TIP Orange County Chapter

Compassion in Action - AMBER FITZ

TIP volunteers are some of the most compassionate people in our communities. As they assist other citizens experiencing tragic situations, they often encounter other citizens and emergency responders who demonstrate compassion in action.

One of those people is Amber Fitz, Manager of a Claim Jumper Restaurant. A weary family whose loved one experienced a life-threatening trauma finally forced themselves away from the hospital for some nourishment after 24 hours of vigil. Upon their arrival, Amber noticed the Visitor nametags from the hospital and it was obvious the family members were exhausted. Amber intuitively knew something bad had happened. She took it upon herself to order appetizers "on the house" for the family while a table for 10 was being set up. She then arranged for an assortment of desserts, also "on the house", to be packaged for them to take back to the hospital.

Amber's heart was so touched by this family's plight that she continued to think about them. The next morning she bought cinnamon rolls and apple turnovers and delivered them to the family at the hospital. Later, she called Claim Jumper corporate management for approval to provide additionally for the family. One evening she delivered a platter of club sandwiches and fruit to the family, and then gave them her cell phone number telling them they could call anytime. She also received approval to provide the family with a gift card for additional meals at the Claim Jumper.

Amber's comments regarding what she did were, "I didn't feel that I did anything special. I felt a connection with the family for what they were going through. I wanted to bring something positive into their difficult situation."

Amber, you have the heart of a TIP volunteer...we'd love to have you as a TIP volunteer!

ELLEN GECHT, MFT - TIP Profile

Ellen Gecht is a mental health professional who has been in private practice for over 25 years. Thirteen years ago, Ellen decided that in addition to helping people as a professional, she wanted to give back to her community. She joined the TIP Program as a TIP volunteer and for 4 years responded to TIP Calls. Rather than dropping out of TIP when her schedule became too hectic, Ellen offered to see TIP clients in her private practice at no cost. For the last 8 years, she has counseled hundreds of TIP clients. As a result, traumatized citizens have access to professional mental health services quickly and without having to face the hassles involved in trying to navigate the mental health system. "The mental health service Ellen provides those we refer to her is invaluable", said TIP Founder, Wayne Fortin. "The fact that clients can be in counseling soon after a crisis event without having to worry about cost is amazing," Fortin said.

In her work providing follow-up counseling to TIP clients, Ellen hears firsthand the impact TIP Volunteers have on those they help. "My clients who have received TIP help tell me they are very grateful someone was there for them," said Ellen. "They describe TIP Volunteers as angels," she said.

In her free time, Ellen likes to cook, bake, garden and dance and she spends as much time as possible with her husband Irwin, her children Lindy and David and her dog Buttons.

FREDDIE CHARLES - TIP Volunteer Profile

TIP Volunteer Freddie Charles was born and raised in Columbus, TX. She graduated from Texas State University with a BS in Home Economics. She and her husband of 42 years, John, raised a son and daughter in Houston, TX, where Freddie was a Business Office Manager.

Freddie and her husband John moved to Laguna Beach over 10 years ago. Her husband John took on a new career at the Crystal Cathedral, while Freddie, retired to enjoy the sights, sounds and cuisines of California.

Freddie grew up with a heart for ministering to hurting people. Her search for meaningful volunteer work brought her to the Crystal Cathedral, where she signed up to train for the "Suicide Hotline." She was on a waitlist, when she read about TIP. She signed up for the TIP Training academy and now says, "Finding TIP was the perfect answer. My work with TIP clients fills me up. The work I do with clients is swift, to the point, and fills an immediate need in their most hurting times."

Freddie Recalls a note from a client that for her says it all: "Please continue your good works." Since my head has cleared somewhat I realize how very meaningful your presence was. This was my first experience with death and you helped make it bearable."

Freddie will be celebrating her 10^th anniversary with TIP this fall, and hopes to stay long enough to celebrate another 10 years. "We are very lucky to have Freddie; she represents the core of the TIP Program. We don't have many 10 year veterans and we are very proud to have Freddie in our Orange County chapter," says Debbie Simpson, TIP Crisis Team Manager.

Freddie and her husband have 6 grandchildren ranging in age from 4-19.

When not volunteering for TIP, she enjoys gardening, cooking, birding and traveling.