Continuum of Care, Inc.’s mission is to enable people who are challenged with mental illness, intellectual disabilities, addiction, or homelessness to rebuild a meaningful life and thrive in the community.
First Responder
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Recently, a domestic dispute between an unhoused
couple escalated to a crisis. After they were
separated, one partner remained deeply distraught—expressing suicidal thoughts so serious that 911 had to be called.
When first responders arrived, one EMT immediately stepped in. With calm, compassion, and clarity, she helped de-escalate the situation and worked with the client to create a safety plan. Slowly, the client began to regain a sense of control.
Then came a moment none of us expected.
The EMT quietly shared with the client that she, too, had once faced a critical turning point—and found help through one of Continuum’s crisis programs. “Continuum is a great place,” she said. “It helped me get to where I am today, and made it possible for me to do what I’m doing now.”
In that moment, the EMT offered not just care, but living proof that recovery is possible. Her words gave the client something essential: HOPE. And for our staff, who overheard this exchange, it was a powerful affirmation—that the work we do truly changes lives, sometimes in ways that come back to help others when they need it most.