Trauma Intervention Program of Northern Nevada

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Trauma Intervention Program of Northern Nevada

TIP of Northern Nevada – Helping People on the Worst Day of Their Lives. Volunteer-powered. Community-focused. TIP volunteers are available 24/7/365. Nevada.

Providing 24/7 emotional first aid and compassionate support when it matters most. "Thank you for being there on the worst day of my life." ~TIP client following the death of her toddler. TIP volunteers are called to emergency scenes by public safety personnel to assist family members after a sudden death, suicide, drowning, crime, & other traumatic events. This program benefits our community in a number of ways, including saving the emergency response system time & money, involving citizen volunteers in public safety, & providing a valuable service to survivors of tragedy who are often experiencing the worst hours of their lives. "The TIP program is extremely helpful to law enforcement & is an excellent intermediary for both emergency responder & victim/family needs." ~ Detective Digesti, Washoe County Sheriff's Office

"TIP has certainly become a resource our department & officers on the street count on to support us in caring for citizens in N. I believe their work is an invaluable asset to our community." ~Lori Fralick, Victim Assistance Office Supervisor, Reno Police Dept.

03/25/2026

When tragedy happens, first responders focus on the emergency.
TIP volunteers focus on the people.

The Trauma Intervention Program of Northern Nevada provides trained volunteers who respond alongside law enforcement, fire, EMS, and other emergency personnel to support survivors and families during life’s most difficult moments.

TIP volunteers offer compassion, stability, and guidance in the immediate aftermath of crisis — helping families begin to navigate overwhelming situations while first responders focus on the critical work they are there to do.

To the first responders in our community: thank you for trusting TIP and allowing us to be part of the services you provide to the people you serve every day.

When emotional support is needed on scene, remember to call TIP. Our volunteers are here 24/7 to support you and the community.

Learn more at www.tipnnv.org

03/24/2026

Sometimes the greatest impact comes simply from being there.

A client recently shared this heartfelt feedback about their experience with TIP volunteer Sarah:
"I felt like a little angel was standing by me the whole time. Many times since I have wished she was with me."

During moments of crisis, trauma, and unimaginable loss, the calm and compassionate presence of a TIP volunteer can bring comfort when it is needed most. Our volunteers stand beside individuals and families during some of the hardest moments of their lives — offering support, guidance, and reassurance when everything feels overwhelming.

Sarah, thank you for showing up with empathy, kindness, and compassion. The difference you made that day clearly continues to be felt long after the moment passed.

Learn more about the Trauma Intervention Program of Northern Nevada and how our volunteers serve the community:
www.tipnnv.org

03/24/2026

After a tragedy or the death of someone they love, children often ask difficult and very direct questions.

Questions like:
• “Why did they die?”
• “Where did they go?”
• “Is it going to happen to you too?”
• “Was it my fault?”

These questions can be heartbreaking and sometimes catch adults off guard. It can be tempting to avoid the conversation or soften the truth to protect them.

But children benefit most from honest, simple explanations that match their age and understanding.

Children are incredibly perceptive. When information is withheld, they may fill in the gaps with their own imagination — and what they imagine can sometimes feel more frightening than the truth.

Helpful ways to respond include:

• Use clear and simple language
Avoid confusing phrases like “they went to sleep” or “we lost them.” These can create fear or misunderstandings for children.

• Answer only what they ask
Children often process grief in small pieces. They may ask one question at a time as they are ready to understand more.

• Be honest if you don’t know the answer
It’s okay to say, “I don’t know, but we can talk about it together.”

• Reassure them they are safe
Children often worry about the safety of the adults in their lives after experiencing loss.

• Remind them the loss was not their fault
Many children quietly carry guilt, believing something they said, thought, or did caused the death.

It’s also important to remember that children may return to the same questions multiple times. This repetition is a normal part of how they process grief and make sense of what happened.

The goal isn’t to have the perfect answers.
The goal is to create a space where children feel safe asking questions, expressing emotions, and knowing they are supported.
Honesty, patience, and reassurance can help children begin to navigate grief in healthy ways.

For additional trauma and grief resources:
www.tipnnv.org

03/23/2026

Older adults may experience trauma with added layers of fear, confusion, or isolation.

TIP volunteers offer patience, reassurance, and emotional support — ensuring dignity, comfort, and care during moments that feel overwhelming.

Every stage of life deserves compassion.

03/23/2026

There is no finish line for grief and no “right way” to heal.

Move at the pace your heart needs. We are here beside you. 💙

03/22/2026

The sirens fade.
The scene clears.
But for many families… the hardest moments are just beginning.

That’s where TIPNNV steps in.

Side-by-side with our incredible law enforcement, fire, and EMS partners, Trauma Intervention Program volunteers show up with quiet compassion, steady presence, and a reminder that no one in Northern Nevada has to face tragedy alone.

