Greetings. I have compiled a list of links and resources that may help you in your time of need. Please use these links. I am also available if you need someone to listen. May God bless you as you serve your community during their times of needs and their “worst days”.
Rev. Art Speck, Chaplain HRFR and Pastor of the Oasis of Love Church (http://www.oasisinhuntingdon.com) 814-386-4016 (Cell)
After the Fire: Returning to Normal. A FREE download to help you recover and deal with everything associated with your fire.
http://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/fa_46.pdf
Wills for Heroes … Free Basic Wills and Estate Planning for Firefighters, EMS Personnel, and Law Enforcement Officers. No one should be without a Last Will and Testament:
http://www.willsforheroes.org/ – National Organization
http://www.pabar.org/public/yld/Projects/willsforheroesyld.asp – Pennsylvania Associate
The FireFighter Wife: A blog for the wives of firefighters. You are not alone:
Responder Life: Working with First Responders and Dispatchers deal with their “Worst Days”, the calls you will never forget.
Psalm 91
Psalms 91:1-16 NIrV The person who rests in the shadow of the Most High God will be kept safe by the Mighty One. (2) I will say about the LORD, “He is my place of safety. He is like a fort to me. He is my God. I trust in him.” (3) He will certainly save you from hidden traps and from deadly sickness. (4) He will cover you with his wings. Under the feathers of his wings you will find safety. He is faithful. He will keep you safe like a shield or a tower. (5) You won’t have to be afraid of the terrors that come during the night. You won’t have to fear the arrows that come at you during the day. (6) You won’t have to be afraid of the sickness that attacks in the darkness. You won’t have to fear the plague that destroys at noon. (7) A thousand may fall dead at your side. Ten thousand may fall near your right hand. But no harm will come to you. (8) You will see with your own eyes how God punishes sinful people. (9) The LORD is the one who keeps you safe. So let the Most High God be like a home to you. (10) Then no harm will come to you. No terrible plague will come near your tent. (11) The LORD will command his angels to take good care of you. (12) They will lift you up in their hands. Then you won’t trip over a stone. (13) You will walk all over lions and cobras. You will crush mighty lions and poisonous snakes. (14) The LORD says, “I will save the one who loves me. I will keep him safe, because he trusts in me. (15) He will call out to me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in times of trouble. I will save him and honor him. (16) I will give him a long and full life. I will save him.”
Christian Resources
The Truth Project: http://www.thetruthproject.org/
Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Christmas Child: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/
Wall Builders, presenting America’s history and the faith that was necessary for the founding of our Country: http://www.wallbuilders.com/
Women of Faith: http://www.womenoffaith.com/
Promise Keepers: http://www.promisekeepers.org/
Focus on the Family, Helping Families Thrive: http://www.focusonthefamily.com/
National Day of Prayer: http://nationaldayofprayer.org/
Bibles.Net, an online Bible resource: http://www.bibles.net/
Interfaith Calendar: http://www.interfaithcalendar.org/
Adherents – National and International Religious Statistics and More: http://www.adherents.com/
American Bible Society: http://www.americanbible.org/
Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/
Devotionals
Our Daily Bread: http://rbc.org/
Gospel.com: http://www.gospel.com/
The Upper Room: http://www.upperroom.org/
Guideposts: http://www.guideposts.org/
Our Daily Journey with God: http://www.ourdailyjourney.org/
Bible Notes: http://www.biblenotes.net/
World Wide Bible Study: http://www.ccel.org/wwsb
Christian Firefighter Organizations
Fellowship of Christian Firefighters: http://fellowshipofchristianfirefighters.com/
Firefighters for Christ: http://www.firefightersforchrist.org/
Federation of Fire Chaplains: http://firechaplains.org/
Mental Help
7 Reasons Why Crying can be Healthy:
Download link below to page….
http://www.aacvfa.org/content/Chaplain/Seven%20Reasons%20Crying%20Can%20Be%20Healthy.cfm
How to Help a Hurting Friend (Link to this on subpage?): At End of this
Hospice and Bereavement: http://www.hospicenet.org/html/bereavement.html
A Place of Healing: http://www.journeyofhearts.org/
National Hospice Organization: http://www.nhpco.org/
Grief Net: http://www.griefnet.org/
Web Healing: http://webhealing.com/
AARP Grief and Loss: http://www.aarp.org/relationships/grief-loss/
Head Strong: The importance of Mental Wellbeing: http://www.aacvfa.org/content/Chaplain/Chaplain_Head%20strong.pdf
Mental Health Challenges We Face: http://www.aacvfa.org/content/Chaplain/Chaplain_Mental%20health%20challenges%20we%20face.pdf
Call Safe Now, 24 Hour Hotline 206-459-3020
Safe Call Now is a confidential, comprehensive, 24-hour crisis referral service for all public safety employees, All Emergency Services Personnel and their Family Members nationwide.
