Hey, Matt here! I founded Badge for a Badge because I want to eliminate the stigma around first responders and military members reaching out for help when it comes to their mental health. While this organization focuses heavily on advocation for mental health outreach and suicide prevention- we are so much more! Our organization focuses on the building of friendships amongst peers within our fields. We host events to encourage socialization whether it’s just hanging out, eating in a group or grabbing a drink.
Our peer support contacts are available 24/7. They are dedicated volunteers who have careers that make them capable of putting themselves in a position to listen and help with those who are struggling.
In regards to my background, I have spent five years on the road as a patrol officer. My duties ranged from community police officer to a special response team member. I also served six years with the Marine Corps reserve at both a tank battalion and headquarters in an infantry company. Currently, I am apart of a catastrophic response team doing Travelers Insurance! I am committed to helping you and growing our community. My number is listed in the get in touch tab, never hesitate to reach out.
Please get in touch if you're interested in volunteering. We need you!
My name is Doug - I’m a Marine Corps veteran and I served with Matt. As soon as Matt told me he was starting this organization I knew I had to be involved. It’s too often that service members, police officers, and other first responders aren’t given the proper resources to allow them to succeed within civilian life. We are here to support those who have dedicated their lives to helping others.
My background consists mainly of reserve time within the Marine Corps (bring on the reservist jokes, I’m ready). I was activated once for a humanitarian mission that lasted roughly one year which was stateside. I spent my entire time enlisted and exited after obtaining the rank of Sergeant. While on reserve status I was able to complete a Bachelors degree in Psychology from Appalachian State University. After my time in the service was completed I obtained a job working in insurance.
Despite my counterpart having a totally fun job as a police officer - I found that having a slow paced desk job was a nice change of scenery. If anyone reading this is interested in knowing more about me, recently transitioning out of the military, or if you just want to grab some Buffalo wings in the Charlotte, NC area please don’t hesitate to shoot me a text or give me a call!
Emily, a NY native, has been in Charlotte for the last four years since graduating from East Carolina University. With a double major in neuroscience and psychology, she has delved deep into understanding the intricacies of the human mind and its biological underpinnings. Beyond her academic achievements,
Emily has also dedicated herself to serving others through her work in Emergency Medical Services (EMS). For the past three years, she has been actively involved in the EMS field as a Paramedic responding to emergencies, providing critical care, and ensuring the well-being of those in need.
Emily's commitment to her role in EMS is evident through her unwavering professionalism, empathy, and ability to remain calm under pressure. Emily is dedicated to improving not only the physical health of her patients but the mental health of her peers.
Jackie is orginally from South Jersey and recently relocated to Charlotte. She pursued a career with Harmony Recovery Center here in Mecklenburg County. She received her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling with a specialty education in Addiction and Offenders Counseling from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Her experience includes time working in behavior therapy with children and adults diagnosed with developmental disabilities and a women’s addiction program which consisted of primarily mandated clients with a focus on children reunification. Jackie currently has dual associate licensure for both mental health treatment and addiction treatment.
"We are thankful to have someone with Jackie's expertise on mental health to colloaborate with. She is truly an assest to our organzation with her extensive background and education. Not only that she has never met a stranger and is one of the nicest people I know. It is volunteers like this that keep our operation up and going." - Matt B, Founder
Hey I'm Josh. First, I am a father and a husband. I currently work as a commercial construction project manager. I served 4 years in the Air Force where I was an Ammo troop stationed in Minot, ND. After separating I received my Bachelors in Construction Management and Masters in Organizational Management.
We want you to join the Badge for a Badge team! This is volunteer based as it is a non-profit organization. If you have a background in fire services, emergency medicine, military, police, telecommunications or corrections feel free to reach out and let me know what you're willing to do! We have peer support contact openings and event planning positions available. Location doesn't matter! We are across the county and want to help.
We could use certified / licensed counselors or therapists to help our cause. If that interests you, we would love to sit down and chat. We welcome everyone who supports our mission with open arms!
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