“What’s been said and talked about here at the Hero Haven hangouts stays here,” says mentor and DeWitt Fire Department Chief Bob Sandry.
DEWITT, Iowa — A group of local volunteers held an open house on Sunday, November 13 for first responders to learn about their mental health services.
DeWitt-based Hero Haven is a volunteer organization that hosts monthly sessions for first responders to talk about problems at work or in life.
The group holds sessions every third Tuesday of the month. Hero Haven’s mentor and DeWitt Fire Department Chief Bob Sandry said the sessions are a safe place to discuss concerns.
“What’s been said and talked about here in the Hero Haven hangouts, stays here,” Sandry said.
Hero Haven is in its second season and is located next to Sandry Fire Supply on 6th Street in DeWitt. Support team member Justin Butt said someone is always available to talk.
“The only appointment you’ll have to make is if you want to meet someone outside of our regular meeting hours,” Butt said. “You can make an appointment whenever you want. Otherwise, you can just show up.”
Butt also said that he has personally benefited from the group’s services.
“It was really nice to be able to talk about the personal issues I’ve experienced in my life with people who understand what we’ve been through before,” Butt said.
The services are free.
In addition to first responders, Bob Sandry said anyone can contact Hero Haven for mental health concerns by calling Sandry Fire Supply. Also contact the Hero Haven support team through their contact page by clicking here.
