This month, the Trauma Intervention Program NW held their graduation ceremony in McGuire Auditorium to recognize their newly trained volunteers. There were 31 graduates total, including four Portland Police Bureau officers and a recent graduate of Warner Pacific University, Saman Haaji.
Trauma Intervention Program NW, also knowns as ‘TIP,’ is a group of specially trained volunteers who provide emotional aid and practical support and resources to victims of traumatic events and their families in the first few hours following the tragedy.
To become a TIP volunteer, trainees must enter the two-week Volunteer Training Academy which consists of 55+ hours of classroom training. Then, they enter a three-month Field Training Program where they partner with other TIP volunteers while going out on TIP calls and providing emotional and practical support to community members after a crisis.
TIP has been partnering with Warner Pacific since 2011, when the late Dr. John Fazio—Warner Pacific Professor—became a TIP volunteer after 9/11. “Fazio was a wonderful man who traveled with Medical Teams International for many, many years,” said TIP NW Program Director, Jordan Johnson. “Dr. John Fazio was instrumental in the WPU and TIP partnership, and we’ve been so pleased to now work with Dr. Courage Mudzongo to carry on the important work of the two organizations.”
“It has been an absolute pleasure witnessing the growth of our partnership with TIP NW over the years,” stated Dr. Courage Mudzongo, Assistant Professor of Psychology. “TIP NW faithfully facilitates the annual Emotional First Aid workshop (PSY 340). The most recent 2023 workshop was an enormous success, seeing a record-breaking 36 registered participants, including parents, Portland State University students, and a non-profit organization, among others. Moreover, I am thrilled to share that our partnership with TIP NW has opened up a unique marketing opportunity for Warner Pacific University to serve future students interested in health, behavioral and social science majors.”
In addition, students at WPU have the opportunity to pursue a minor in Trauma Intervention, complete 21 credits, and even intern with TIP to gain hands-on experience. “I am proud to showcase how our students have benefited from this partnership, with Glenn Linder and Saman Haaji being notable examples,” stated Dr. Courage. “Glenn worked for TIP after graduation in 2018-19, and Saman completed the training, graduating as a fully certified TIP NW volunteer in June 2023 and currently serves as a BIPOC volunteer.”
“I do not manage the relationship with TIP on my own,” Dr. Courage stated. “Some notable stewards include Dr. James Frost (Dean of Arts and Social and Behavioral Sciences), Dr. Marlo Waters (Registrar), Mary Clayton (Alumni and Events Officer). Mary so faithfully manages the partnership and ensures that TIP NW holds their annual graduation in McGuire.”
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We are grateful for this bountiful partnership with TIP NW, and all the volunteers who make an impact in our Portland community. Congratulations to the newest volunteers, especially WPU’s recent grad—Saman Haaji!