A Beacon in the Darkest Times: A Tribute to the Trauma Intervention Program

In a world that often feels like it’s spinning out of control, where traumatic events seem to be a constant fixture in the news cycle, the existence of a beacon of hope like the Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) is not just comforting—it’s essential. Founded in 1985 by Wayne Fortin in San Diego, California, and introduced to Portland, Oregon, in 1992 by June Vining, TIP embodies the essence of compassion, support, and healing. My journey of healing and rediscovery intertwines deeply with the principles and values this remarkable volunteer organization upholds, granting me a unique perspective on its undeniable impact.

The Trauma Intervention Program is not the option for trauma victims who are negatively responding to events from a distant past.  TIP’s unique approach is to offer immediate emotional first aid and pragmatic support to those ravaged by today’s traumatic events, giving a vital lifeline to those survivors. TIP is not just about the individual acts of kindness by its volunteers as contributors with the other first responders to life’s tragedies, like the police and fire departments, the EMTs’ ‘s, and the hospital employees.  This organization is also about a profound commitment to emotional healing and honoring the resilience of survivors in the face of their adversity.

At the heart of TIP are its volunteers who selflessly dedicate their time, energy, and empathy to assist those in despair. Their volunteers stand on the front lines, providing a shoulder to lean on when the unimaginable happens. This silent army of compassionate souls forms the backbone of TIP, embodying the purest form of altruism. Their readiness to be present, listen, and offer solace makes TIP’s work not just necessary but extraordinary. The volunteers’ ability to hold space for those in distress is a testament to the organization’s ethos—offering a glimmer of hope amidst sorrow.

One of my recurring observations, penned across years of self-reflection, writing, and observing our world is our culture’s pervasive aversion to confronting the sources of trauma within itself. This avoidance not only perpetuates unnecessary suffering but often exacerbates the trauma. TIP’s mission is a clarion call for a shift toward emotional awareness and healing. By fostering a culture that prioritizes these values, we can prevent countless instances of needless trauma and reduce the incidence of secondary injury trauma induced by untrained or unconscious responses to others’ adverse life experiences.

The inexorable truth is that trauma, in its myriad forms, will continue to be a part of the human experience. However, organizations like TIP offer a blueprint for compassion and resilience that can profoundly impact individuals and communities. It’s not enough to applaud their work from the sidelines; it requires a collective commitment to support and invest in programs that embody such critical missions, such as the Dougy Center, and other worthy services. In doing so, we aid those in immediate need and nurture a societal framework that values healing and recovery.

My connection to trauma and the eventual path to recovery began on a day etched in collective memory—January 28, 1986—the day the Challenger spaceship tragically exploded. That catastrophe mirrored my internal turmoil, leading me to a nadir where I attempted to take my own life. Thankfully, I survived, but the incident ushered me into a labyrinthine several-decade quest for truth and healing, revealing deep-seated wounds from my childhood. These scars, long embedded in my body and psyche, had sapped the very essence of joy and purpose from my existence. Because of traumatic wounding, all that I wanted for myself prior to my suicide attempt was “to get off of this fucking rock.”

Only through confronting and healing these wounds did I discover a newfound capacity to live in a healed and whole state while being more present for others, even those experiencing their darkest days. My evolution from a survivor of trauma to a volunteer reflects the transformative power of healing from traumatic wounding, and the substance of my story is not unique within the corps of TIP’s volunteers.

The Trauma Intervention Program is more than an organization; it’s a testament to the indomitable spirit of compassion that resides within each of us. My path from despair to healing, and eventually to serving others, mirrors the journey many volunteers and those they support undertake—a passage from darkness into light, guided by empathy and a shared resolve to heal. I urge communities everywhere to rally behind TIP and similar initiatives, recognizing their indispensable role in weaving the fabric of a more compassionate, resilient society. Our support for all initiatives to reduce suffering, be it through volunteering, advocacy, or funding, not only enhances or saves lives but also fortifies the collective soul of our communities.

On the most troubling day of my life, January 28, 1986, I had no one to listen to and meet me where I was, both emotionally and spiritually. I had an acquaintance who stood in the same pharmacy line as I was tell me that he had no time to listen to me and my problems.  I was there to pick up what was to be my “final prescription”.Had that acquaintance been able to listen and be present, I may have changed my mind about self-harm, but he could only turn away.  It is no wonder that our society often maintains a conspiracy of silence around the suffering of others, as many cannot deal with their own pain. Our culture and many of our citizens can be poor listeners, and it is no wonder that up to 95% of all trauma survivors have never developed a narrative around their losses nor could find anyone to share it with even if they did.

TIP, though not a suicide prevention service, is here to listen to those who lost family members or friends to death, for those whose rugs of love, safety, and security have been yanked out from under them. TIP offers short-term help to assist the survivor to regain a measure of control over their trauma destabilized life.

TIP is here for people having the worst day of their lives.

TIP listens, supports, and cares.

So can we.


Bruce

Presently, I am 67 years old, and I am learning how to live the life of a retired person. I am married to Sharon White, a retired hospice nurse, and writer. Whose Death Is It Anyway-A Hospice Nurse Remembers Sharon is a wonderful friend and life partner of nearly 30 years. We have three grandsons through two of Sharon's children. I am not a published writer or poet. My writings are part of my new life in retirement. I have recently created a blog, and I began filling it up with my writings on matters of recovery and spirituality. I saw that my blog contained enough material for a book, so that is now my new intention, to publish a book, if only so that my grandsons can get to know who their grandfather really was, once I am gone. The title for my first book will be: Penetrating The Conspiracy Of Silence, or, How I Lived Beyond My Expiration Date I have since written 7 more books, all of which are now posted on this site. I have no plans to publish any of them, as their material is not of general interest, and would not generate enough income to justify costs. I have taken a deep look at life, and written extensively about it from a unique and rarely communicated perspective. Some of my writing is from 2016 on to the present moment. Other writing covers the time prior to 1987 when I was a boy, then an addict and alcoholic, with my subsequent recovery experience, and search for "Truth". Others are about my more recent experiences around the subjects of death, dying, and transformation, and friends and family having the most challenging of life's experiences. There are also writings derived from my personal involvement with and insight into toxic masculinity, toxic religion, toxic capitalism, and all of their intersections with our leadere. These topics will not be a draw for all people, as such personal and/or cultural toxicities tends to get ignored, overlooked, or "normalized" by those with little time for insight, introspection, or interest in other people's points of view on these troubling issues. There also will be a couple of writings/musings about "GOD", but I try to limit that kind of verbal gymnastics, because it is like chasing a sunbeam with a flashlight. Yes, my books are non-fiction, and are not good reading for anybody seeking to escape and be entertained. Some of the writings are spiritual, philosophical and intellectual in nature, and some descend the depths into the darkest recesses of the human mind. I have included a full cross section of all of my thoughts and feelings. It is a classic "over-share", and I have no shame in doing so. A Master Teacher once spoke to me, and said "no teacher shall effect your salvation, you must work it out for yourself". "Follow new paths of consciousness by letting go of all of the mental concepts and controls of your past". This writing represents my personal work towards that ultimate end.