Reps for Responders (@reps_for_responders, repsforresponders.org) is a 501c3 headquartered in Rockland County, NY and was founded by an active NYPD Officer who experienced the struggle of reaching out for help during his time of need due to the culture surrounding mental health and the job. Reps was born not out of desire, but out of the need to support and advocate for the mental health and wellness of the first responder community (cops, firefighters, corrections, EMS, EMT, retired/active military). At Reps, the priority mission is to spread awareness, normalize reaching out for help, provide a safe community and to coach first responders through their (addiction) recovery, if applicable. Through fitness, support groups, peer recovery coaching, and community events, first responders have a safe haven when they join the Reps for Responders community where they can share their stories, their struggles and their wins whether it be about the job, or life in general. In March 2020, Reps opened its doors to a fitness facility where first responders could exercise and meet others on the job and attend support groups and other community events programmed specifically for them. One week later, Reps, like many other gyms, closed due to COVID-19, and like many tenants, were expected to pay rent while all of the in person fundraising plans were cancelled. Reps shifted to offer as much virtual programming and content to continue supporting our first responders in the only way we could while respecting the safety of our peers, but we still found ourselves at a loss of rent and equipment costs. The money raised goes towards paying overhead so that when gyms are allowed to operate, Reps can continue to provide first responders with free gym memberships and in-person mental health and recovery support. 

The founder of Reps for Responders is a clear example of a first responder who was able to connect with the appropriate supports and resources in his community and successfully seek help. He is now 11 months sober, helping other first responders and thriving in his personal and professional life. First responders do not have to suffer in silence.