2025 October Volunteer of the Month - Missouri Valley Critical Incident Stress Management Team

“I wish my brain could forget what my eyes have seen and my ears have heard.” This is a phrase that runs through many first responder’s minds at some time during their careers.  First Responders come to the rescue during people’s worst days of their lives. During their efforts they see devastation done to individuals, families and communities. There are times when their rescue and recovery efforts last for days or even weeks. At other times, first responders are needed for multiple devastating events in a short period of time.

The psychological effects of responding to other people’s emergencies or disasters can devastate a first responder’s career no matter if they are paid or volunteer. This can cause them to step away from the great contributions they make to their community, therefore affecting all in that community.

The Missouri Valley Critical Incident Stress Management Team is specially trained to provide the needed “psychological first aid” to help those responders deal with what their eyes have seen and what their ears have heard. They provide an outlet to allow first responders to talk about their experiences and feelings in an accepting space and provide resources for long-term support when needed. They are the first responder’s, first responder. 

Because of their commitment to protecting our community, United Way & Volunteer Services of Greater Yankton was honored to present the Missouri Valley Critical Incident Stress Management Team with the October 2025 Volunteer of the Month Award. With these efforts, they have helped not only the first responders but their families, organizations and communities as well.  Team members include Paul Scherschligt, Jean Scherschligt, Erin Hacecky, Steven Hermanson, Cherie Hoffman, Teresa Holland, Julia Hussein, Jeffrey Johnson, Brittany LaCroix, Joshua Lauck, Jeremy Olson, Jeff Otterman. Jennifer Palsma, Bonnie Peterson, Alisa Ruzicka, Jason Schmitz, Michelle Townsend, Pamila Vanmeeteren, Mike Villanueva, Mrs. Jerry Webber, Gayle Webert, Angela Blaha, Tom Stanage, Brooke Greenig, Jason Foote, Jeremy McNinch, and Samantha Bruening.

We asked Jennifer Palsma of the Missouri Valley Critical Incident Stress Management Team to share more about how volunteerism impacts their organization:

Please describe your organization and its mission or purpose.

The Missouri Valley CISD team is comprised of Emergency Responders who volunteer their off time to provide aid and support to their peers. There is something to be said about receiving support from someone who has literally been in your shoes. Often Emergency Responders find it difficult to relate to people who have not been in similar situations – often they fear traumatizing others and breaking confidentiality.

The Missouri Valley CISD team provides critical incident stress debriefs to minimize the harmful effects of job stress, particularly in crisis or emergency situations. These services are provided to but not limited to: Fire Departments, Ambulance Services, EMTs, First Responders, Law Enforcement, and ER personnel. The purpose is normal restoration of work and personal functioning to people who are experiencing normal reactions and symptoms of distress after being exposed to high stress and abnormal events. We want our emergency responders to continue in their jobs and more importantly to be able to enjoy life at home, with their families, and enjoy their hobbies.

Please describe the impact your organization has on the community.

Our community relies on the support and services provided by our emergency responders, but our emergency responders are exposed to high volumes of crisis and high stress situations. This takes a toll on individuals. Our organization puts the wellness of our responders first. We want to ensure our first responders’ wellbeing are prioritized. 

What value do volunteers bring to your organization?

Volunteers are the foundation of our CISD team. Without them, our program simply would not exist. Each volunteer commits to a two-day certification process and remains on call to any hour – often traveling long distances to support emergency responders in need. In addition, we hold a minimum of 6 training sessions and/or team building exercises a year. The volunteer’s compassion, professionalism, and selflessness provide essential emotional care and stability for those who serve our communities. Our volunteers bring heart, humanity, and healing into moments of crisis.

Please provide any pertinent statistics that show how volunteers impact your organization.

Over the last 2 years we have completed approximately 16 debriefs or defuses for Yankton, Yankton County, and various other agencies. This number reflects the last 2 years only!  We have completed debriefs for agencies who have reported the positive impact on the responders and continue to utilize the team. Often after a debrief we are stopped by participants who divulge they have been in the field for a very long time and that they wish these services were around when they were fresh in the career. In addition, we have seen a decline in the mentality that showing emotions is a sign of weakness. In fact, accepting support is now seen as a strength and an asset in the world of emergency responders.

Do you have a recruiting message you would like to communicate to encourage others to support your organization through volunteerism?

Our team is comprised of peer support i.e. Fire Fighters, dispatchers, EMS, Police Officers, Mental Health professionals, etc. We are always looking for more peer supporters to add to the team. We are especially low on fire fighter peer support! Please reach out to us if you would like to join. We also love team building exercises and we would love to work together as a team to assist other organizations in the community – whether that is organizing clothing, packing boxes, moving items, painting, serving food, etc. Of course, monetary funds are always welcome as there is a cost to certifying team members.

To learn more about local volunteer opportunities or to nominate someone for United Way’s Volunteer of the Month Award, please visit www.yanktonunitedway.org/volunteer, email info@yanktonunitedway.org, or call United Way of Greater Yankton at (605) 665-6766.