Community Crisis Response

Community Gatherings Following an Emergency

After a traumatic event, communities often need a place to come together. We facilitate safe, supportive gatherings where community members can ask questions, receive accurate information, share their experiences, and begin the healing process together. These gatherings promote connection, resilience, and hope during difficult times.

Post Crisis Re-processing

Healing doesn't begin when the incident is over—it begins when people have the opportunity to process it. We provide confidential, trauma-informed debriefings for first responders, agencies, and communities following critical incidents, helping individuals process what they've experienced while fostering resilience, connection, and recovery.

On scene support

Our trained crisis responders work alongside first responders to provide immediate emotional support and practical guidance to individuals, families, and witnesses affected by critical incidents. By caring for the people impacted, we allow emergency personnel to focus on the emergency while ensuring no one faces a crisis alone.

Taking care of others who may have experienced or witnessed a critical incident

Ask simple, yes/no questions or just provide direct comfort (hand them a cup of water and a plate of food rather than ask them if they want water, etc…)

Saying "I am so sorry for what happened" is okay but know you cannot fix anything and allowing them to sit in silence while you are present can be very helpful.

Protect them from the media, onlookers, insensitive colleagues/associates/acquaintances.

Meet his or her immediate physical needs and provide practical help. For example, offer to walk with them to get some fresh air, or ask if they need a jacket or blanket.

Facilitate social support. Provide access to a phone, contact supportive friends and family. Ask who they would like to have them there to support them (neighbors, friends, family, clergy).

Listen actively and supportively if he or she wishes to talk about the experience. If he or she does not wish to talk, respect his or her decision.

Offer access to information (if you have accurate information-don’t speculate or make things up to alleviate the stress), including information about the event.

Try to ground the person. Help him or her to identify specific goals, break tasks down into manageable sub-tasks, encourage a return to routine. At the same time, advise him or her not to undertake too many responsibilities or increase home or work task