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VOA|ReST 4 First Responders

Hosted By
Madonna A.
Thursday, Apr 18, 2024 | 07:00pm - 08:00pm EDT
Free
12 seats remaining
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About this meeting
First Responders Supporting First Responders: Free Confidential Group Conversations for First Responder Resilience. VOA|ReST 4 First Responders are peer-to-peer small group support sessions designed to help First Responders process feelings of moral discomfort and distress while reclaiming strength and commitment to their profession. VOA|ReST 4 First Responders offers a virtual place for First Responders to speak openly and honestly with peers about the challenges and impact of their work. Group sessions are welcoming to all First Responders across the United States seeking to connect in a trusted environment with other First Responders. Anything shared within the group remains confidential allowing everyone an opportunity to speak freely without fear of judgment or repercussions. Peers have the opportunity to bring their real selves – no need to be tough, no need to hide emotions.
Hosts

  • Host

    Madonna A.

    Peer Supporter

    Certified Peer Supporter

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  • Co-host

    Mary L.

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About the host
Madonna J. Arsenault, M.Div., CSD, Chaplain, CPSS *Blessings of deep peace be with you; I’m grateful you are here. I come from a long line of indigenous healers, and am a Christian believer. *I’m also a teacher of beautiful things and an encourager of spirit with many years of experience of providing spiritual and emotional care with persons who are our most vulnerable from diverse populations, bringing hope to life. *Credentials: M.Div., Master of Divinity, Hospital Chaplain, Hospice Chaplain, Chaplain and Minister for Volunteers of America, Certified Spiritual Director in private practice, Birth Doula, Trainer/Facilitator Shay Moral Injury Center, VOA, Certified Peer Support Specialist, Clinical Therapeutic Musician, Residential Counselor, and Reiki Master. *Groups where you will find me as a peer supporter: Volunteers of America VOA ReST for First Responders, VOA ReST for Veterans, VOA ReST General, DBSA, DBSA Friends and Family, Pregnancy and Postpartum Care and Support, Hey Ladies Growing Together: New Moms, Soul Care for Women, One-to-One Life and Wellness Coaching, and Spiritual Direction *During a very difficult time in my life, his saying helped to shift my mindset: “…the unendurable is the beginning of the curve of joy”. It speaks of honoring the present moment with hope, waiting for a turn in circumstances, and lifting the hope with a promise of joy awaiting on the other side of a hard now. In peer support, that’s what we do together in a safe and confidential space of empathetic and compassionate connection. The most important thing for us is to know that we are not alone in the life challenges we are facing. *Please reach out to me here on Hey Peers if you desire to connect for one-to one peer support, spiritual care, emotional support, or life and wellness coaching. Deep peace, Madonna
Motivation for help
I have been to the dark edges of deep sorrow and pain, and I have been brought to a sacred garden of joy and peace. My life is a story full of hope on this journey, and I’ve found that there is healing in the sharing our stories, more importantly, having our stories witnessed and believed is when the power of healing begins to arrive.
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VOA|ReST 4 First Responders

VOA|ReST 4 First Responders are confidential, small group support sessions that maintain and build emotional resilience by offering:

• A unique space to share your experiences with other First Responders while remaining committed to your work.

• Time set aside for you to speak honestly with peers and trained facilitators who know what you go through as a First Responder.

• A service that can complement other resources your agency might offer. Online meetings are available in the comfort of your home, on an ongoing basis, whenever you need support.

 

When continuously faced with extraordinary circumstances, it is common for First Responders to be left emotionally depleted. Fatigue, isolation, sorrow, frustration, guilt, anxiety, and a sense of inadequacy or failure can be signs of moral dilemma, uncertainty, or distress.

 

Responding to these feelings paves the way for personal and professional resilience. Talking and listening can make a world of difference. First Responders who engage in peer-led group support are able to rebuild the strength needed to continue their important work without losing sight of their individual self-worth.

 

Given the demands of your career, it is important to process moral distress. You alone can make that commitment, but you don't have to do it alone.

 

Sessions are Safe, Interactive, and Judgment-Free

• Peer-to-peer conversations are confidential and off-the-record so you can speak openly.

• Each session is an opportunity to bring your real self.

• First Responder peers and peer facilitators have walked in your shoes. They get it.

 

For more than 125 years, Volunteers of America has been providing behavioral health, addiction treatment, and housing resources to military veterans. Our services are integrated with deep compassion and belief in a person’s capacity to overcome adversity. From this history, and using the techniques developed in our evidence-based, peer support program for veterans called Resilience Strength Training™, VOA|ReST was developed. Over 82% of participants report feeling significantly calmer and more peaceful after a meeting.

 

Sessions are free thanks to a generous grant from the HCA Healthcare foundation.

 

Your work is important. You are important. Take time to ReST.