
Surviving Valor is a non-profit organization that offers relevant and timely mental health training to first responders, businesses, and community groups. Utilizing the research and experience based Be a Buddy Program, we offer a different perspective to mental health training that is participant lead and delivers results. Most people do not truly understand mental health, this training does not simply provide a list of stress management tools. We explore deeper to understand the concepts that drive mental health and explain them in a manner that is easy to understand.
Through understanding we gain resilience.
The Be Buddy Program has been tailored to provide practical knowledge to each of these groups. Click the relevant button to learn how Surviving Valor can help you

Get to know us.
Surviving Valor was born from the challenging times that face our first responders. We stepped back and asked, who is helping the helpers? Few try, yet fewer have the experience necessary to make a significant impact in the lives of first responders. Surviving Valor does.
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Founder and Owner, Eric Doane, is a medically retired police officer serving 17 years. During that time he served in many different roles, gaining several certifications. He is an adjunct in the criminal justice department at a community college, raised a family, served as union president, and obtained a Master degree from the University of Louisville in Organizational and Human Resource Development. He has taught and mentored thousands of people of all ages and walks of life.
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Of note, Eric is a certified life coach, critical incident stress management (CISM) practitioner, peer supporter and trainer, field training officer, and educator. He also formulated and implemented the Ithaca Police Department's Peer Support Team serving as a trainer and peer supporter.
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You do not need to be a first responder to avail yourself of our services. Of particular interest to Eric is assisting others making the transition into/out of public service and the unforeseen difficulties that can arise. Managing the stressors of working in a challenging organization, and the stress of everyday life, especially those caused by working in civil service.​​

Consider
donating.
Surviving Valor is a non-profit organization that offers relevant and timely mental health training to first responders, businesses, and community groups. By donating, you help us to continue this mission.