In January of 2018, as the barren winter trees surrounded me and my family, so did my life suddenly feel barren - and dare I say, dead. My husband of eight and a half years had been tragically killed, leaving myself a young widow at 29 years of age with two little girls ages 4 years old and 16 months. My new reality was shocking and traumatic as I grappled with the way that my young husband had been killed and also with the new found publicity that came at the cost of everything I had known. My personality is not one to “sit and take it.” I was angry at the enemy for taking my h ..read more

    Five suggestions to Create an environment of peace in your home Fostering flexibility as a spouse plays a crucial role in the overall health of a relationship. However, embodying this trait can be challenging, particularly in marriages involving first responders who face immense demands in their roles. It can be easy to succumb to the habit of "keeping score," losing sight of your spouse’s experiences outside your home. In 2024, successful marriages require a foundation built on understanding, empathy, communication, and compromise to navigate the complexities of the modern worl ..read more

    Six Actionable Steps for First Responders to Improve Marriages and Relationships Did you know January is the leading month for divorce? While every situation is unique, common reasons can include individuals looking for a fresh start for the new year with a prioritization on self-care, added stress around the holidays, financial hardship and/or a desire to wait until after the numerous family gatherings are over during the holiday season. For first responders who often have added schedule conflicts, stress and job demands or trauma, the impact on a relationship during this time ..read more

    Six Tips & Ideas to Embrace the Blessings of the Christmas Season throughout the Challenge of a First Responder Schedule The meaning of Christmas extends far beyond the twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the exchange of gifts - even though these are all great fun! Christmas is a celebration of love, compassion, and the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior and the embodiment of God's unconditional love for humanity. The nativity story, with the humble birth of Jesus in a stable, reflects the idea that God's presence can be found in the most unassuming and ordinary circum ..read more

“I love being a fire wife, I love being a first responder wife. Ultimately, it is what shattered my world but at the same time is rebuilding it.” - Gracie Parrish Miller     Gracie Parrish Miller joined Audra & Chelsi, fellow fire wives and hosts of the Dear Chiefs Podcast, to discuss her story of first responder loss along with first responder marriage. She discusses regret, differences between being a police and a fire wife, and her desire to build a community within the first responder community through her non-profit, The Shelter Foundation. “From New York to California, Wis ..read more

    Many stores honor first responders during the season of giving. We’ve put together a list of stores and tips… First responders, including firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and healthcare workers, play a crucial role in safeguarding our communities. Many businesses and retailers across the United States and locally here in Colorado recognize and appreciate their dedication by offering special holiday shopping discounts. These discounts often include price reductions on various items, from electronics and clothing to home goods, travel and experiences. By providing these ..read more

first responders can maintain work-life balance with the right strategies and outlook First Responders play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities. Their schedules are demanding, often involving long shifts and unpredictable hours. In today’s world, it can be challenging to find and maintain a healthy work/life balance no matter the occupation. Managing a first responder schedule present even more obstacles but, with the right plan of action and mindset, it's possible to maintain a healthy work-life balance and excel in this critical profession. The following 10 ..read more

    Support First Responders and their families and give hope in the process The Shelter Foundation is proud to announce the launch of our online merchandise store! In addition to your financial contributions, 100% of all store proceeds are stewarded by The Shelter Foundation to stand in the gap for First Responder families and marriages by way of support, counseling, retreats and community outreach events. This is a tangible way to help First Responder families while giving you a tangible way to show your support as well.  Whether you are looking for a gift for yourself or som ..read more

Fun in the sun for the youngest, oldest and everyone in between… We are all blessed to call Colorado home, where the stunning landscapes, vibrant cities and boundless outdoor adventures await us in summer. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adrenaline junkie, a culture enthusiast, or simply looking to relax and rejuvenate, Colorado summer has something special in store for everyone. With so many opportunities to celebrate summer, it is hard to narrow a list down to 20 but we managed to do it! From sand dunes to exploring hidden hikes, attending captivating festivals to visiting the most majest ..read more

Taking opportunities to honor the heroic efforts of those who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe. The spring season is a time for rejuvenation and renewal, as we emerge from winter and embrace the energy and excitement of the changing season. In the month of May we have many opportunities to focus this energy and honor the heroic efforts of those who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe. These observances serve as a reminder of the critical role that first responders play in our daily lives and highlight the sacrifices they make to ensure our safety ..read more