First Responders Wellness Program

 The Lift Me Up Wellness Center in rural Great Falls, VA is a place of respite from the stress of everyday life in a serene environment. We offer unmounted sessions to groups where participants work with our trained horses and instructors in group exercises to improve self-awareness and building confidence learned through herd behavior.  Our first wellness programs were dedicated to address the mental health needs of police officers. Through the success of this program, we have added at-risk youth and adults focusing on healthy personal growth, senior living residents, and veterans. 

TESTIMONIAL

 "First responders deal with both acute and cumulative trauma throughout their career.  Multiple recent studies show that police officers, firefighters / ems, corrections officers and dispatchers all deal with elevated rates of PTSD, depression, anxiety and suicide due to the traumas they endure on a daily basis.  Lift Me Up provides a tranquil setting for public safety professionals to decompress, remove stress and learn about communication, trust and leadership.  It also allows for first responders of the same or different disciplines to spend time together outside of work while engaging in a healthy activity.  Many first responders are skeptical and leery of traditional counseling or therapy sessions.  Being able to spend time outside with each other and the horses in a pleasant setting is not traditional “therapy”, but working with animals has been shown to have positive effects for those who suffer from PTSD, depression and / or hypertension.  This is a great alternative way for officers to get some relief from their work and spend time with animals, which many enjoy.  Lift Me Up provides a positive and calming outlet for our officers to become healthier for themselves, their families and the communities that they serve."  Dave G. Deputy Chief of Police

With funding from a generous grant, any First Responder can participant at no cost to them. Just go thru Sign Up Genius to register and come out on a Tuesday morning from 10-11 am.  Groups of up to 8 can schedule a session other days and times by contacting Wellness Program Director Jackie Collins.

Contact Program Director Jackie Collins (jackie.collins@liftmeup.org) to inquire about the wellness equine services we offer.