Because in the moments that change everything…
human connection matters most. 💙

Learn more, volunteer, or support the mission:
👉 www.tipnnv.org

03/21/2026

💔 Grief doesn’t just live in the heart — it lives in the body, too.

Many grieving individuals are surprised by the very real physical symptoms that can follow a sudden loss. These reactions are common and completely normal responses to profound stress and heartbreak.

You may experience:
• Fatigue or exhaustion
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
• Chest tightness or heaviness
• Changes in sleep
• Appetite changes
• Headaches or body aches
• Feeling physically numb or on edge

These responses are the body’s natural reaction to trauma and overwhelming grief.

At TIP of Northern Nevada, our volunteers provide emotional first aid and practical support in the earliest moments after loss — helping survivors understand what they’re experiencing and reminding them they are not alone in it.

If your body feels different after loss, you are not “losing it.”
You are grieving. And your response is human. 💙

03/21/2026

One of the most common questions families ask after a loss is:
“Should children attend the funeral?”

There is no single right answer, but many grief professionals agree that including children in remembrance rituals can be helpful when they are prepared and supported.

Funerals and memorial services can help children:
• Understand that the death is real
• Begin processing their grief
• Say goodbye in a meaningful way
• See how family and community support each other
• Feel included rather than confused or excluded

When children are kept away from funerals, they may sometimes feel left out or may imagine situations that are even more frightening than the truth.

If a child chooses to attend, preparation is important.
Helpful ways to prepare a child include:
• Explain ahead of time what they will see and hear
• Describe what the service will look like
• Let them ask questions
• Allow them to decide if they want to participate
• Provide a trusted adult who can step outside with them if needed

Children should never be forced to attend, but they should be given the opportunity to be involved if they want to.
Some children may want to:
• Draw a picture for the person who died
• Place a flower on the casket
• Share a memory
• Light a candle
• Participate in a family ritual

These small acts can help children begin to process their grief and feel connected during a difficult time.

The most important thing children need during loss is honesty, reassurance, and support from the adults who care about them.

Grief is a family experience, and including children in healthy ways can help them understand that they are not alone.

For additional trauma and grief resources:
www.tipnnv.org

03/20/2026

We’re incredibly grateful for this feedback from Officer J. Bader of the Sparks Police Department, recognizing the impact of TIP volunteer Gina on scene. By providing resources, calming distressed family members, and guiding them through an overwhelming process, Gina helped create space for officers to do their work more effectively.

This is the heart of what TIP does—supporting families in crisis while standing shoulder to shoulder with our first responder partners. Thank you, Gina, for going above and beyond, and thank you to the Sparks Police Department for trusting TIP to be there when it matters most.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

03/20/2026

Even in seasons of deep loss, moments of peace still matter.

If today brings even the smallest breath of relief, let that be enough. 💙

03/19/2026

🌟 Volunteer of the Month Spotlight: Susy 🌟

Some people show up… and then there are people like Susy, who show up with heart, purpose, and a smile that instantly brings comfort to everyone around her.

Susy consistently goes above and beyond—not just on her shifts, but in the countless ways she steps up behind the scenes. Whether it’s volunteering for extra opportunities, lending a helping hand wherever needed, or being a positive and uplifting presence, she truly embodies what it means to serve.

She represents TIP in the best possible way—with compassion, dedication, and genuine care for others on some of their hardest days.

Susy, thank you for being someone we can always count on, for leading with kindness, and for making such a meaningful impact in our community. 💛

👏 Help us celebrate Susy in the comments!

03/19/2026

Tonight’s Continuing Education meeting was a powerful reminder of why connection, collaboration, and community matter so much in the work we do. 💛

A huge thank you to our incredible guest speakers:

✨ Emma Ray with MADD Northern Nevada, who shared about the impact of impaired driving and the vital resources available to victims and families.
📞 24-Hour Victim Help Line: 1-877-MADD-HELP (1-877-623-3435)
🚨 Statistically, every 39 minutes, a life is lost due to impaired driving—an important reminder of why awareness and advocacy are so critical.

✨ Roxy & Trevor with Chipd.in, who are doing amazing work raising funds for UNR student emergency scholarships—supporting students when they need it most. Please visit their Instagram page for more information regarding this awesome business!
https://www.instagram.com/chipd.in?igsh=MTNhd3R6bGVlbHZ5dg==

We are so grateful for the local organizations that partner with us and take the time to share their knowledge, resources, and heart with our volunteers. These connections allow us to better serve those experiencing crisis and truly show up for our community in meaningful ways.

Together, we are stronger. 🤝

Address

325 Sunshine Lane
Reno, NV
89509

Telephone

+17753372112

Website

http://www.tipnnv.org/, https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3IMHU9TGLHVA?ref_=wl_share

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