that can tell stories of how they overcame mental struggles and physical ailments, while also helping our members recognize markers that help may be needed.
Education: The Foundation hosts classes through the International Association of Fire Fighters Peer Support and Resiliency certification classes so our members can assist their peers. We also host seminars and workouts with our clinicians and fitness trainers on specific subjects for our members to enjoy long and healthy careers.
Treatment: Those members that call our hotline or seek help from the Foundation are offered multiple free sessions with an IAFF culturally trained clinician. They are offered an in person or video session within 48 hours of initial contact and get to remain anonymous while getting treated.
Prevention:  It all starts with catching the members early with new classes and in the field. Hosting job related fitness sessions as often as we can and teaching our guys what to look for in ourselves and their peers over the course of their careers. The departments get us in physical shape during their academies, our goal is to push as many of our members to maintain it once they graduate and throughout their careers.
Building a Stronger Community
As you navigate through our website, you will discover a wealth of resources, stories of resilience, events, and information on how you can partner and contribute to our mission. Whether you are a first responder seeking support, a community member looking to get involved, or a supporter wanting to make a difference, the First Responders Resiliency Foundation welcomes you with open arms.Â
Join us in building a resilient community that honors and supports the heroes among us. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of first responders and ensure they receive the care and recognition they deserve.
Thank you for being a part of the First Responders Resiliency Foundation
GET INVOLVED
The Resiliency Foundation relies on donations from the community, private donors, and fundraising events to fund our programs assisting fire rescue personnel. If you would like to volunteer, donate, or learn more, please visit our website at www.resiliency.foundation, email us at [email protected] and follow us @firstrespponderresiliency foundation. With your support, we can continue this important work.
Contact
EMERGENCY HOTLINE
EMERGENCY HOTLINE