Family Resources - National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

<<	Jan 2022					>>
Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
26	27	28 Facilitated Support Group	29 Virtual Peer Support Group	30	31	1 Apply for a NFFF 2022-2023 Scholarship
2	3	4 Facilitated Support Group	5 Virtual Peer Support Group	6	7	8
9 January 2022 Remembrance Group	10	11 Facilitated Support Group	12 Virtual Peer Support Group	13	14	15
16	17	18 Facilitated Support Group	19 Virtual Peer Support Group	20	21	22 Men Forging Ahead – Getting Organized & Being Productive
23	24	25 Facilitated Support Group	26 Virtual Peer Support Group	27	28	29
30	31	1 Facilitated Support Group	2 Virtual Peer Support Group	3	4	5

Grief in Progress: A New Podcast Series from the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Everyone’s journey through grief is unique. But shared stories can be a powerful tool of hope for those who have experienced sudden loss. Grief in Progress inspires listeners with messages of resilience from peers who have found their own ways to cope. The compelling episodes feature one-on-one conversations with spouses, children, and life partners of fallen firefighters—but the perspectives they share will resonate with anyone dealing with grief. Through the generosity of these Fire Hero Families, the open dialogue focuses on contemporary issues of grief and offers strategies to promote healing. Most of all, Grief in Progress inspires new ways of seeing the world and connecting with others after tragic loss.

See Upcoming Episodes of Grief in Progress

Episode 2

Finding Meaning via “Found Families”

Ryan Woitalewicz was just four years old when he lost his dad Kenny, a volunteer firefighter in Nebraska. When Ryan attended his first NFFF Kids Camp for children ages 7-17, Illinois Fire Chief Chad Hoefle was assigned as his Big Buddy—a mentorship match that has stood the test of time. Over the years, Ryan and Chad returned to camp together until Ryan reached age 18. And the “found family” they created continues, as the two celebrate milestone events such as Ryan completing his education and becoming a teacher. They remain close and enjoy any opportunity to talk about Ryan’s father and finding meaning in his loss.

Listen & Join the Conversation at www.griefinprogress.com

» Read More: NFFF Launches Grief Podcast to Foster Hope and Healing

Watch the 2021 Fire Hero Family Tree Lighting

Each year, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation decorates trees in memory your firefighters. These beautiful trees are on display in the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel, featuring ornaments from the you, our families, and departments of America’s Fire Heroes from around the country.

Ornaments on Our Fire Hero Family Trees

You sent ornaments in honor of their loved ones. Each year, these precious memories are displayed in the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel. These ornaments are hung with care to let you know that you are not alone, and that we too, remember your beloved firefighter this holiday season.

View Ornaments in Honor of Your Firefighters

View Photos from the 2021 Fire Hero Family Winter Retreat

Self-Care and Wellness

Strategies for Coping with Grief

In this series, Michele Neff Hernandez, Founder and Executive Director of Soaring Spirits International, discusses some of the difficult aspects of grief and strategies for handling them.

Helping Others

Connections

» Home Fire and Life Safety Tips During the COVID-19 Crisis «

Focusing Our Energy

Ashley Whitmore

Family Programs Support Specialist
“If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.“
– Martin Luther King Jr.

Eric Nagle

Family Programs Specialist
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass…
it’s about learning to dance in the rain. “
– Vivian Greene

Erin Browning

Outreach Assistant
“Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day
is the rest we take between two deep breaths.“
– Etty Hillesum

Beverly Donlon

Director of Family Programs
“Train your mind to see the good in everything. Positivity is a choice; the happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.“
– Anonymous

Jenny Woodall

Grief Specialist
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking
new landscapes, but in having new eyes. “
– Marcel Proust

Forever in Our Hearts®
Resources for Families of Fallen Firefighters

Families of fallen firefighters face a long and difficult journey. While the rest of the world moves on, family members must figure out how to live without their loved one. The Foundation offers a variety of programs and materials to help during this most difficult time.

Most importantly, we want you to know that you are not alone. There are others who understand your loss and honor your loved one’s memory.

Fire Hero Family Programs

NFFF and Partner Scholarship Programs
The Foundation offers financial assistance for post-secondary education and training to spouses, life partners, children and stepchildren of firefighters honored at the National Memorial.
Wellness Conference
This special week of activities is designed to address issues related to loss, provide training for those providing outreach to others, and provide a chance to network with other fire hero families.
Remembrance Program
During the anniversary month of their firefighter’s death, families receive a Remembrance card from another fire hero family member.
Hal Bruno Camps for Children of Fallen Firefighters
This is a weekend bereavement camp for children and stepchildren of fallen firefighters who have been honored at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg.
Programs for Young Adults
The Foundation offers programs for young adults, ages 18-24, whose firefighter parent died in the line of duty.
Memorial Weekend
Every October, the Foundation sponsors the official national tribute to all firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year. The weekend features private activities for fire hero families and co-workers, along with public ceremonies.
Winter Family Retreat
A multi-day event for all ages and family members, focused on fellowship, self-care, and giving back during the holidays.
National Fallen Firefighters Holiday Tree Lighting
Each December, ornaments, holiday cards, and notes provided by Fire Hero Families adorn trees in and around the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel. These tributes in honor of fallen firefighters remain on display throughout the holiday season.

Family Benefit Information

To help with immediate and long-term financial concerns, we can help families find information on benefits available at the national level and in each state. The Foundation’s Scholarship Program can help fire hero families achieve their educational goals.