Leader Times – HAVIN, Inc. receives grant funding from the Staunton Farm Foundation. HAVIN, Inc., recently announced that it has received funding from the Staunton Farm Foundation to support a new county-wide initiative for first responders, according to a press release.

This partnership joins HAVIN and the Armstrong-Indiana Behavioral and Developmental Health Program to train local law enforcement, EMS, and fire departments in appropriate mental health and domestic violence response techniques.

Further, through the use of grant funding, all first responder sites will have the opportunity to become registered PurpleOne Safe Places for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.

“Staunton Farm Foundation is honored to partner with HAVIN to expand essential mental health training for first responders. Programs like the abridged Crisis Intervention Team training offered by the Armstrong-Indiana Behavioral and Developmental Health Program equip responders with the skills to approach mental health crises with greater confidence, safety, and compassion. We hope these efforts lead to fewer adverse outcomes and stronger connections between individuals in crisis and the mental-health services that can support them,” said Monique Jackson, Staunton Farm Foundation executive director.

Laurie Johns, HAVIN, Inc., executive director stated, “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the Armstrong-Indiana Behavioral and Developmental Health Program to offer this free training to all first responders in Armstrong County. Our first responders are the best of the best and most often the first contact with someone who has experienced sexual assault or domestic violence, or someone who is in a mental health crisis. This initiative will provide our local police, fire, and EMS with the tools that they need to respond safely and effectively, while also providing resources for immediate help. We know that this has the potential to benefit all our county’s residents, especially those living in rural parts of the county, who may not know what resources are available to them in a time of crisis. We are grateful to the Staunton Farm Foundation for their support and generosity, because this project would not be possible without them.”

“The Armstrong-Indiana Behavioral and Developmental Health Program appreciates and is grateful for the opportunity to team up with HAVIN once again. We believe that this most recent endeavor, for HAVIN to partner with SAFE Journey and our office to train local first responders, is consistent with our program’s commitment to supporting our most vulnerable citizens. This project will further enhance the Crisis Intervention Training that is already taking place in Armstrong and Indiana Counties. The Staunton Farm Foundation has played a critical role is providing the funding necessary to make these programs possible. We are thankful for their financial support and for HAVIN’s efforts to secure this grant!”, writes Tammy Calderone, Administrator of the Armstrong-Indiana Behavioral and Developmental Health Program.

Future Planning

Moving forward, members of the HAVIN, Inc. team will train in PurpleOne and work with the Armstrong-Indiana Behavioral and Developmental Health Program to train first responders in this initiative.

First responders who are interested in receiving this free training will receive a stipend for their time and commitment.

First responders can reach out to Mia Airgood at: mairgood@havinpa.org — or 724-543-1180, ext. 205, for more information.

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