We are so appreciative to Josie O’Meara, a Douglas County High School Senior, who recognized that serving our community impacts not only our deputies, dispatchers, and employees, but their families as well. Supporting wellness means supporting the whole family, and we’re proud to add to our wellness offerings with a new resource available to our team: Family Wellness Kits.
These kits were created by Josie, an Ambassador Girl Scout, as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project, which is the highest award in Girl Scouts and the equivalent of the Boy Scout Eagle Scout Award. Josie identified the unique challenges faced by law enforcement families and took it upon herself to create something meaningful, practical, and lasting to support them.
Thanks to generous donations from community members and local supporters, Josie was able to assemble these kits with care and intention, ensuring they are well-stocked with activities and resources that promote connection, resilience, and stress management.
✨ What are Family Wellness Kits?
• The kits are designed to strengthen family connection and build in education, fun, and relaxation.
• Activities that encourage time together away from the job.
• Resources to help manage stress, pressure, and trauma.
• Helpful tools including support resources, wellness apps, bonding ideas, and date-night inspiration.
There are several different types of kits available, based on the employee’s family dynamics. Kits are checked out for use and are intended to be returned so others may benefit.
🌟 More Than What’s in the Bag
Each kit also connects families to optional reflection surveys and additional online resources, expanding the support beyond the physical items.
We are incredibly grateful to Josie O’Meara for her dedication, leadership, and heart for first responder families—and to the donors who helped bring this project to life.