Drug/Alcohol treatment, Peer support services, PTSD resources, Suicide resources, General & Family counseling and other crisis referral services. http://safecallnow.org/
Stress and the Dispatcher: http://www.aacvfa.org/content/Chaplain/Stress_and_the_Dispatcher.pdf
Suicide
Suicide Prevention: http://www.aacvfa.org/content/Chaplain/SUICIDE%20PREVENTION.pdf
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Firefighter Suicide Prevention, an Officer’s Role: http://www.aacvfa.org/content/Chaplain/Chaplain_Suicide%20prevention%20Company%20Officer.pdf
Suicide Prevention, when it is a Fire Officer who needs help: http://www.aacvfa.org/content/Chaplain/Chaplain_Suicide%20Prevention%20Officer.pdf
Are you ready to leave?
We do not know when our time here on earth will be over and our Father God calls us home. Saying that, are your papers in order so that your family can transition to life after you? Make sure your paperwork with the fire company is up to date. Have a will drawn or updated as needed. Store your documents (insurance, will, etc.) where your family can get them.
Finally, and most importantly, get yourself straight with God if you haven’t already. A life lived serving God is much more rewarding than a self-serving life. And yes, you can give of your time to the Fire Department and still be serving yourself. Serving as a firefighter or first responder does not get you a free pass to God. That was done on the Cross of Calvary 2000 years ago. God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to die for our sins (John 3:16). Because of His love and grace, we can be forgiven and can live a life that pleases Him. Follow the steps given in the here (http://www.cbn.com/stepstopeace/) to see what it takes to follow Christ.
How to Help Grieving People
Relatives, friends and neighbors are supportive at the time of a death, during the wake and funeral. Food, flowers and their presence are among the many thoughtful expressions. After the funeral, many grieving people wonder what happened to their friends. They need their support and caring even more when the reality begins to hit and the long process of grief begins: Their help is essential, since immediate family members have their hands full of grief and may find it difficult to give support to one another, or may not live nearby. Your help and understanding can make a significant difference in the healing of your friend’s grief. Unresolved grief can lead to physical or mental illness, suicide or premature death. A grieving person needs friends who are willing to: LISTEN; cry with them; sit with them; reminisce; care; have creative ideas for coping; be honest; help them feel loved and needed; believe that they will make it through their grief. Ways of helping grieving people are a limitless as your imagination.
- All that is necessary is a squeeze of the hand, a kiss, a hug, your presence. If you want to say something, say, “I’m sorry” or “I care“.
- Offer to help with practical matters; i.e., errands, fixing food, caring for children. Say “I’m going to the store. Do you need bread, milk, etc.? I’ll get them.” It is not helpful to say, “Call me if there is anything I can do.”
- Don’t be afraid to cry openly if you were close to the deceased. Often the bereaved find themselves comforting you, but at the same time they understand your tears and don’t feel so alone in their grief.
- It is not necessary to ask questions about how the death happened. Let the bereaved tell you as much as they want when they are ready. A helpful question might be, “Would you like to talk? I’ll listen.”
- Don’t say, “I know just how you feel.”
- The bereaved may ask “WHY?” It is often a cry of pain rather than a question. It is not necessary to answer, but if you do, you may reply “I don’t know why.”
- Don’t use platitudes like “Life is for the living,” or “It’s God’s will.” Explanations rarely console. It is better to say nothing.
- Recognize that the bereaved may be angry. They may be angry at God, the person who died, the clergy, doctors, rescue teams, other family members, etc. Encourage them to acknowledge their anger and to find healthy ways of handling it.
- Be available to LISTEN frequently. Most bereaved want to talk about the person who has died. Encourage them to talk about the deceased. Do not change the conversation or avoid mentioning the person’s name.
- Read about the various phases of grief so you can understand and help the bereaved to understand.
- Be PATIENT. . Don’t say, “You will get over it in time.” Mourning may take a long time. The bereaved need you to stand by them for as long as necessary. Encourage them to be patient with themselves as there is no timetable for grief.
- Accept whatever feelings are expressed. Do not say, “You shouldn’t feel like that.” This attitude puts pressure on the bereaved to push down their feelings. Encourage them to express their feelings- cry, hit a pillow, scream, etc.
- Be aware that a bereaved person’s self-esteem may be very low.
- When someone feels guilt and is filled with “if onlys”, it is not helpful to say, “Don’t feel guilty.” This only adds to their negative view of themselves. They would handle it better if they could. One response could be, “I don’t think that you are guilty. You did the best you could at the time, but don’t push down your feelings of guilt. Talk about it until you can let it go.
- Depression is often part of grief. It is a scary feeling. To be able to talk things over with an understanding friend or loved one is one factor that may help prevent a person from becoming severely depressed.
- Give special attention to the children in the family. DO NOT tell them not to cry or not to upset the adults.
- Suggest that the bereaved person keep a journal.
- The bereaved may appear to be getting worse. Be aware this is often due to the reality of the death hitting them.
- Be aware of the physical reactions to the death (lack of appetite, sleeplessness, headaches, inability to concentrate). These affect the person’s coping ability, energy and recovery.
