Ed continues, “First responders don’t have free access to these programs, yes, they have their employees assistance programs, but they don’t understand or focus on the issues with First Responders, also they don’t trust them to be confidential since they are associated with their employer. They need free and confidential help!” If you would like to help, they have a list of things that they say the ministry is in need of. “Donations of meeting spaces, counseling spaces, office space. Donation of time by trauma trained councilors/therapists for group and one on one conferences. Help finding funding, researching and writing grant’s, building partnerships with city, county and state First Responder admissions and associations. Financial donations of all kinds. Help with fund raising.” If you want to help, you can contact Ed and Stacy through the First Responders Ministry website here: https://www.firstresponderministry.org/contact
The Big Dream
1) The “House of Hope”, a place for First Responders to receive free mental and spiritual counseling, one on one, families, groups, in a residential, home setting, 100% confidential and private. PTSD treatment, resistance training, family counseling, spiritual support, teen and children counseling, marriage counseling, All 100% free. 2) “Camp Hope” an outdoor setting, with 10 cabins and a large lodge, for First Responder retreats, to benefit spiritually, emotionally and mentally, a safe place to relax, find happiness and joy, to connect with their families, a place to find peace. Also 100% free (maybe they pay for food) 3) A statewide First Responder Chaplain Program, an outreach program to support all First Responders, emotional, mentally, physically and spiritually. 4) A statewide Peer Support program for all First Responders. 5) Activities, conferences and workshops to support First Responders and their families.
Not only are they doing great work with helping support First Responders, but they also run an Eagle Mountain based business called Know Where To Hold Them, a firearm equipment and training company. Stacy explains a little more about this business:
We have a conceal carry class and a women’s self protection class as a fundraiser for one of our son’s Arsenal soccer teams. Both classes will be held at Smith’s Grocery store in Saratoga in their community room. People can register on my website: www.knowwheretoholdem.com and the click on training. I will donate 50% of the profits back to the team. We are doing classes in both October and November. Conceal carry dates-$40-October 19, November 16th (only need to attend one), Self Protection class dates: $20-October 23rd, November 27th (only need to attend one).
This is an Cedar Valley Sentinel (formerly i84005) Resident Spotlight. If you know a resident that you would like for us to spotlight, please let us know. You can view other resident spotlights on our Resident Spotlights page.
Additional Resources
First Responders Website First Responders Facebook Page First Responders email: edhenry@firstresponderministry.org Know Where to Hold Em website
Mike Kieffer is an IT geek by hobby and trade, with a BS in Information Systems & Technology. He is a proud father of 10, a grandpa, an author, a journalist, and internet publisher. His motto is to “Elevate, Inspire and Inform”, and he is politically conservative and a Christian. Mike has a passion for technology, writing, and helping others. With a wealth of experience, he is committed to sharing his knowledge with others to help them reach their full potential. He is known for his jackassery or his form of self-expression that encourages boldness, creativity, and risk-taking. It can be a way to push the boundaries and challenge traditional norms, leading to creative solutions and positive change.