Ocean County RIST Has 'The Biggest Hearts': Brick Heroes

BRICK, NJ — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented times. Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these everyday heroes.

This submission comes from Tammi Burton, who nominated the staff of the Ocean County Residential Intensive Support Team, who support and assist Ocean County residents who suffer from mental illnesses.

Where the nominee lives:
Office located at 317 Brick Blvd., Brick

Where the person who nominated the hero lives:
Brick

Name of the nominee:
Ocean County RIST Staff

Name of the person who nominated the hero:
Tammi Burton

Is the nominee considered an “essential worker”?:
Yes

What does the nominee do for work?:
The Ocean County RIST staff supports clients suffering from mentally illnesses in Ocean County. They live in independent housing and many do not drive. The RIST staff helps transport and provide support to individuals who experience mental illness in the development of life skills required to sustain successful living in the community.

Ocean County RIST is based on the common belief that by responding to the basic good and strength in people, we create our best opportunity for maximizing positive individual commitment and responsibility. This approach applies to staff, consumers, and families alike.

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?
The staff at Ocean County RIST provides support to these clients by making sure they have their essential needs of food and shelter met. The clinicians, case managers and life skills specialists are in daily contact with the consumers , whether transporting to a food pantry or helping them with a tele-medicine appointment or just staying on the phone with them to make them feel safe and secure during this difficult time. Without these services, many of these individuals would have to be hospitalized. Mental health is so important during this time and it is essential for us to recognize and honor those who work with those suffering from mental illnesses.

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?:
They have the biggest hearts of anyone I know. The threat of the virus has not stopped one of them from going out and doing their job. They are fearless.

Do YOU have a hero you would like us to know about? Share their story here.