Benevolent Fund
If you are a Ventura area firefighter with a financial hardship and would like to request support from the Foundation, please read our guidelines and submit a request.
Professional Support
Through our Helping the Helpers initative, Ventura Fire Foundation provides resources and support for firefighters, and their families, to help them cope with job-related stress and strenghten their families.
The resources listed below are just a few of the supports available.
Many, but not all, of the resources are focused on firefighters and their families.
Emergency Assistance
According to the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance, more than 1,700 firefighters have taken their own lives in the last ten years, 102 in California.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
The national (USA) suicide hotline. Not first responder specific, but they can and will talk to anyone who needs help.
Call or text 988. Or call 1-800-273-8255
Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance Suicide Screening
Use this self-assessment to help determine if you need assistance.
Crisis Text Line
A service that allows people in crisis to speak with a trained crisis counselor by text message.
Text “Start” or “Help” to 741-741
FireStrong
Operates 24/7 to provide support, advice, and resources to firefighters and families in crisis.
National Fire Council “Share the Load” program
Counseling and referral service for mental health and substance abuse issues.
Mental Health Crisis Hotline (operated by Ventura County Public Health)
Operates 24/7 to help Ventura County resides experiencing a mental health crisis.
PTSD & Other
The International Association of Firefighters found that almost 20 percent of firefighters and paramedics had PTSD, compared with the general population's rate of 3.5 percent.
These resources can provide assistance if you are struggling with any of the following:
Marital & Family Problems
Stress/Burnout
Anger Management
Separation/Divorce
Child/Adolescent Issues
Parenting Challenges
Grief/Bereavement
Depression
Post Traumatic Stress
Substance Abuse
Child/Spouse Abuse
Retirement Concerns
Career Concerns
Critical Incident/Trauma
Financial Issues
Relationship Concerns
Anxiety/Panic Attacks
Nightmares
911 At Ease
Provides confidential referral to vetted therapists. Has relationships with 19 therapists in Ventura County; telehealth visits available. Referral service and therapy sessions are free for first responders and their families. Note: VFF provided a grant to 911 at Ease to support this service; to maintain confidentiality, we are not informed of who uses it, or why.
888 AT EASE 4 (888-283-2734) Online Contact
International Association of Firefighters Family Resource Guide
List of resources provided by IAFF for firefighter behavioral health, as well as resources for spouses, families, and friends of firefighters.
Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance PTSD Screening
Use this self-assessment to help determine if you need assistance with PTSD.
California Peer-Run Warm Line
A non-emergency resource for anyone in California feeling overly stressed. Common issues discussed on the Warm Line are burnout, stress from work, family issues, depression, anxiety, and financial stress.
First Responder Support Network
List of clinicians who serve first responders.
Give an Hour
A guide for accessing mental health care.
Connect to Hope: Accessing Mental Health Care
Mental Health Crisis Hotline (operated by Ventura County Public Health)
Operates 24/7 to help Ventura County resides experiencing a mental health crisis.
11th Hour Trauma Retreat
Offer out-of-pocket individual and group in CO and FL rooted in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Attachment Therapy, and Relational Therapy.
Nurturing Nest
First responders trauma healing retreats for PTSD in Desert Hot Springs, CA.
FRST Midwest
Offers West Coast Post Trauma Retreats for first responders in Nor CAL.
The Mighty Oaks Foundation
Non-profit, faith based group treatment for first responders in Paso Robles.
Contact The Mighty Oaks Foundation
First Responder Wellness
Substance abuse and mental health treament, as well as family support, for first responders. In Orange County, CA.
UCF Restores
Nonprofit clinical research center and treatment clinic established to change the way post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related concerns are understood, diagnosed, and treated. In central Florida.
The Sparta Project
Nonprofit in Valencia, CA that offers retreats to help with PTSD.
Peer Support
Peer support occurs when people provide knowledge, experience, emotional, social or practical help to each other.
First Responder Support Network
List of peer and family meetings for firefighters and their families. Not Ventura County specific, but they can and will talk to anyone who needs help. Many are online.
First Responder / First Responder Family Meetings
Sessions
On-demand support platform for first responders to work through real issues in live, engaging, video small groups that are facilitated by experienced professionals and supported by a community of peers. Also offers free sessions for first responder families.
Substance Abuse
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health revealed that up to 29% of firefighters engage in alcohol abuse, and as many as 10% of firefighters may be currently abusing prescription drugs.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
Substance Use Treatment Services
Access Line (operated by Ventura County Public Health)
Operates 24/7 to help Ventura County resides access substance abuse treatment services.
First Responder Wellness
Substance abuse and mental health treament, as well as family support, for first responders. In Orange County, CA.
Overdose Rescue Kit
If a loved one or someone you know may be at risk of an overdose, call Ventura County Responds about getting an Overdose Rescue Kit. If you are eligible for a kit, you will be trained online on how to use naloxone, and where to pick up a kit in Ventura County.
National Fire Council “Share the Load” program
Counseling and referral service for mental health and substance abuse issues.