AT-PROMISE YOUTH OCEAN THERAPY PROGRAM
A unique Ocean Therapy experience for youth at promise in the Los Angeles area.
FIRST RESPONDERS OCEAN THERAPY PROGRAM – FROPOWR
A unique Ocean Therapy experience for our first responders that serve and protect our communities.
JMMF launched our First Responder Ocean Therapy Program in the spring of 2024 to serve those that serve our communities – police, fire, medics and dispatch. Because of the cultural stigma that surrounds mental health issues in the first responder community, we heeded the advice of several wise counselors and reframed this program to focus on performance optimization, wellness and resiliency. We termed this program FROPOWR – First Responders Oceanic Performance Optimization Wellness & Resiliency. (We know how the First Responders, like the military, love their acronyms!)
First Responders are by the nature of their service on the front lines in our communities, responding to graphic scenes of murders, suicides, child abuse, traffic accidents and other unimaginable violence. Most first responders suffer from the effects of on-duty trauma but many don’t want to talk about it…mostly because any form of perceived “weakness” or being “broken or damaged” could be career compromising or career ending. Like many, they struggle isolated and alone. Not surprising then that the suicide rate among law enforcement is 53% higher than the general population. It’s also no secret that first responders, especially police, have taken a beating in recent years, and morale has been impacted. The calls to “Defund The Police” and so-called “social justice movements” encouraging the killing of cops are not real motivating when your professional calling is to protect the health and safety of those that are out to bring you down. The bridges between cops and their communities have been badly damaged in many places, and mental health issues with first responders are on the rise.
We launched our FROPOWR Program with a brave crew of first responders from various agencies in the LA area. There were tears of joy, relief, and contagious vulnerability from everyone present. Buoyed by the response, we added regular FROPOWR sessions and word has spread amongst the first responder community. JMMF has been embraced as “legit” and Ocean Therapy is now part of their wellness initiatives. FROPOWR is an awesome opportunity to support our first responders, express our gratitude and appreciation for their protection and service, and mend the damaged bridges within our communities. Come join us in support of our First Responders at FROPOWR sessions!
