Friends of Firefighters

718-643-0980 - info@friendsoffirefighters.org www.friendsoffirefighters.org HURRICANE SANDY ANNIVERSARY l FALL GALA RECAP lO, THE OPRAH MAGAZINE l NEW SUPPORT GROUP lSERVICES l VETERAN'S DAY CLOSING Hurricane Sandy Anniversary   This Thursday, October 15 marks the third anniversary of Hurricane Sandy. As you can read in this article about the hidden mental health impacts of extreme weather events, many people affected by the storm will experience distress and anxiety in response to both the anniversary and to our changing climate. If in moderation, this is a healthy, normal response. A feeling of fear reminds us to be vigilant. Too much fear, on the other hand, can be paralyzing.     However, every time a storm is just a storm, our nervous system re-learns that the impact of Hurricane Sandy was an anomaly; that, in fact, most storms are simply defined by lots of rain and wind; and that most storms just pass through. This is a good lesson for us to re-learn. It allows us to re-engage with what's important to us.      If you notice that this anniversary and/or this season's storms are causing you to lose your emotional footing, call us. We're here for you.   8th Annual Fall Gala Recap Thank you to everyone who attended and supported such a special evening; thanks to you we were able to raise over $156,000! Friends of Firefighters provides independent, confidential, and free counseling and wellness services to active and retired FDNY firefighters and their families. Funds raised help cover the expenses associated with these services, allowing us to continue our mission. Read a full recap here.   O, the Oprah Magazine: November Issue “As leaders of demanding charities, the four women on these pages are known for their “do unto others” spirit. We thought it was high time they got a little pampering themselves.” Our own executive director, Nancy Carbone, is one of these four nonprofit leaders featured in "The Beauty of Giving" spread in the November issue of O, the Oprah Magazine! Each woman is highlighted for their dedication to the charity they run and is treated to well-deserved pampering for their tireless efforts. Pick up your issue to read and see Nancy’s story! Here’s a sneak peek at the photos. New Program: Women's Intimacy Group FDNY firefighters and family members are invited to join Friends of Firefighters for a free 6-week educational and support group that allows women to share openly in regards to sexuality, pleasure, and intimacy. The group will be facilitated by Lauren Johnson, LMFT. WHEN: To begin this fall on Thursdays; time and start date depend on interest WHERE: Forest Hills, Queens TO JOIN: Contact us with your preferred time and start date Read more here   Services Services are available in all five boroughs and Long Island. View a mapof our services, visit our website for more details, and contact us to make an appointment. Counseling Peak Performance Coaching Acupuncture Yoga Peer Support Women's Group On the Arm Breakfast (11/18 due to Veteran's Day) Financial Guidance Checkpoint Charlie Scholarship Outside Referrals Veteran's Day Closing Friends of Firefighters will be closed on November 11 for Veteran's Day. If you find yourself in crisis call 1-800-LIFENET, a New York 24/7 Crisis Hotline. Friends of Firefighters provides independent, confidential, and free counseling and wellness services to active and retired FDNY firefighters and their family members.     Click to view this email in a browser