The Well Resource Center is 501c3 non for profit whose mission is to care for and see improvement in the mental, physical, relational and spiritual health of first responders and their families. The Well was established in the winter of 2017 by Matt and Audra Blair as a “need based community resource center.” Matt and Audra used programs like sports leagues, cooking classes and job readiness programs to draw people in so they could listen to the needs of the community. The Well is located in the Jefferson Park neighborhood on the northwest side of Chicago. This northwest side is home to over 25% of Chicago’s protective services employees. 

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Matt & Audra quickly learned about the tolls that being a First Responder in Chicago not only takes on the first responders themselves but also on their families. The Chicago Police Department alone has a 60% higher suicide rate than any law enforcement agency in the country. The Well now has four licensed counselors on staff and offers FREE mental health services for First Responders and their immediate family members. The Well’s approach when it comes to mental health is to establish trust and relationships before there is need. The goal is to create a comfortability that leads first responders and their families to be proactive with their health rather reactive to a crisis.  

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The Well establishes trust in a variety of ways. Weekly male and female first responder social groups. Weekly spouse support groups, weekly basketball, group bike rides and most importantly attending roll calls. The Well has a representative in 6 of the 22 Chicago Police districts where we offer encouragement, promote resources and build trust. The Well is in front of roughly 2,200 Chicago Police Officers in roll calls monthly. The Well cannot do what we do without the help of organizations like The Box If Foundation and individuals like you. Thank you for your support!