Supporting mental health is a key part of any healthy and thriving organization. Jocelyn Colburn acts as a resource for the entire force. Instead of the police officers always having to find a solution, the social worker comes along and helps find those solutions.

In addition to being a thought partner, Colburn also does a lot of legwork on her own. Organizing partnerships, Colburn connects with groups around Michigan City and La Porte County to serve needs throughout the community.  

Knowing that to take care of others you have to take care of yourself, Colburn is also working to shore up resources for those inside the force as well. 

“One key goal is getting started on an officer wellness program,” said Colburn. “This can go in many directions, but it would include education about mental health, physical health, and nutrition.” 

Another key piece of Colburn’s work is to ensure that officers have support after experiencing traumatic calls. 

Next month, Rotary International and administrators at Bahçeşehir University in Istanbul, Turkey, will begin recruiting fellowship candidates for a new peace center opening at the university. The Otto and Fran Walter Rotary Peace Center will offer experienced peacebuilders based in the Middle East and North Africa the opportunity to complete a one-year professional development certificate program, earning postgraduate diplomas in peace and development studies.

“The center will bring together peacemakers from across the Middle East and North Africa — people with different backgrounds and viewpoints, but who share common goals — and provide them with the resources and experiences needed to work together to promote peace within the region,” says Martha Peak Helman, a trustee of The Rotary Foundation and president of the Otto and Fran Walter Foundation. The Walter Foundation donated US$15.5 million to fund the center’s operations and fellowships for up to 40 students per year in perpetuity.

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