The Resilient Responder

10/31/2025

Just science.

10/30/2025

They are not here to help you.

10/29/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/1APb6S617E/?mibextid=wwXIfr

A new study published in Scientific Reports has found a strong link between high sugar intake and depression — and the results are alarming. Tracking over 8,000 adults for five years, researchers discovered that men who consumed more than 67 grams of sugar per day were 23% more likely to develop depression compared to those who ate less than 40 grams.

The findings suggest that sugar doesn’t just harm your body — it deeply affects your brain chemistry too. When you eat sugar, it triggers a quick dopamine rush — the brain’s feel-good signal — followed by a steep crash. Over time, this rollercoaster disrupts mood regulation, increases inflammation in the brain, and alters neurotransmitters like serotonin, all of which can contribute to anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Doctors now warn that refined sugars found in processed foods and drinks may silently fuel emotional instability, fatigue, and mood swings. Reducing added sugars and replacing them with natural alternatives like fruit, honey, or dark chocolate could help stabilize energy levels and improve overall mental health.

10/08/2025

A huge shout-out to Surette Real Estate for sponsoring the recent training we provided to the members of Belgrade Fire and Rescue! Community partnerships like this are invaluable to helping volunteer departments get the resources they need.

09/28/2025

A huge thank you to Surette Real Estate for hosting a fundraising yard sale to provide training and education for volunteer departments!

🎉✨ Success! ✨🎉

The Surette Real Estate Team @ eXp hosted a Community Yard Sale to benefit The Resilient Responder—and thanks to your incredible support, we raised $2,636.00! 🙌

Every dollar raised will go directly toward mental health training and education for volunteer fire departments. These brave responders give so much to our communities, and it’s an honor to give back in a way that supports their well-being. ❤️🚒

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who donated, shopped, volunteered, and spread the word. Together, we made a real impact! 💪✨

Special shout-outs to:
💙 The Winslow Community Cupboard for their support.
💙 The kind Samaritan, Seth Jacobs, who stopped by and helped us pack up—you made our day!

09/12/2025

Come out tomorrow for some great deals and to help support our mission!

Surette Real Estate Fundraising Yard Sale! 🎉

Mark your calendars 👉 Saturday, September 13, 2025, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 113 Silver Street, Waterville, ME (Surette Real Estate Office)

This year, 100% of proceeds will support The Resilient Responder—a Maine-based organization helping first responders build resilience and mental wellness through training, peer support, and education.

🛍 Prices are by donation only. Fill a bag, fill your car—just give what you can! We’ll have:
👕 Clothing
🛋 Furniture
🧸 Children’s Toys
📚 Books
✨ And just about anything you can imagine!

💡 Why we do it: In past years, proceeds have gone to Shine on Cass Foundation, Waterville Elk’s Club, Maine Veterans Project, and Hospice Volunteers of Mid-Maine. This year, we’re proud to stand with first responders by supporting Resilient Responders.

📢 Please LIKE, SHARE, and TAG a friend who loves a bargain while supporting a great cause. Let’s pack the lot and make a difference together!

09/11/2025

Today, we pause to honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and the brave first responders and everyday heroes who ran toward danger. We remember their courage, we stand with the families and survivors, and we promise to never forget. 🇺🇸🕯️

09/05/2025

"Did you know? 25% more pets could survive emergencies if pet parents knew basic first aid skills. 🐶🐱 Our upcoming PetSaver class gives you the tools to be your pet’s first responder—because their life may depend on it. Registration to our upcoming class below ⬇️ in the comments!

09/01/2025

🇺🇸 This Labor Day, we honor the grit, sacrifice, and resilience of every hardworking American.

From the hands that build, to the minds that create, to the hearts that keep families and communities strong—today reminds us that progress is powered by people who show up, day after day.

Take this time to rest, recharge, and recognize the strength that comes from dedication, unity, and hard work. 💪

Prepare. Survive. Thrive.

09/01/2025

We started the “unofficial” last day of summer by hiking Haystack Mountain with a few of our amazing instructors and their families!

08/05/2025

🧘‍♀️ Welcome Amanda Doody to The Resilient Responder Team! 🚒🚑

We’re excited to introduce Amanda Doody, a certified Yoga instructor and meditation practitioner who’s now bringing Yoga For First Responders to departments across our region!

Amanda has been teaching yoga since 2014 and practicing meditation since 2019, but what sets her apart is her deep commitment to the responder community. She recently completed her certification with Yoga For First Responders—a program designed to help first responders process stress, build resilience, and enhance on-the-job performance through job-specific, culturally informed yoga.

Amanda began her EMS career in 2022 and is currently working toward her Firefighter I & II certifications, giving her a firsthand understanding of the physical and mental demands of the job.

Her classes go beyond stretching—they’re tools for survival, strength, and staying mission-ready.

Let’s give Amanda a warm welcome as she joins us in supporting those who serve.

👉 Interested in bringing Yoga For First Responders to your department? Contact us today to schedule a class and take the next step toward building strength and resilience from the inside out.

08/04/2025

Motivational Monday
"You can do it—put your back into it." - Ice Cube
Not just a beat, but a mindset. This week, don’t just try—commit, channel your inner Ice Cube and show up strong. 💪