The Partner Foundation was founded by Kyle Baker and his wife, Christina, after their own journey through First Responder trauma and recovery.
In 2020, Kyle, a law enforcement officer with over a decade of service, faced several personal and work-related critical incidents that set him on a challenging path of emotional and mental recovery. Determined to push through and return to his role, he spent several years trying to bury the emotional toll of these experiences. As he battled symptoms of post-traumatic stress (PTS) and survivor’s guilt, he also wrestled with the stigma of seeking help. Now, both he and his wife bring their love of coffee and their love for the community together in one place and use the resources they found to support other First Responders in their chosen field.
Romans 13:4 - For he is God’s Servant
“When We Connect, We Survive!”
Contact Kyle - Kyle@PartnerNC.Org
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.
Only 108 first responders nationally have ever been awarded this prestigious honor, Kyle being one of them for his actions on December 16th, 2020. Read more here.
A word from our founder - “When we think of heroes, we often imagine caped crusaders or larger-than-life figures. These “idols” can be depicted in movies and TV shows around the world, but in reality, it’s our first responders who are the true heroes!
First responders literally put their own lives on the line to protect the communities they serve - that is the true definition of a hero. For these exceptional men and women, functioning at such a heightened state of alertness throughout the career can take its toll on both their physical and emotional health, resulting in increased, stress, depression, isolation, and anger. Left untreated, these conditions can lead to a host of issues, especially in the wake of a critical incident that results in PTS.
When first responders face the silent battles of PTS and chronic grief, it’s the avenues of available support that become crucial in navigating these turbulent waters, and timing is everything for a successful recovery. Those who choose to listen and care without judgment and provide a comforting presence demonstrate true courage through their compassion and resilience. sadly, many do not receive that courtesy from their agencies or even their co-workers, this is where the true stigma lies!
Partner recognizes the pressures of being a first responder and the risks associated that make mental health resources difficult to access, especially in a profession where strength and composure are paramount. We are working to shift this narrative based on real life personal experiences from many in the field, creating a space where first responders can access the tools they need to grow, process, and recharge.” - Kyle Baker