DRAFT: 2023 FRSN Annual Report

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

2023: The Year in Review

FIRST RESPONDER SUPPORT NETWORK

20+ YEARS STRONG

Message from the FRSN Chair

As we find ourselves on the other side of a global pandemic that impacted each one of us, the First Responder Support Network (FRSN) has proven its worth over and over again in providing trauma support to first responders and their families.

For over 20 years, FRSN has helped over 2,200 first responders and responder partners at our headquarters in Angwin, CA, and at our satellite operations around the country.

We are quickly approaching the 20th anniversary of our SOS program which helps responder partners. None of the success over the years would have been possible without the dedication and commitment of our first responder family and program supporters throughout the United States.

We look forward to building on the legacy of those who came before us and stand committed to helping save those who have dedicated their lives to saving others.

SUE FARIA

2023 CHAIRPERSON BOARD OF TRUSTEES

FRSN Board Chair Sue Faria speaks at the October 7, 2023 volunteer appreciation event in Angwin, CA.

ACROSS THE COUNTRY

Message from the Executive Director

“Saving the lives of those who save others” captures the very essence of our mission and the vital reason for our organization’s being.

Each day, local heroes across the country place themselves in situations that most of us could not begin to comprehend. The impact of those critical incidents on first responders who selflessly dedicate their lives to helping others often leaves deep wounds that are not easily or readily healed.

Enter FRSN.

In 2023, FRSN and its team of clinicians, peer supporters, clergy and other supporters helped 170 first responders and their life partners find resilience and hope once again. These become lifelong journeys for those who are accustomed to saving others. The strength and courage it takes for them to take the first step towards their own healing has ripple effects on communities throughout the United States.

On behalf of the FRSN team, we are proud to support the heroes among us!

MOLLY WILLENBRING FRSN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

200

...virtual support meetings were held throughout 2023 with first responders who experienced critical incident trauma. These meetings were guided by FRSN counselors or volunteer peer supporters.

2,100+

...first responders and significant others have participated in FRSN trauma retreats since FRSN began in 2001 (verify this date).

99% ...of first responders who participated in FRSN 6-day residential retreats would recommend the WCPR critical incident trauma treatment program to their peers.

300 ...volunteer first responder peers are trained each year to provide support not only during FRSN residential retreats, but throughout the year for ongoing resiliency support.

The impact of critical incident trauma

FROM THE START

With inspired vision, caring hearts and a collective will to impact change, a group of dedicated leaders rallied together to begin the First Responder Support Network nearly 25 years ago.

The First Responder Support Network model is based on the power of community and the value of witnessing, understanding and support from those who have travelled a similar path.

Those who initially paved the way were recognized at an October 2023 event at the FRSN Angwin facility (pictured below). Our eternal gratitude goes to:

Mark and Paula Kamena

Joel Fay

Ann Buscho

Dian Barkan

Marilyn Wooley

Jan Heglund

Thank you bringing FRSN to life!

Dr. Joel Fay

Paula Kamena

Dr. Mark Kamena

Dr. Ann Buscho

Dr. Marilyn Wooley

Rev. Jan Heglund

Dian Barken

37% ....of first responders have experienced suicidal thoughts — that is 10 times the typical American adult (source: SAMSHA)

1/3 ...of first responders develop behavioral health conditions such as depression and post traumatic stress (source: Nationa Library of Medicine)

A PATH TO HEALING

West Coast Posttrauma Retreat (WCPR)

(REWRITE THIS SECTION) A jumpstart towards recovery and health, FRSN offers intensive six-day retreats. During these six days, first responders receive group and individual therapy, process critical incidents and learn tools and skills for managing stress. Licensed clinicians, trained peers and chaplains live side-by-side with first responders, facilitating groups and are available to listen and respond 24/7.

Each FRSN retreat is a unique, immersive experience helping first responders process their traumatic incidents. Six first responder clients are supported in healing by up to 25 volunteers over six days, and usually long after the retreat has ended. Peers who have attended as clients come back again and again to help their fellow first responders and to support their own ongoing recovery.

Through intensive debriefing and peer support, first responders at WCPR retreats work through traumatic experiences, learn to understand their reactions, and develop skills to deal with painful memories and new critical incidents. They leave the retreat with new insights, positive coping skills, and a focus on resilience.

FIRST RESPONDER SUPPORT NETWORK

First responders and their significant others throughout the United States can attend 6-day residential WCPR and SOS trauma treatment retreats in one of five locations: at the FRSN headquarters in Angwin, CA; or at FRSN satellites in Oregon, Washington, Kansas or Indiana.

2023 ANNUAL REPORT

FRSN RETREAT LOCATIONS

AT THE HEART OF IT ALL

Significant Others and Spouses (SOS)

(REWRITE THIS SECTION) The SOS residential program offers a healing environment for emergency responders’ partners and spouses, who have been affected by their loved one’s critical incidents. The program provides insight into the stress their partners experience at work and understanding about how that job stress may result in negative behavior at home. SOS breaks the isolation of living with a first responder by giving partners a place to share common experiences. Participants hear first-hand from peers who share their personal journeys of trauma, recovery, and resilience, helping them build healthier relationships and strengthen communication with their partners and their families.

FRSN CLIENTS SAY IT BEST

(The WCPR) retreat has helped me feel again, and open up. I can’t say enough about this place and how grateful I am.

Over 2,100 first responders have attended the FRSN residential trauma treatment retreats. In 2023, 170 first responders and significant others learned life-changing skills to build resiliency and heal from trauma experienced during critical incidents. Here’s a few things our amazing clients have to say...

I was able to gain a new perspective of my career, and my life that will let me move forward. The program is truly a return to life program, and I feel ready to return to and move forward with my life in a positive way.

