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The Partner Foundation, founded by Officer Kyle Baker and his wife, Christina, after Kyle’s own journey through trauma and recovery, is on a mission to support first responders.
In December 2020, Baker, a law enforcement officer with over a decade of service, faced a critical incident that set him on a challenging path of emotional and mental recovery. Determined to push through and return to his role, he spent six months trying to bury the emotional toll of his experience. As he battled symptoms of post-traumatic stress (PTS) and survivor’s guilt, he also wrestled with the stigma of seeking help.
Photo Credits: The Partner Foundation
Healing Through Adventure Therapy
In time, Kyle’s drive to heal led him to resources like Operation Wake Surf and adventure therapy programs that helped him begin to find peace. These types of programs offer activities such as wake surfing, hunting and fishing, and skydiving, all centered around a concept called “eustress,” or positive stress, which provides a mental boost through challenging yet rewarding experiences.
These activities—and the sense of community they created—became vital tools in Baker’s journey toward recovery. His experience made it clear: first responders need accessible, effective resources to address the unique pressures of their work. This realization sparked the creation of The Partner Foundation.
The Partner Foundation is more than just an organization; it’s a lifeline for first responders and their families, connecting them to the kinds of resources Kyle and Christina found so transformative. The foundation partners with local and national groups to offer resources that cover all aspects of well-being, from mental health support and stress management to adventure-based therapies.
The foundation would like to provide programs that include:
- Adventure Therapy: Activities like wake surfing, fishing, hunting, and skydiving that offer therapeutic excitement and help first responders reconnect with themselves in a positive environment.
- Respite Opportunities: Vacations at donated beach and mountain homes, cruises, and team-building retreats to provide space for rest and rejuvenation.
- Counseling and Peer Support: Access to vetted professionals and peer support networks that understand the unique challenges of emergency service careers.
“Chip In” Program Invites Community Support
The Partner Foundation has launched an innovative “Chip In” program, inviting the community to show gratitude to first responders while supporting the foundation’s mission. Each “chip” can be purchased online or at Rocky River Coffee Co. in Harrisburg, NC, and comes imprinted with a scannable barcode for easy participation in quarterly raffles featuring donated items.
Individuals can buy chips to give directly to first responders, thanking them for their service and showing their appreciation in a meaningful way. Proceeds from these sales support the foundation’s outreach efforts and provide direct aid to those who protect our communities.
Community businesses and corporations can also get involved by donating services, products, or gift cards to the foundation’s Pay-It-Forward initiative. These contributions help provide thank-you packages, adventure therapy trips, and other forms of support for responders and their families, all at no cost to them.
Building a Lasting Impact for First Responders
The Partner Foundation recognizes that untreated post-traumatic stress not only affects first responders but also impacts their families and communities. Kyle’s story illustrates the profound need for open conversations around mental health and the importance of breaking down stigmas within first responder agencies. By sharing his journey, Kyle hopes to show others that reaching out is a sign of strength and resilience, not weakness.
After witnessing the challenges and emotional strain first responders face firsthand, Kyle felt a strong pull to support the local heroes who were recently deployed to Western North Carolina (WNC) in the wake of Hurricane Helene. He knows that after the intensity of a disaster response, it can take months for responders to process what they’ve experienced and the heavy memories that linger.
A group of veterans and first responders came together to bring supplies to the area of Elk River Falls and surrounding areas in Western, NC.
How You Can Get Involved
The foundation invites individuals and organizations to get involved in various ways:
- Donate: Financial contributions help fund adventure therapy sessions, respite stays, and counseling services.
- Nominate a First Responder: If you know a first responder or family in need of support, nominate them for the foundation’s services.
- Spread the Word: Share the foundation’s message on social media or through your community networks, helping to reach those who need these resources most.
First responders often face unique pressures that make mental health resources difficult to access, especially in professions where strength and composure are paramount. The Partner Foundation works to shift this narrative, creating a safe space where first responders can access the tools they need to grow, process, and recharge.
As Kyle puts it, “Our goal is not to recreate the wheel; we just want to help them get the tires changed and balanced once and a while.”
For more information or to support The Partner Foundation, visit their website, follow them on social media, or drop by Rocky River Coffee Co. in Harrisburg, where Kyle is co-owner, to learn how you can help. Join The Partner Foundation in supporting those who serve so courageously and help make a lasting impact in the lives of first responders and their families.
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