DEWITT, Iowa — A local volunteer group held an open house Sunday, Nov. 13, for first responders to learn about their mental health services.
Hero Haven, based out of DeWitt, is a volunteer organization that holds monthly sessions for first responders to talk about issues on the job or in life.
The group holds sessions every third Tuesday of the month. Hero Haven mentor and DeWitt Fire Department Chief Bob Sandry said the sessions are a safe place to talk about concerns.
"What's ever said and talked about here at Hero Haven hangouts, stays here," Sandry said.
Hero Haven is in its second season, and is located next to Sandry Fire Supply on 6th Street in DeWitt. Support crew member Justin Butt said there is always someone available to talk with.
"The only appointment that you will have to make is if you want to meet with somebody outside of our regular meeting hours," Butt said. "You can make an appointment whenever you want. Otherwise, you can just show up."
Butt also said he has benefited personally from the group's services.
"It was so nice to be able to talk about personal problems that I had experienced in my life with people that understood what we had gone through before," Butt said.
The services are free of charge.
Aside from first responders, Bob Sandry said anyone can reach out to Hero Haven for mental health issues by calling Sandry Fire Supply. Also contact Hero Haven support crew through its contact page by clicking here.