Quality of Life and Wellness
Elevating Positive Mental and Environmental Outcomes.
The Quality of Life and Wellness Impact portfolio consists of programs designed to enhance the physical, mental, and environmental conditions members of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department experience while on the job. Given the intense nature of their work, our objective is to support our members through the day to day hardships related to their careers by creating opportunities that reduce burdens and produce positives outcomes to help them thrive.
Financial Wellness Program
The Financial Wellness Program is a partnership between the Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation and Operation HOPE, created to support Atlanta Fire Rescue Department firefighters in building long-term financial stability. The program provides access to one-on-one financial coaching, group workshops, and resources that focus on credit repair, debt reduction, budgeting, emergency savings, and homeownership preparation. It is tailored to meet the unique needs of first responders and helps them navigate financial goals with confidence and clarity.
Process:
Applying for Assistance:
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Once an application is submitted, the AFRF team will review your request and connect you with a financial wellness coach through our partners at Operation HOPE. From there, you’ll be guided through a personalized plan based on your financial goals, with access to ongoing support and education.
Mental Health Program
The mental health and wellness of Atlanta firefighters is of the utmost importance. The Mental Health program is an initiative designed to support the psychological, emotional, and physical well-being of firefighters. This program emphasizes early recognition, early intervention, stress management, and the cultivation of resilience in high-stress environments. The program integrates proactive mental health practices, quarterly check-ins, and therapeutic interventions.
Physical Fitness Program
The Foundation's physical fitness program empowers members to exercise and actively maintain their fitness, ensuring they are fit for duty as they serve and protect the city of Atlanta. The program promotes strength, mobility, and injury prevention through fitness, nutrition, and recovery support. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Through this program, we are fostering a culture of health and wellness within the department, ultimately benefiting both our firefighters and the community they serve.
Process:
Applying for Assistance:
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Once submitted, participants receive a confirmation email with next steps.
Infrastructure Improvement Program
Given the fact that firefighters on average spend one third of their lives at fire stations serving 24 hour shifts, the Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation has begun performing much needed renovations and improvement projects at fire stations across the City. The range of projects include kitchen and bathroom renovations, cancer prevention initiatives, health and firefighter safety enhancements, lighting installations, electrical upgrades, plumbing enhancements, station safety and communications improvements, HVAC and roofing inspections and more.
Successes:
Improvements to Date:
Since 2023, the Foundation has identified over 110 improvement projects that are currently in progress or complete - totaling over $2.4 million dollars expensed.
Injury and Bereavement
Due to the high risk and dangers associated with the profession of being an Atlanta Firefighter, the Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation aims to assist in times of loss or extreme injury by providing stipends to assist active personnel and families through periods of bereavement, hospitalization, or difficult times. The Injury and Bereavement Assistance Program provides one-time stipends to AFRD members or their families during times of crisis. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Process:
Applying for Assistance:
Requests for assistance are accepted on a continuous basis.