- Be aware of the use of drugs and alcohol. Medication should only be taken under the supervision of a physician. Often these only delay the grief response.
- Sometimes the pain of bereavement is so intense that thoughts of suicide occur. Don’t be shocked by this. Instead, try to be a truly confiding friend.
- Don’t say, “It’s been 4 months, 6 months, 1 year, etc. You must be over it by now.” Life will never be the same.
- Encourage counseling if grief is getting out of hand.
- Suggest that grieving people take part in support groups. Sharing similar experiences helps. Offer to attend a support group meeting with them. The meetings are not morbid. They offer understanding, friendship, suggestions for coping and HOPE.
- Suggest that the bereaved postpone major decisions such as moving, giving everything away, etc. Later they may regret their hasty decisions. It is best for the bereaved to keep decision making to a minimum.
- Suggest exercise to help work off bottled up tension and anger, to relax and to aid sleep. Offer to join them for tennis, exercise class, swimming, a walk, etc.
- Practice unconditional love. Feelings of rage, anger and frustration are not pleasant to observe or listen to; but it is necessary for the bereaved to recognize and work on these feelings in order to work through the grief, rather than become stuck in one phase.
- Help the bereaved to avoid unrealistic expectations as to how they “should” feel and when they will be better. It is helpful when appropriate to say, “I don’t know how you do as well as you do.“
- Don’t avoid the bereaved. This adds to their loss. As the widowed often say, “I not only lost my spouse, but my friend as well.”
- Be aware that weekends, holidays and evenings may be more difficult.
- Consider sending a, note at the time of their loved one’s birthday, anniversary, death, or other special day.
Huntingdon Area Resources
WWW.PA211central.org To locate available services/resources across the state.
American Red Cross: 609 Mifflin Street, Huntingdon, PA 16652 (814) 643-2610 www.redcross.org
Behavioral Health Services: (814) 643-8880 www.jcblair.org
1225 Warm Springs Avenue, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania 16652
Big Brother/Big Sister Youth Mentoring Program: 608 6th Street, Huntingdon, PA 16652
Phone (814) 643-6955 , Fax (814) 644-9083, Email bbbsadmhunt@aol.com http://www.bbbsblaircounty.org
Burial and Cremation Services (for eligible individuals will help pay for burial expenses): 800-237-7674
7591 Lake Raystown Shopping Center, Huntingdon, PA 16652-0398 Hotline Phone 800-692-7462 Fax 814-643-5441 http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/foradults/burialandcremationservicespayment/index.htm
Child Care Information Services – Provides personalized child care referrals to child care providers based on your specific needs or preferences. Provides an online directory of child care providers. CCIS agencies also administer the Child Care Works subsidized child care program:
52 Juniata Avenue, Rear, Huntingdon, PA 16652 Phone (814) 643-4980 http://www.hccadc.org/ http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/findfacilsandlocs/childcareinformationservices/index.htm
Crossroads Crisis Pregnancy Center, provides pregnancy testing, counseling options, and material needs:
Huntingdon Office: 600 Washington Street (rear), Huntingdon, PA 16652 814-643-3570
Mt. Union Office: 25 South Division Street, Mt. Union, PA 17066 814-542-2880
Emergency Shelter Assistance, for homeless or near homeless persons: 800-237-7674
7591 Lake Raystown Shopping Center, Huntingdon, PA 16652-0398
Main phone: 800-237-7674 Hotline Phone 800-692-7462 Fax 814-643-5441
http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/foradults/cashassistance/emergencyshelterallowanceesa/index.htm
Health Education: 814-643-8640 1225 Warm Springs Avenue, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania 16652 www.jcblair.org
HMJ Patch Program – A 10-week program that combines educational materials, behavioral counseling and nicotine patches/gum to assist and support individuals in their effort to quit using tobacco:
866-377-1234 Email hmjquittoday@hotmail.com
900 Bryan Street, Suite 5, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania 16652
Home Nursing Agency: 9492 William Penn Highway, Huntingdon, PA 16652
Main Phone 814-643-5585 Other Phone 800-445-6262 Fax 814-643-7326
Web Address www.homenursingagency.com
Huntingdon-Bedford-Fulton Area on Aging: 307 Tenth Street, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania 16652
Phone 814-643-5115 Hotline Phone 1-800-892-7903 Fax 814-643-4249
Huntingdon County Pride (early Intervention, medical device loaner program, etc.):
1301 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Huntingdon, PA 16652 Phone 814-643-5724 http://huntingdonpride.org/
Raystown Developmental Services: 306 Penn Street, Huntingdon, PA 16652
Main Phone 814-643-6510 Fax 814-643-0879 http://www.rdsinc.org/at.asp
The Abuse Network – Offers services to victims of sexual assault: 217 Fifth Street, Huntingdon, PA 16652 Main Phone 814-506-8237 Hotline Phone 1-888-810-2444 www.abusenetwork.org
Growth Trac Marriage Devotionals: http://www.growthtrac.com/daily-e-devotions/
