VOLUNTEER PROFILE:  FREDDIE CHARLES

TIP Volunteer Freddie Charles was born and raised in Columbus, TX.  She graduated from Texas State University with a BS in Home Economics.  She and her husband of 42 years, John, raised a son and daughter in Houston, TX, where Freddie was a Business Office Manager.

Freddie and her husband John moved to Laguna Beach over 10 years ago. Her husband John took on a new career at the Crystal Cathedral, while Freddie, retired to enjoy the sights, sounds and cuisines of California.

Freddie grew up with a heart for ministering to hurting people.  Her search for meaningful volunteer work brought her to the Crystal Cathedral, where she signed up to train for the "Suicide Hotline."  She was on a waitlist, when she read about TIP.  She signed up for the TIP Training academy and now says, "Finding TIP was the perfect answer.  My work with TIP clients fills me up.  The work I do with clients is swift, to the point, and fills an immediate need in their most hurting times."

Freddie Recalls a note from a client that for her says it all:  "Please continue your good works." Since my head has cleared somewhat I realize how very meaningful your presence was.  This was my first experience with death and you helped make it bearable."

Freddie will be celebrating her 10^th anniversary with TIP this fall, and hopes to stay long enough to celebrate another 10 years.  "We are very lucky to have Freddie; she represents the core of the TIP Program. We don't have many 10 year veterans and we are very proud to have Freddie in our Orange County chapter," says Debbie Simpson, TIP Crisis Team Manager.  

Freddie and her husband have 6 grandchildren ranging in age from 4-19. 

When not volunteering for TIP, she enjoys gardening, cooking, birding and traveling.

EMOTIONAL FIRST AID SEMINAR PRESENTED IN LAGUNA WOODS

On June 27th, the Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) presented a 4-hour Emotional First Aid Course to 35 residents of the City of Laguna Woods. The seminar was sponsored by the City of Laguna Woods and was held in the City Hall complex. TIP National Trainers Wayne Fortin and Heather Sergeant were the instructors.  According to Wayne Fortin, the purpose of the seminar is to teach citizens how to provide comfort and support to anyone who is emotionally traumatized. "At one time or another, all of us are cast into the helping role when a family member, coworker or friend turns to us for help," Fortin said.  "We want people to have the skills necessary to be helpful and not hurtful," he added.

Instructor Heather Sergeant is a resident of Laguna Woods and was very impressed with how receptive the audience was. "Most, if not all members of the audiences have suffered a major loss at some time in their lives," said Sergeant. "Many attendees could personally relate to what we were talking about," she said.

The seminar received rave revues from those who attended.  One woman commented, "I was amazed that we spent 4 hours and it just flew by."  Another attendee said, "This was so informative. Now I'll know what to say and not say to someone after a tragedy."

VOLUNTEERS VISIT ORANGE COUNTY CORONER'S OFFICE

TIP Orange County Chapter was educated on the role of the Coroner and their expectations of TIP Volunteers during their June Continuing Education Meeting.  Mitch Segal, Deputy Coroner, talked to the volunteers about the life of a coroner, their duties and responsibilities, rules and regulations.  Afterwards, Deputy Coroner Segal gave the volunteers a guided tour of the coroner's facility.  Orange County volunteers walked away with a better understanding of what they do and how the system works.  With this new knowledge in hand, we feel we can better serve our clients when coroners are involved.  

ANNUAL BBQ

"What is unique about your program is your folks always seem to have answers that we can't provide."  Police Officer

"Every time I have utilized the TIP service, it has helped me beyond belief.  All of the volunteers are extremely courteous and professional. Thank you!"  Police Officer