Jumpline MAG_Winter 2026 - Flipbook - Page 22
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Emily Gould
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Above it All
ABOVE IT ALL: A BENEFIT FOR
On a warm evening under the glow of the Hard Rock
Guitar Hotel, supporters gathered high above the city,
at the Daer Rooftop Lounge for Above It All: A Bene昀椀t for First Responders’ Mental Health, hosted by
the First Responder Resiliency Foundation.
The rooftop setting was the perfect backdrop for
a night dedicated to those who give everything to
protect others. The event featured live music by the
band Abria, a lively 50/50 raf昀氀e, and a silent auction
that drew enthusiastic participation throughout the night.
Guests mingled, shared stories, and celebrated a growing
movement to support 昀椀re昀椀ghter mental health. Thanks to the
generosity of attendees and sponsors, including South Florida
Psychiatry, Caring Therapists, United, Bichler and Longo Law
Firm, Bridgewell, Mindset Solutions, and South Florida Appliances, the foundation raised crucial funds to continue its lifesaving work.
A Foundation born from tragedy, and built on
hope; the First Responder Resiliency Foundation
was founded in the aftermath of the Champlain
Towers collapse in Surfside on June 24, 2021, a
disaster that revealed the deep emotional and
psychological toll borne by 昀椀rst responders. Recognizing the urgent need for accessible, culturally competent
mental health care, Metro-Dade Fire昀椀ghters Local 1403 took
immediate action—creating a nonpro昀椀t organization dedicated
entirely to supporting the well-being of 昀椀rst responders and their
families. From this mission, the Resiliency Hotline was born.
The hotline connects 昀椀re昀椀ghters and 昀椀rst responders directly
with licensed mental health professionals for immediate assessments and ongoing therapy when needed.
Since its inception, the hotline has facilitated 685
psychotherapy consultations for 100 昀椀rst responders, with 70 continuing in ongoing therapy and 30
bene昀椀ting from a single consultation. Among these
cases, 3 involved suicidal ideation, 40 addressed
work-related stress, and 56 focused on managing
anger and anxiety. Each number represents a life
touched, and in some cases, a life saved.
Our Mission
The First Responder Resiliency Foundation exists to provide
comprehensive, empathetic, and sustainable mental health support tailored speci昀椀cally for 昀椀rst responders. Our work is guided
by a community-centered, peer-supported, and expert-driven
approach, ensuring that help is not only available, but also trusted and understood by those who serve.
Looking Ahead
Events like Above It All make it possible for the Foundation
to expand services, increase outreach, and continue breaking
the stigma surrounding mental health in the 昀椀re service. As the
music played and the city lights shimmered below, the message
was clear: no 昀椀rst responder should ever have to face their
struggles alone.
The success of Above It All stands as a testament to the power of community, compassion, and
resilience. Together, we are building a stronger foundation;
one that lifts up the heroes who spend their lives lifting others.
Winter 2025 | JUMPLINE Magazine
