First Responder Support Network

Learn more about our Significant Others and Spouses (SOS) Retreat through FRSN’s SOS Peer Director, Jamie Schuster:

“PTSD doesn’t only affect the first responder who experiences the trauma—it touches every person who loves them. Spouses, significant others, and widows often carry the weight of hyper-vigilance, emotional distance, sleepless nights, anxiety, and the overwhelming feeling of walking through life alone, while trying to support the one they love or honor those they have lost. Connection is lost, isolation becomes the norm and feeling completely alone seems the only thing tolerable.

Through a small, intimate retreat experience, SOS provides a safe space for spouses, widows, and significant others of first responders to share their stories, learn about the impact of trauma and PTSD, and begin their own healing journey; focusing (sometimes for the first time) on the clients own trauma, wounds and pain.

SOS is a community of understanding, compassionate, and supportive peers with backing of trained mental health professionals. It offers a place where individuals can put down the burden they have carried for so long, speak openly without judgment, and discover strength in knowing others have walked a similar path and have learned to thrive.

When PTSD affects a home healing must extend beyond the first responder alone. SOS helps restore hope, strengthen relationships, and remind those who stand beside our heroes that their well-being matters too. Because behind every first responder is a family making sacrifices, carrying unseen struggles, and deserving support, healing, and hope.”

More info & how to register: https://www.frsn.org/significant-others-and-spouses-sos-retreat.html.

A huge thank you to our friends at Rincon Family Dental for generously matching $500 for the first Courage Counts Challenge participant or team to raise $500 in donations between June 15 and 30! 💙

Every donation helps support first responders and their significant others on their journey toward healing and resilience.

Donate today and help us reach our $15,000 fundraising goal!

https://givebutter.com/courage-counts-challenge-prrysv

This week, the First Responder Support Network team had the privilege of participating in a virtual naloxone (Narcan) training led by Micah and Michelle, founders of Sonoma County nonprofit Micah’s Hugs. 💙

As part of our ongoing commitment to safety across all FRSN retreat sites, we will soon have Narcan available at our programs thanks to the generosity of Micah’s Hugs.

The training provided valuable education on recognizing the signs of an overdose, responding effectively in an emergency, and understanding fentanyl and today’s evolving drug landscape.

We are grateful for Micah and Michelle’s time, expertise, and dedication to saving lives through education, awareness, and access to life-saving resources. Thank you for helping us strengthen the safety and preparedness of our retreat community.

Learn more about this incredible organization here: https://micahshugs.org