Reps For Responders Story:
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! Our mission here at Reps for Responders is simple. We want to break the stigma surrounding mental health struggles experienced by First Responders. Depression and addiction are deadly diseases. Ultimately, the goal of Reps for Responders is to save lives. The longer anyone withholds their internal and emotional pain and the more they isolate themselves, the greater their risk of walking down the dark path of self-destruction. We know all too well that depression and substance abuse go hand in hand and set the stage for alcoholism, drug addiction, self-harm, self-hate, DWI’s, unintended accidents, job loss, the loss of relationships, the loss of one’s livelihood and worst of all, death by suicide. These negative consequences can be reduced or avoided with the right support systems in place.
Reps For Responders gym, aims to be a pillar of support within the community. It is the FIRST not for profit gym in the Hudson Valley/NYC area giving any Active or Retired First Responder access to a fitness facility for FREE. Intended to be a safe space, Reps For Responders welcomes all First Responders. Whether you’re currently struggling with addiction or are living sober, whether you suffer from depression, anxiety or any other mental health condition or not, there are only two requirements for membership. One, that you be First Responder and two, that you have the desire to get better, do better and be better everyday, mentally and physically. If you are afraid to talk to your job, please reach out to us, let us get you help and make a plan to solve what ever you are fighting inside. We exist to help YOU.
First responders sacrifice their lives everyday when they put on their uniforms. They see things that the average person doesn’t on a daily basis and their main goal at the end of the day is to get home safely. While the growing number of police deaths on duty is heartbreaking, that’s another battle.
The numbers show that in 2019, a police officer was killed by their own hands 228 times. (increase of 24% since 2018) While we know that police officers specifically are being targeted and killed in the line of duty due to acts of hate, we know first hand that depression, anxiety, alcohol use and drug use clouds the mind, slows reaction times and puts First Responders, and the people they intend to protect, at risk.
Founded by an NYPD police officer who has battled his own demons, Reps For Responders was started because there is strength in community and there is something to be learned from the Iron in the gym. We are all strong enough to keep fighting the good fight. Join us in breaking the stigma by giving First Responders a safe place and an outlet to strengthen their bodies and minds and to get the help they want, need and deserve. Change is possible, and anyone can fight through their darkest of times. Reps For Responders, will be free to any member wishing to utilize “open gym”, meaning they can work out for free on their own. We plan to offer personal training and occasional classes. If a member is interested in personal training sessions (either individual or group setting), the responder will then be asked to pay a fee for that session.
First Responders include: Currently Active or Retired Police Officers(part or full time), Firefighter (part time, full time, volunteer), EMS/EMT (part time, full time, volunteer), Corrections Officers, Active Military or Veteran. All non First Responders wishing to use the facility will be asked to make a donation so that Reps For Responders can continue to operate.
It’s time we take care of our First Responders who protect our communities daily, and do so selflessly. Let’s come together. We must do better. Please consider making a donation to Reps For Responders, which will support the memberships of First Responders, and keep the doors open.
We all know someone who has been impacted by depression, anxiety and addiction. Join us in saving lives.
Stay safe and watch your six.
-Reps For Responders
Reps for Responders Facebook Page: Click Here
Reps for Responders GoFundMe: Click Here
Recommended Books:
Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement: A Guide for Officers and Their Families - Kevin M. Gilmartin
The Five People You Meet in Heaven - Mitch Albom
Recommended Movies:
Goodfellas
The Departed
A Bronx Tale
Gatsby
Recommended Documentaries:
The Aaron Hernandez Story
Mindhunter
Don’t F**K With Cats