Celebrating the Heart of HAP®
National Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 21-27, 2024
Each year, Trauma Recovery/HAP joins the nationwide celebration of volunteers during National Volunteer Appreciation Week, a time to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers make in their communities and with the organizations they serve. This year’s celebration took place April 21-27, 2024.
We are able to carry out the mission of Trauma Recovery/HAP, to increase the capacity for effective treatment of psychological trauma in underserved communities anywhere in the world, thanks to our dedicated volunteers. During Volunteer Appreciation Week, we highlighted the profound impact our volunteers have on individuals and communities in need of trauma healing by giving generously of their time and expertise.
In 2023, volunteer members of our Training Faculty provided more than 70 EMDR Basic training events, training over 1,600 non-profit or agency employees in EMDR therapy. We also grew our Faculty with 5 new facilitators and 2 new trainers committing their service as HAP volunteers!
Our Trauma Recovery Network® comprised of more than 1,260 volunteer EMDR therapists welcomed new locations, bringing our total number of TRNs to 68 throughout the United States and internationally. TRN® volunteers effectively respond to trauma in their local communities resulting from natural or man-made disasters by providing pro bono mental health services. Recent TRN responses include,
- Kansas City, MO TRN: Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl Parade Shooting
- Orange County TRN: Cook’s Corner Shooting
- East TN and Mid-Tennessee TRNs: Covenant School Shooting
Approaching Three Decades of Service
For 29 years, we have relied on our volunteers to bring trauma healing to people in need. If you are one of the hundreds who have volunteered with Trauma Recovery/HAP since the organization began in 1995, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks.
We continue to be guided by our founder Francine Shapiro, who believed in the power of EMDR therapy to heal people and communities, to bring people together and to bring us closer to peace.
“But if you believe in something, help prove it to the world and don’t give up. Suffering people are depending upon us finding the best ways for them to heal.”
– Dr. Francine Shapiro, PhD
The impact of our volunteers extends far beyond measure. Like ripples spreading across a pond, their efforts reach countless individuals, touching so many lives by teaching and providing EMDR therapy. Year after year, their contributions enrich our work and remain essential to fulfilling our mission.
Tell us about your volunteer experience!
- Are you an active Trauma Recovery/HAP volunteer? Tell us how and why you choose to volunteer by completing this brief survey.
Want to get involved? There are many ways that you can make a difference as a Trauma Recovery/HAP volunteer! Learn about our volunteer opportunities here.
