First Responders of the Heart

The Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy's ministry provides comfort and counsel to first responders, their families and the victims of crisis. The chaplains bring expert critical incident stress management and a caring presence to the most difficult, stressful scenes.

“Working with first responders is an amazing opportunity to be with a group people that I am in such awe and supporting them in any way I can," said Chaplain Jill Ewell. "They have such difficult, stressful, life giving jobs. They come with such big hearts and they just want to do so much for the community. At the same time, they carry a lot. To be able to hear those stories, understand where they are and support them has been so amazing to me.”

Mission

Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy’s mission is to be a light in the depth of pain and a hope in the day-to-day with comprehensive chaplain care for first responders, individuals, and the community. The Chaplaincy’s service model is quite unique; 90% of our organization is volunteer driven. Our chaplains and survivor care team members are selfless human beings.

Every day, The Chaplaincy supports first responders and citizens affected by crisis and trauma. When they appear on a scene, their mere presence brings calmness to a chaotic atmosphere. As our mission grows, we ask for your support. You generosity makes our services possible.

About

Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy serves first responders, survivors of traumatic loss, and the community as a whole across Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester Counties. What began more than 30 years ago as a way to serve first responders has grown to reach all corners of our community. When someone loses a loved one to homicide, suicide, drowning, fire/traffic fatality, or another traumatic death, Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy is called to the scene to care for surviving loved ones. Chaplains and peer support provide access to a continuum of grief care for survivors following their loss. First responders are supported immediately following traumatic calls and in the day to day stressors of their profession. Within our community, chaplains both lead and participate in community events and walks to unite law enforcement and community members, promoting the dignity and sacred worth of all.