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A skills-based mindfulness education program for veterans and first responders that focuses on post-traumatic growth and resiliency.
“If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk with others.”
- East African proverb
Founded in 2020, Front Line Foundations (FLF) is a Vermont-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in the town of Bellows Falls in southeastern Vermont. We are a small team of people who are dedicated to providing culturally-competent mental health care to veterans and first responders that reforges the critical connection between the mind and the heart. At FLF, we provide skills-based mindfulness education and treatment for veterans and first responders to address the impact of post-traumatic stress. Each of us has experienced the impact of service-related trauma and post-traumatic stress personally, or in our immediate families. Because we are part of the community that we serve, we understand how the cumulative effects of uniformed services work can challenge personal well-being and change family dynamics.
Rooted in a deep understanding of how trauma and the stress response affect the body and mind, we have developed a holistic approach for the treatment of post-traumatic stress, using ancient practices such as meditative movement, breathwork, meditation, and time in nature. These are practices that warriors have been using for thousands of years to harness the body’s natural ability to regulate itself. We have also developed a strong peer support network of alumni who have attended our five-day mindfulness program. This solid foundation of support is at the heart of the work that we do at FLF. Our staff and alumni are motivated to continue building and enriching this community of veterans and first responders.
Together we walk this path of wellness, resiliency, and reclaiming our peace and joy.
“FLF has a very different approach. It does not feel like therapy. It feels like going to school, by teaching me the skills and the tools I need for reprogramming my body and nervous system.”
- Brad K. (firefighter, veteran)
THE SERVICES WE OFFER:
Our Five-Day Mindfulness Education Program in Bellows Falls, Vermont.
Individual Therapy at our office in Vermont, and Telehealth.
In-Service Trainings at police, EMS, and fire departments.
TESTIMONIALS.
“FLF runs a great program. They teach you real, tangible skills to help manage the stress and trauma that lead to anxiety, anger, fear, moodiness, depression – all of it. They’ve been doing it for a long time, and they know how a cop’s mind works. They really get it - no new-age fluffy BS. What they teach you won’t make your experiences go away – they are a part of you. The skills you learn make it so you can manage it and regain control of your life.”
— Mark (police captain)
“After the added stress of COVID in the year 2020-2021, I had a pretty significant flare up of my PTSD that I was treated for in 2019 at a Vermont IOP program for uniformed service personnel. I was pretty close to taking my own life, but thankfully, with some of the tools I had learned from the first program, I did not. I learned about Front Line Foundations from a friend I met at the first program and I was able to get in quickly. FLF's program really helped me significantly. Now, I'm a part of the Emergency Service Provider Wellness Commission in Vermont and we're working on getting better access to treatment for emergency service providers.”
— Vicki F. (Vermont A-EMT)
“After being directed to different therapists, I got tired of the “so how did that make you feel” platform. Peer support is the only concept that has worked for me. They don't need to ask me those pointless questions because my peers already know “how that made me feel.” I feel less squirrelly when I'm around like-minded people. Maybe because they don't make me feel like a case study, haha. Everyone else won't understand. And I'm not sure I want them to. Keep up the great work. There is plenty of it!”
— Tim (firefighter/paramedic)
"If you are a veteran or first responder and you find yourself struggling right now, there is help out there for you. You can call, talk to a counselor, and hear what they have to say. You don’t have to make a commitment, but it doesn’t hurt to try."
— Josh DeForge (firefighter/paramedic, filmmaker)
PRINTABLE PROGRAM BROCHURE
CLICK ON IMAGE TO OPEN PDF FILE
OUR FIVE-DAY MINDFULNESS SKILLS PROGRAM
Mindfulness is the foundation of programming at Front Line Foundations. The mindfulness skills we practice during our five-day program help to reduce anxiety, build internal resiliency, and allow the body to regulate itself naturally. The program takes place in a classroom setting and is peer supported and skills-based.
"FLF has a very different approach. It does not feel like therapy. It feels like going to school, by teaching me the skills and the tools I need for reprogramming my body and nervous system."
- Brad K. (Firefighter, Veteran)
