... it wasn't so long ago that a group of Georgia's finest loaded up in 3 pick ups and a mini-van and headed off to Pensacola Florida. To help fire and police officers cope with the devastation what was hurricane Ivan. Our well intended group had waited almost 4 weeks for the federal government to approve our mission. They provided for us with the idea that we would be reimbursed for our expenses and travel. We would have gone down there for free but travel has a cost. And in fact some 11 months later we received the much awaited funding. The delay in dispatch and in funding was unacceptable.

We learned a valuable lesson from the event and some ideas were tossed about regarding how we could avoid such a calamity. The purpose of GCISF was born. Some how we needed to become a self-sustaining resource so when our brothers and sisters had a need we would be able to respond before the time to help had passed. It's never been in our nature to wait.

I guess it's been on my mind from the start, since 1994 really, to develop an organization that possessed the capability to last well beyond my participation. To be able to send folks to help without asking those injured how they could pay. It never seemed ethical to ask. On January 12, 2008 the beginning of that thinking was formally cast into motion. With energetic help of too many folks to name the beginnings are now in place.

Our mission has been clear; provide psychological first aid to providers. Be peer driven mental health supported. Be there like we've been for the last few weeks when a firefighter dies and his friends can't make sense of it, our guys were there. When police are murdered and those sent to rescue are overwhelmed our guys showed up. Just long enough to listen, reflect, and refer when needed.

With your help GCISF will take the provision of CISM services well beyond our original thinking. We are seeking maximum participation from all who are trained in CISM. If you are reading this letter then somehow you're connected to us. It is time to formalize that connection. We asking that you consider membership with GCISF. We working to develop a package of benefit's for membership, sort of an incentive. Frankly it's not all in place yet. Until then I am asking you to join us not because you get something, but instead because your membership will help to finance our operations. Your membership gets us closer to our goal of being there for the folks we care most about. One day we might even be there for you.

The cost is only $40.00 per year. We have recently achieved 501(c) 3 non profit charity status and your additional donation would also be welcome. If you are interested, please fill out the application below and send it to the address listed.

Thank you for considering us and in advance welcome aboard!