Nonprofit of the Year recognized by Assemblyman Fong

For their unwavering support of law enforcement and first responders' mental health, 911 At Ease International, Kern County Chapter was recognized as 2022 Nonprofit of the Year by Assemblyman Vince Fong in the State Capitol. 911 At Ease International provides free, professional and trauma-informed therapy and counseling to first responders and their families.

"First responders and law enforcement officers face extremely challenging situations every day," said Assemblyman Vince Fong (R-Kern County). "Their job is to respond to traumatic situations and crises, and that comes with a cost. 911 At Ease allows first responders and their families to access confidential counseling to process and work through their traumatic experiences."

"911 At Ease provides officers a great deal of support and help from dealing with the horrible scenarios they face every day," said Kern County Sheriff, Donny Youngblood.

The mission of 911 At Ease International is to ensure that all first responders and their family members, including their children, have unhindered access to confidential and qualified counselors who understand the livelihood of a first responder and the unique situations they face.

Bakersfield Police Chief Greg Terry praised their work, "We are thankful for the invaluable services provided by 911 At Ease which support our police officers and first responders and keeps them healthy. The end result is that healthy officers go on to serve our community while at their best."

Representatives of the group travelled to Sacramento to be formally recognized by Assemblyman Fong and the California Association of Nonprofits.

"We have helped thousands of first responders through our programs, which are supported by our local communities. We are deeply humbled to be recognized by Assemblyman Vince Fong as a 2022 Nonprofit of the Year," Sgt. Mike McGrew, CEO and Co-Founder of 911 At Ease International said in receiving rewarding the award.

911 At Ease International, along with other nonprofit nominees from across the state, were honored at the State Capitol on Nonprofit Day.

A resolution by Assemblyman Fong designated June 8, 2022 as Nonprofit Day in California to acknowledge the many contributions of nonprofits.

Assemblyman Vince Fong represents the 34th Assembly District, encompassing most of Kern County including the communities of Bakersfield, Bear Valley Springs, China Lake, Frazier Park, Golden Hills, Inyokern, Lebec, Oildale, Ridgecrest, Taft and Tehachapi.