The ability for me to open up and share my struggles, in a safe place, was WOW!!

I came (to the WCPR retreat) thinking about killing myself. I'm leaving hopeful and optimistic.

Thank you for helping me get my life back!

IN LOCKSTEP

FRSN Peer support is game-changing for clients

Keeping in lockstep during client recovery is a team of dedicated Peer volunteers. These vital volunteers give their time in service of first responders’ recovery from post-traumatic stress and help ensure the ratio of staff to clients is always 2 to 1, or better at all FRSN client retreats. When retreats have concluded, FRSN Peers remain connected, offering ongoing support and connection to a caring community for long-term resiliency.

FRSN offers online support meetings at least once per week for both WCPR and SOS programs. Volunteers and staff members give their time to provide the ongoing assistance and encouragement needed to sustain healthy behavior and resiliency, especially for those in areas where in-person support meetings are not available. This wider community of peer support sustains many first responders all over the country.

FRSN offers AB 1117-compliant, California POST-approved Basic Peer Support Training classes, as well as advanced Peer Support Training. The course provides students with an understanding of basic peer support skills, Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), information about starting and maintaining peer support programs, and information regarding treatment and support for traumatic stress.

A DECADE IN REVIEW

FRSN has experienced tremendous growth in the last 10 years and continues to expanD its impact on first responders and their significant others.

The number of first responders who participated in FRSN’s WCPR 6-day residential treatment program increased 74% between 2013 to 2023.

The number of law enforcement participants in WCPR increased nearly 50% and the number of firefighters doubled in the last decade.

The Significant Others Support (SOS) 6-day trauma treatment program has seen an 85% increase in the past 10 years.

Nearly 150 first responders participated in WCPR retreats around the country in 2023.

SOS trauma retreats help support the signficant others and life partners of first responders who have experienced critical incident trauma. These unsung heroes are a vital element of the first responder family and their resilienc and mental well-being is crucial.

TO THE RESCUE

2023 FRSN Donors changing first responder lives

Only through the generous support of FRSN donors through the years have thousands of first responder lives been changed. FRSN is grateful to all those who made financial contributions in 2023 — thank you!

Platinum Level ($10,000 and up)

Mark and Paula Kamena

Rachael Weinstein

Gold Level ($5,000 - $9,999)

Amador Community Foundation

Joel Fay

Danielle Francis

Merced Running Club

Show Me Charitable Foundation

Violet World Foundation

Bronze Level ($1,000 - $4,999)

Ann Buscho

Ben Bynes

Ellis Joint Living Trust

Immanuel Christian Reformed Church

Hugh and Wendy Kendrick

Emil and Lenore Maionchi Trust

Bryan Morse

Noblesville Police Department

Jean Remer

Albert Veldstra

FIRST RESPONDER SUPPORT NETWORK

Silver Level (up to $999)

Diane Aceves

Lisa Banayet

Kevin Barnett

Donnell Bell

Anne Bisek

Judith Burns

Stephen Burns

Jeffrey Buscher

Brian and Donna Cahill

Tim Chan

Charles Christensen

Greg Collaço

William Comstock

Travis Conti

John Coon

Jessica Cooper

Linda Cortez

Megan Crockett

Doug Cyr

Katherine Czesak

Patricia and Leland Davis

Jody and Jay Dieke

Gerry and Judith Dinneen

Kevin Dinneen

Mary Dornbush

Sue Faria

Dennis Goodman

Christine and Zack Gunderson

Justin Hettich

John and Ginger Kadlec

Ken Katz

Katherine Kelleher

Kurt Krukenberg

Dave Lake

Robert Larsen

Shannon Litle

James Matthews

Colleen McNichol

Paget Mitchell

Rebecca Moleski

National Assoc. of EMTs

Noblesville FOP Lodge 198

2023 ANNUAL REPORT

Jacob Oosterman

Russ Overstreet

Molly Pengel

Suzanne Pregerson

Karen and Lawrence Queen

Christine Rodvold

Joshua Rubin

Rick Russell

Margaret Saget

Roberta Sardell

Phyllis Sharrow

Steven Smircich

Carla Strong

Brittany Thomas-Vestal

United Way of the Wine Country

Mark Vitha

Lucia Wade

Nathan Weissich

Roger Williams

Ted and Lisa Williams

frsn board of trustees

2023-2024

Sue Faria 2023 Chair

Molly Willenbring Executive Director

Ginger Kadlec Trustee

Linda Green 2023 Vice Chair

Nathan Schlitz 2024 Chair

Sara Asnault 2024 Vice Chair

Nancy Zellers 2023-24 Secretary

Albert Veldstra 2023-24 Treasurer

Jade DeFrates Trustee

Patty Delaluna Trustee

Tyler Faussett Trustee

Kellie Smith Trustee

Catherine Stern Trustee

Roger Williams Trustee

Derrek Kaff Trustee

The FRSN Board of Trustees thanks Linda Green and Derrek Kaff for their past service, and welcomes new 2024 Trustees Jade DeFrates, Patty Delaluna, Kellie Smith, and Catherine Stern to the Board.

frsn division leadership

frsn standing committees

Finance Committee: Albert Veldstra (Chair), xxxxxxxxxx

Governance Committee: Roger Williams (Chair), Sara Asnault, xxxxx

Development Committee: Tyler Fausset (2023 Chair), Nancy Zellers (2024 Chair), Ginger Kadlec and Chad Lingle.

Board Recruitment & Retention Committee: Nancy Zellers (Chair), xxxxxxx

Molly Willenbring Executive Director

Nick Turkovich WCPR Director

Amanda Sager SOS Peer Director

Cyndee Thomas Chaplain Director

Alicea Reddy Administrative Director

Doug Cyr Clinical Director

Mark Kamena Director of Research