Leader Times – HAVIN, Inc. is pleased to announce receipt of grant funding from the FISA Foundation and Staunton Farm Foundation to train first responders.

HAVIN, Inc., recently announced that it has received funding from the FISA Foundation and Staunton Farm Foundation to partner with the Gabby Petito Foundation, according to a recently issued press release.

Through the use of these funds, the Gabby Petito Foundation will provide training to first responders, including law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical services, as well as medical providers serving Armstrong County.

“Unseen Advocates: The Vital Role of First Responders in Domestic Violence Response” is a four hour training designed to equip law enforcement, fire, EMS, and allied professionals with the knowledge and tools to effectively respond to domestic violence incidents, with a focused emphasis on strangulation cases.

The program explores how non-physical and physical forms of violence impact victims, how trauma affects the brain and body, and why understanding these dynamics is vital for first responders.

Participants will learn how to recognize both visible and non-visible signs of strangulation, apply trauma-informed practices, ensure scene safety, and accurately document findings.

Through interactive discussion, data-driven insights, and scenario-based exercises, The Unseen Advocates Program strengthens responder awareness, compassion, and collaboration, helping ensure that no survivor remains unseen or unheard.

“We are honored to invite Jim and Nichole Schmidt, parents of Gabby Petito, to Armstrong County, to train our first responders and medical professionals, as they have lived a the devastating effects of domestic violence. Losing one’s child is every parents’ nightmare and they have turned their pain into a passion for others. This once-in-a-lifetime training session will have a huge impact on our local community. We are also thrilled to have received the support of the FISA Foundation and Staunton Farm Foundation, to turn this dream into a reality. At HAVIN, we recognize that we cannot do this work alone. It takes a community to end domestic violence, and we are blessed to have the support of these incredible foundations”, says Sara Thompson, HAVIN Assistant Executive Director.

About HAVIN, Inc.

HAVIN is a dual center providing services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and their significant others.

About the FISA Foundation

FISA Foundation is a charitable grant making foundation that is proud to fund and partner with nonprofits across southwestern Pennsylvania who are change makers working to improve the lives of women, girls, and people with disabilities.

In addition to grant making, FISA extends its capacity by convening grantees and partners, hosting education opportunities, and advocating with and for women, girls, and people with disabilities.

Through these efforts, they seek to fulfill their mission:

FISA Foundation champions equity, justice, safety, and inclusion for women, girls, and people with disabilities, combating systemic racism that impedes progress for these populations in southwestern Pennsylvania.

About the Staunton Farm Foundation

The Staunton Farm Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of people who live with mental illness and substance use disorders.

The Foundation works to enhance behavioral health treatment, support, and recovery through grant making to nonprofit organizations in 10 southwestern Pennsylvania counties (Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, and Westmoreland).

About the Gabby Petito Foundation

Gabrielle Venora Petito entered the world on March 19, 1999.

Tragically, on Aug. 27, 2021, her life was cut short at the young age of 22.

She was on a cross-country road trip with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, visiting national parks when he strangled her to death.

This devastating event highlights the horrific reality that some individuals can become perpetrators of violence against those they should cherish and safeguard.

Instead of safeguarding her, he committed an unforgivable act of violence, robbing her of a bright future full of possibilities.

After taking the life of Gabby, the perpetrator proceeded to Florida, utilizing her van and phone to craft a facade that suggested Gabby was still alive.

On Sept. 19, 2021, Gabby’s remains were discovered at Spread Creek, located near the Bridger-Teton National Forest.

Brian was found dead a month later by apparent suicide.

Gabby’s story made national headlines as the world looked for her, praying she was still alive.

In response to her death, the Gabby Petito Foundation was born.

Her story has inspired people around the world and will continue to help others be free from the dangers of intimate partner violence.

Gabby was a free spirit who loved travel, art and nature.

She was just starting her life as a vanlife travel vlogger and was so full of joy as her journey was just beginning.

She created the YouTube channel, Nomadic Statik, where she posted about her travels.

Her smile could fill a room, she loved movies, music, healthy food and she created amazing works of art.

Gabby was a wonderful big sister, the oldest of six, they looked up to her and adored her.

The tragic loss of Gabby has shattered the Petito family.

This story was recently featured in the Netflix documentary, “American Murder: Gabby Petito.”

Read the full story here.