Volunteer Gateway |
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The Facts |
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Trauma Intervention Programs (TIP) is a national voluntary
non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that those who are
emotionally traumatized in emergency situations receive the assistance
they need. To accomplish that goal, TIP Inc. works closely with
local communities to establish emergency services volunteer programs.
In these programs, well-trained citizen volunteers are called to
emergency scenes to assist family members, witnesses, and other bystanders
whom the emergency system often must leave behind.
Since 1985 TIP, Inc. has established emergency services programs
in over 250 cities. In each of these programs, citizen volunteers
are demonstrating that given the opportunity, they can play an
important role in the emergency response system. If you would
like information on how to start a TIP chapter in your county,
please call TIP's national office at (714) 314-0744 or visit their
website at
www.tipnational.org
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The Foothill Mountain Chapter was founded in January of 1995. Serving the communities in the foothills and mountains northeast of Fresno. What makes this Chapter unique is their coverage area. Starting at 500' elevation to 7000' elevation covering approximately 600 square miles. |
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The Who, What, When and Why's of TIP...... |
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Who are TIP volunteers? |
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TIP volunteers are citizens of all ages and occupations who have
a deep desire to help others. Many of the volunteers have been
through a traumatic experience themselves and realize the importance
of immediate support from a caring and knowledgeable person. |
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Who pays for TIP services? |
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Trauma Intervention Programs, Inc. is a non-profit tax exempt
organization. Services are provided to victims and their families
free of charge and are made possible through grants from local
government and individuals and through fund-raising efforts. |
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What TIP volunteers do: |
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Provide emotional support.
Help arrange for shelter, food, clothing, and transportation.
Notify family and friends.
Serve as liaison between the victims and emergency and hospital
authorities.
Help arrange follow-up services.
Provide information and referrals to appropriate agencies for ongoing
assistance. |
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When is TIP called? |
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TIP volunteers are always available. They are called by authorized police officers, firefighters, paramedics and hospital personnel to assist:
Family members and friends following a natural or unexpected death.
Victims of crime including rape, assault, robbery, and burglary.
Victims of fire.
Disoriented or lonely older persons.
Persons involved in vehicle accidents.
Persons who are distraught and seeking immediate support.
Family members of a person who has committed suicide. |
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Why TIP? |
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Following a traumatic event, the person involved often feels
helpless, confused, and in emotional shock. They are confronted
with a situation for which they are totally unprepared. Often
there is no one available in the immediate aftermath of a tragedy
to guide the victims through these difficult hours. The TIP volunteer
provides this necessary temporary support until persons involved
in the crisis are able to depend on family, friends, neighbors,
and others. |