Sodality Foundation Created to Assist First Responders

By Michele Robertson

A recently formed non-profit that benefits the entire state of New Mexico has roots right here in Carlsbad. The Sodality Foundation’s purpose is to impact the lives of first responders by providing the funding assistance they deserve to cultivate

a culture where mental well-being is safeguarded.

Ashly Key (formerly with Carlsbad MainStreet) is Founder and President of the Sodality Foundation and said, “Our story began as a collaboration of concerned community members, first responders, and professionals who recognized a gap in the mental health funding support available for first responders.

“The Sodality Foundation is a newly formed 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to provide funding through meaningful community partnerships for first responders and their families to receive valuable training, peer support classes, and clinical service cost support to strengthen the mental resiliency of our heroes,” she said.

“At our core, we are committed to the mental well-being of those who run toward danger. We honor the dedication of first responders, ensuring that their mental health remains a priority,” she added.

“Statistics show that nine out of 10 first responders will be exposed to a traumatic event in their

careers, and approximately one in three will develop PTSD. Additionally, 30% of these individuals experience behavioral health conditions, a rate significantly higher than the 20% observed in the general population. The collective well-being of our first responders is crucial to the strength of our communities,” Key said.

She said the Sodality Foundation is committed to strengthening first responders by providing funding for the following essential services: advanced peer support training, team, and individual training (training related to the mental well-being of first responders), crisis intervention classes, and mental health services not covered by insurance during employment and after retirement, and for family members in need of these services.

Also available is reimbursement for services including but not limited to transportation and lodging to and from training, transportation and lodging for ongoing treatments, acute clinical services (not covered by insurance), and family counseling (not covered by insurance).

The foundation will also work toward policy changes that prioritize the mental well-being of first responders at the local, and state levels and will work to become a hub for first responders’ mental health resources throughout the State of New Mexico.

Mayor Rick Lopez, a director for the foundation, said, “I hope the organization will raise awareness about the importance of mental health training for public safety professionals. We must close the existing gaps in departments. For example, at one point, the Carlsbad Fire Department didn’t have a policy in place for mental health support. I hope other departments can avoid this early on by implementing the right guidance.

“The foundation plays a key role in securing funding for mental health training. It also helps create a safer environment for first responders to address their mental health challenges, ensuring they have the support and resources they need to do their jobs effectively and healthily,” he added.

Susan Crockett, Vice President for the Sodality Foundation, said, “Our vision started in Carlsbad, but we have a great mission to help First Responders statewide and make a real impact.

“First Responders face immense pressure, and having additional support for their mental health and well-being can make a real difference,” Crockett added.

“We are dedicated to supporting the mental health needs of first responders and their families. Trauma affects not only the individual but also their loved ones, and we believe in providing the funding assistance these families need to address the mental health challenges that impact the entire family unit,” Key said.

The foundation is working to understand the needs of departments throughout the State of New Mexico, to secure grants available for funding, and to foster community partnerships to bring these funds to the individuals in need. Applications will be available soon for departments and individuals to request funding support.

A website and social media platforms are in progress and will be launched soon. In the meantime, for more information, contact Ashly Key by email: ashlykey@thesodalityfoundation.com or by phone: (505) 640-1367.

“As we build up our new Foundation, we hope our communities will join us in our mission to support the mental well-being of our first responders. With their help, we can ensure that these everyday heroes have the funding support they need to receive the care and support they deserve,” said Key.