The Wound That Became the Work™

"There is an Old-Testament story about a young woman named Esther who was asked to use her position as queen to influence the king and save her people from annihilation as the result of a wicked plot. Esther was initially hesitant to intervene but was persuaded to do so by a relative who reminded her that “if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise from another place…but who knows that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). This story came to my mind as I read Chaplain Foster’s A Pocket Guide for Peer-Support Team Members of First Responders and Helping Professionals, which is being made available as a resource for the first-responder community at a very critical time in our nation’s history. We find ourselves living in a post-pandemic era of unprece- dented volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity that per- meates and disrupts every segment of society. Few would argue that our first responders are among those who work daily on the frontline of human tragedy. These real-life superheroes are constantly exposed to dangerous situations and regularly display incredible feats of cour- age that are inspired by a commitment to serve their communities and care for others. Their efforts often result in occupational injury and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which places them at an increased risk of developing addictions, or co-occurring men- tal-health problems. Unfortunately, we also live in an era when traditional mental and behavioral health systems of care are overwhelmed, and there are not enough clinical practitioners available to help our first respond- ers and others who work in the “helping professions.” To use familiar metaphors, one could say that “the building is on fire” or “the boat is sinking.” To survive, we need an all hands-on deck approach, and thankfully, Chaplain Foster’s A Pocket Guide for Peer-Support Team Members of First Responders and Helping Professionals arrives on the scene, like Queen Esther, for such a time as this. From the beginning to the very end, this book is filled with golden nuggets to be treasured. For me personally, when viewing the content through my lens as a career manager and human-resources practitioner, who is also a recovery-support professional, I found one of the most fundamental and vitally important resources in chapter 12, titled “Creating a Supportive Environment” that highlights the importance of fostering a culture of support within an organization, team, or community. Culture is a universally recognized characteristic of every human entity, and no two organizations or workplaces are identical. Consequently, the work of creating psychological safety, a character-istic foundational to changing organizational culture, must be intentional. Furthermore, as it relates to providing ongoing support for employees struggling with mental health, substance misuse, addic- tion and recovery, companies must consider utilizing trained, cer- tified, or otherwise qualified peers to complement and supplement the work done by managers, human-resources personnel, or others involved in providing traditional methods of care. Are you interested in learning how to facilitate the long-term sustainable culture change in your organization needed to save the lives of first responders and, by extension, those whom they serve and support? If so, then you will want to follow the road map and strive to implement as many of the essential elements identified by Chaplain Foster in chapter 12. You won’t regret doing so!"

"I’ve read several “pocket guides” over the years, so when I was asked to read Chaplain Kelvin’s new book, A Pocket Guide for Peer-Support Team Members of First Responders and Helping Professionals, I wasn’t expecting anything spec- tacular. But the name actually undersells this book. This book is far more than just a pocket guide. It’s a powerful resource for peer-support team members. Chaplain Kelvin has squeezed every aspect of peer support that I can think of into this book. Yet he has somehow managed to turn these deep topics into manageable and easy-to-understand lessons. Several times while reading this book, I found myself making notes in the margin about how I could add things to my next peer-support training. I plan to make this required reading for all our peer-support team members. I hope that they will refer to this valuable resource regularly."

"Chaplain Kelvin Foster has been our key representative in the development of the North River Fire District’s mental-health wellness program. His remarkable dedication and profound understanding of the unique challenges faced by first responders have been instrumental in creating a support system that goes beyond basic organizational offerings. Through his passion and commitment, Foster has laid the foundation for a program that not only addresses the mental-health needs of our team but also goes above and beyond to ensure their well-being. His work has provided resilience for those who face trauma daily in their careers. With the creation of this guidebook, Chaplain Foster can share beyond our organization."

"Chaplain Foster’s A Pocket Guide for Peer-Support Team Members of First Responders and Helping Professionals is a compact powerhouse of wisdom and insight, designed to be carried alongside the busy lives of those dedicated to supporting our first responders. Despite its concise format, this guide manages to astound with its depth and breadth of coverage. What truly sets this guide apart is its ability to be both brief and comprehensive. Foster’s skillful hand has condensed a wealth of knowledge into a compact form, making it not only digestible but also highly practical. Each page is packed with valuable information, covering a wide range of topics essential to effective peer support within the first-responder community. From understanding the unique challenges faced by first responders to practical strategies for providing support, Foster leaves no stone unturned. His writing is clear and concise, making even the most complex concepts easily understandable for those with little training in peer-support work. This makes the guide accessible to a wide audience, ensuring that even newcomers to the field can benefit from its insights. One of the most remarkable aspects of this guide is its ability to whet the appetite for peer-support knowledge. Despite its brevity, Foster manages to spark curiosity and inspire further exploration into the field of peer support. Each section serves as a gateway to deeper understanding, encouraging readers to delve deeper into the topics that resonate with them. Moreover, Foster’s writing is infused with empathy and compassion, reflecting his deep understanding of the needs of both first responders and those who support them. His words resonate with authenticity, offering not just practical advice but also a sense of camaraderie and understanding. In conclusion, A Pocket Guide for Peer-Support Team Members of First Responders and Helping Professionals by Chaplain Kelvin Foster is a true gem of a resource. Its concise format belies its comprehensive nature, making it an indispensable companion to anyone involved in peer support within the first-responder community. Foster’s ability to distill complex concepts into practical advice is truly remarkable, making this guide a must-have for both seasoned professionals and newcomers alike."

"A Pocket Guide for Peer-Support Team Members of First Responders and Helping Professionals is the answer if you want a complete guide to assist you in your peer-support efforts. This manual will guide you to help your peers recover emotionally, relationally, and spiritually from a traumatic event. Chaplain Kelvin Foster takes you into every aspect of traumatic-event recovery to be an effective support-team member. I recommend this guide because it is more comprehensive than any other. Every peer-support team member should use this tool in their arsenal."

"Much more than a guide, Chaplain Foster’s A Pocket Guide for Peer-Support Team Members of First Responders and Helping Professionals provides an expansive tool kit that comes from his decades of personal insights. His shared wealth of experiences gives structured, effective, concise strategies and techniques to all front-line responders before, during, and after a crisis or disaster. Chaplain Foster’s unwavering support to his colleagues is a gift to be treasured and utilized." This manual will guide you to help your peers recover emotionally, relationally, and spiritually from a traumatic event. Chaplain Kelvin Foster takes you into every aspect of traumatic-event recovery to be an effective support-team member. I recommend this guide because it is more comprehensive than any other. Every peer-support team member should use this tool in their arsenal."

"In A Pocket Guide for Peer Support Team Members of First Responders you find the Cliffs-Notes from a hundred other works on peer support. Chaplain Foster had distilled out, organized, and consolidated into one work all that is needed to equip an individual for effective Peer Support for First Responders. The only other element needed is a heart and mind willing to learn and serve."