The Operation We Got Your Six Fund, the “Op6” fund for short, was created in 2019 by the Forster Foundation Board of Directors in collaboration with the Forster Family. This fund was set up to specifically address the mental health and wellness challenges that first responders face. The Board of Directors, many who are themselves or have family serving as first responders, recognize the negative physiological and psychological effects that a career in public safety can have on an individual. Those negative effects, when left unmanaged, can lead to poor job performance, which in turn creates a strain on community relations.
Hardship Assistance Grants
One purpose of the Op6 fund is to provide emergency financial assistance to first responders in a mental health crisis as a way to help remove road blocks to receiving treatment. A grant from the Op6 fund may be awarded to a Central Ohio first responder who is seeking mental health treatment and needs financial assistance as a result of one of the following situations:
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Treatment at a residential mental health treatment facility that includes costs not covered by the first responder's insurance
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Treatment at a mental health facility that requires travel more than 100 miles from the first responder's home
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Other financial need demonstrated by the first responder in anticipation of, as a result of, or required or suggested for mental health treatment.
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please send a request along with contact information to assistance@theforsterfoundation.org or give us a call at 614-664-3242.
Education Grants
Another purpose of the op6 fund is to support public safety wellness initiatives and training. A grant from the Op6 fund may also be awarded to a Central Ohio first responder seeking education, instruction, or training for the purpose of providing crisis response, mental health, or wellness education, instruction, training, or other similar service to first responders and their families.
If you or someone you know would like to apply for an Op6 education grant, please send a request along with contact information to assitance@theforsterfoundation.org or give us a call at 614-664-3242.