INVITATION TO YEAR END GIVING

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You belong to the Resilient Hero community because you care about the mental health and wellbeing of First Responders. Thank you.

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Do you recall how often I say that First Responders are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty? (Ruderman White paper, 2018). It is always a startling fact, isn’t it? A fact central to Rob’s story.

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A Story to That Will Break Your Heart

 

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Rob was a veteran police officer with 11 years of experience. He was a family man -- married with an eight-year-old daughter that he adored. Rob had marital issues that led to a separation from his wife where she moved out of the home with their daughter. The stress of his marriage and the pressure from his police work took a toll on his mental health. Rob suffered from anxiety, panic attacks and sleep deprivation. He took to alcohol and psychotropic medication to cope—then came the suicidal thoughts. Rob lost hope and felt that there was no point going on.

 

Rob took his own life, not knowing who to turn to or what to do to fight through his struggles. A psychological autopsy later revealed that Rob had suffered head trauma from squad car accidents but never received medical treatment. He coped with severe mood swings, migraines and anxiety while continuing to put himself in the line of duty. A Psychological Autopsy also revealed that Rob had struggled with trauma from witnessing the most horrific scenes that he had responded to, including a child murdered in a microwave by its parents.

We owe it to Rob and other first responders who have died by suicide to provide others with a proactive approach to self-care and avoid crisis, which can reduce suicide outcomes.

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Let me stop here, and ask you what you are feeling? Sad, distraught, even angry? I too felt all those things. Hence my invitation to you to support us right now. Channel those powerful emotions into doing good.

 

Your Gift Now Makes All This Happen

 

​​You know that First Responders include Police, Firefighters, Paramedics, Dispatchers, and Military. The mental health challenges and suicides of First Responders result from their frequent exposure to traumatic events. Lack of education about trauma and suicide risk factors make it challenging for first responders to properly care for themselves.

Resilient Heroes is proactively addressing this crisis through psychoeducation in a group setting, and we invite you to support us with whatever for you is a significant year-end gift. Allow me to explain.

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Your year-end giving is an expression of celebrating the holidays, remembering those in need, and stretching where you can to give the most possible. Be assured that all that you give is appreciated, celebrated, and acknowledged.

 

Our approach with First Responders is interactive, combining conversation, scenario-based learning. Our training covers just a few hours, or a half or full day. They take place nationwide, wherever I am asked to offer one.

Your year-end gift will be used toward these critical program costs. A day in the life of Resilient Heroes costs roughly $246.57. Please give this amount if you can, or any amount that is a significant gift for you, no matter its size.

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We are a nonprofit organization, Federal Tax ID# 93-1902230, and all contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

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Your gift even gives us a certified trauma therapy dog (Arlo- a bullmastiff) in our programs.​​

 

 

 

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​​​Arlo works magic, believe me!

 

Our trainings cover topics including trauma, suicide risk factors, diminished protective factors, mental health, self-advocating skills, and the resources that are available. The goal is to provide First Responders with the necessary tools to manage their mental health and self-care effectively, just as they are trained to perform their duties professionally.

Resilient Heroes also conducts psychological autopsies to provide a data driven analysis to help First Responders understand the manifestation of suicide and understanding the root causes and trauma that led these individuals to choose a permanent solution of suicide. By equipping them with the knowledge of coping mechanisms, Resilient Heroes strives to reduce the incidence of crisis situations, lower suicide ideation, and promote healthy living during and post their careers.

Additional instructional topics include difficulties with interpersonal relationships; Traumatic Brain injuries; Understanding cultural differences; Effects of sleep disturbances; The ill effects of substance use as a coping mechanism.

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I am Elizabeth Pol and I Train First Responders  

 

You may have met me online, or in person. I am Elizabeth “Liz” Pol, CEO & Founder of Resilient Heroes. I am a Chicago Police Officer serving over 20 years. I hold a master’s degree in forensic psychology.

My unique blend of law enforcement and mental health expertise allows me to lead psychoeducation training that deeply resonates with first responders. My dual experience enables me to connect with officers on a personal level, fostering understanding and support that others without a law enforcement background lack.

I am also a suicide psychological Autopsy Investigator with the American Association of Suicidology. In that role I have conducted suicide psychological autopsies of first responders who have taken their lives. These autopsies provide critical insights into the factors that contribute to suicide, offering valuable data to inform of proactive practices with a goal of reducing suicides.

By supporting Resilient Heroes at year-end, you will join our small but dedicated community, you directly contribute to the mental health and resilience of first responders.

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The effort to meet this unique need is not self-sustaining. Your support will facilitate the delivery of trauma and suicide training, expert instructors, comprehensive materials, and ongoing support services nationwide.

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We rely on your donation to make a substantial impact in the fight against suicide.

 

Some supporters join me at training to staff a literature table, or similar support roles.

 

Some supporters make monthly donations of $10 or more, funds they can spare.

Won’t you give all that you can?

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I previously mentioned that a day in the life of Resilient Hero’s costs $257. That is a real bargain for just under $100,000 a year annual budget. We are all volunteers too, so your funds go towards essential costs only.

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Click below to to make your year-end donation now. Thank you for supporting our first responders in the fight against suicide.

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Also, please subscribe to our contact list so we can stay in touch through our newsletter. ​If you are interested in a chat, please contact me at (773)842-9784 or via email at liz@resilientheroes.com.

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Thank you for supporting our first responders in the fight against suicide.

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Fondly,​

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Elizabeth Pol

Founder, Resilient Heroes

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