Healing Through Adventure Therapy

In time, Kyle’s drive to heal led him to resources revolving around adventure therapy programs that helped him begin to find peace. When traditional resources failed him, adventure therapy programs became his saving grace. Adventure Therapy activities such as water sports, like wake surfing, land sports, like hunting and fishing, and air sports, like skydiving, all revolve around a concept called “eustress,” or positive stress, which provides a mental boost through challenging yet rewarding experiences.

These activities—and the sense of community they created—became vital tools in Kyle’s journey toward recovery. His experience made it clear: first responders need accessible, affordable and effective resources to address the unique pressures of their work. This realization sparked the creation of The Partner Foundation.

The Partner Foundation is more than just an organization; it’s a lifeline for first responders and their families, connecting them to the kinds of resources Kyle and Christina found so transformative. The foundation partners with local and national groups to offer resources that cover all aspects of well-being, from mental health support and stress management to adventure-based therapies.

The Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor is the highest decoration for bravery exhibited by public safety officers in the United States, comparable to the military’s Medal of Honor. It is presented by the President of the United States.

Refers to a positive form of stress that has beneficial effects on health, motivation, performance, and emotional well-being. Unlike negative stress (distress), which can be harmful, eustress arises from positive challenges or exciting experiences. For instance, receiving a promotion or going on vacation can trigger eustress, leading to the release of feel-good chemicals like endorphins. It’s like feeling nervously excited about something - So, think of it as stress that works in your favor!

EUSTRESS: [ˈyo͞oˌstres]

The foundations provided programs:

• Adventure Therapy: Activities like wake surfing, fishing, hunting, and skydiving that offer therapeutic excitement and help first responders reconnect with themselves in a positive environment.

• Respite Opportunities: Vacations at donated beach and mountain homes, cruises, and team-building retreats to provide space for rest and rejuvenation.

• Counseling and Peer Support: Access to vetted professionals and peer support networks that understand the unique challenges of emergency service careers.

“Chip In” Program Invites Community Support

The Partner Foundation has launched an innovative “Chip In” program, inviting the community to show gratitude to first responders while supporting the foundation’s mission. Each “chip” can be purchased online or at select Partners around town such as Rocky River Coffee Co. in Harrisburg, NC, and comes imprinted with a scannable barcode for easy participation in quarterly raffles featuring donated items.

Individuals can buy chips to give directly to first responders, thanking them for their commitment and dedication and show their appreciation in a meaningful way. Proceeds from these sales support the foundation’s outreach efforts and provide direct aid to those who protect our communities.

Building a Lasting Impact for First Responders

The Partner Foundation recognizes that untreated post-traumatic stress not only affects first responders but also impacts their families and communities. Many similar stories such as Kyle’s illustrates the profound need for open conversations around mental health and the importance of breaking down stigmas within first responder agencies. By sharing his journey, Kyle hopes to show others that reaching out is a sign of strength and resilience, not weakness.

First responders often face unique pressures that make mental health resources difficult to access, especially in professions where strength and composure are paramount. The Partner Foundation works to shift this narrative, creating a safe space where first responders can access the tools they need to grow, process, and recharge.

As Kyle puts it, “Our goal is not to recreate the wheel; we just want to help them get the tires changed and balanced once and a while.”

For more information or to support The Partner Foundation, visit their website, follow them on social media, or drop by Rocky River Coffee Co. in Harrisburg, where Kyle is co-owner, to learn how you can help. Join The Partner Foundation in supporting those who serve so courageously and help make a lasting impact in the lives of first responders and their families.

Eddie Montgomery, Taylor Austin Dye, Tracy Lawrence

-Troy Gentry Foundation, fundraiser benefiting Operation Wake Surf 2024

How You Can Get Involved

The foundation invites individuals and organizations to get involved in various ways:

• Donate: Financial contributions help fund adventure therapy sessions, respite stays, and counseling services.

• Nominate a First Responder: If you know a first responder or family in need of support, nominate them for the foundation’s services.

• Spread the Word: Share the foundation’s message on social media or through your community networks, helping to reach those who need these resources most.