Trauma Intervention Program NW

Trauma Intervention Program NW, founded in 1992, is a group of specially trained and thoroughly screened volunteers who provide emotional and practical support to victims of traumatic events and their families in the first few hours following a tragedy. 

TIP Volunteers support family and friends following suicides, natural or unexpected deaths, drownings, motor vehicle fatalities, victims and witnesses of fires and crimes, and those affected by violence.

TIP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and every donation is tax-deductible. Services are provided to clients and their families free of charge and are made possible by donations from local government, businesses, organizations, and individuals.

TIP Volunteers respond immediately to any crisis 24-hours a day, 365-days a year; averaging 180 calls per month.

TIP MISSION

Our volunteers provide emotional first aid to survivors of tragedy in order to ease their immediate suffering and facilitate their healing and long-term recovery.

WHAT TIP VOLUNTEERS "DO"

• Provide EFA (Emotional First Aid) to people following a traumatic event
• Assist with resources and next steps
• "Just be there"

VOLUNTEER TRAINING ACADEMY

• 2-week course, nights and weekends, totaling ~60 classroom hours
• 3-Month Field Training Program w/veteran volunteer, then graduate
• Background check and fingerprinted upon the start of the academy

Training covers:

• 5 EFA Skills - most importantly, what is helpful and not helpful to say to people
• Working Effectively w/Emergency Responders, Street Smarts, Personal Safety
• Hear from a Panel of Bereaved Community Members who share their stories