 Hope Force International has experienced rapid growth as people around the world respond to the cries of help from those who are suffering. We are close to reaching our initial goal of 1,000 trained Reservists who are on call and ready for rapid deployment.
HFI Reservist training is held throughout the year in various locations across the United States and Mexico. Our vision is to equip and empower willing responders to serve in immediate aftermath and recovery efforts, whenever and wherever disaster strikes. Hope Force Reservist training focuses on preparing an individual for the arduous task of a disaster responder.
The nature of disaster response can be grueling, with responders often facing very long hours each day, while serving individuals who have experienced tremendous loss and suffering. If an individual desires to become an HFI Reservist, he or she must be personally prepared at every level. Learning to give appropriate care to others and to oneself is of utmost importance.
The HFI Reservist is eligible for deployment at any time during the relief effort – from the immediate aftermath to weeks and months after the initial event. For example, HFI had Reservists on the ground within 48 hours of Hurricane Katrina's landfall; several years later we were still deploying Reservists and volunteers throughout the recovery phase. In addition, there are often vital support functions that must be carried out at our various office locations in order to mount an effective response. Administrative support is a critical need, especially in the immediate aftermath of a disaster event, and one for which a trained Hope Force Reservist may be well suited.
Reservist Training
The "Reservist Corner" is a password protected area on the HFI website where Reservists log in to receive instructions in the event deployments are underway. The color of the triangle in this area reveals the level of alert for the Reservist. This area is also where HFI Reservists are encouraged to participate in the Hope Force community forum, where disaster response experiences can be exchanged with each other in a supportive environment. The Photo Albums are another meaningful way of conveying the sig .JPG) nificance of each Reservist’s personal experience.
The signature Hope Force Reservist program, called an HFI Basic Training Intensive, includes two days and one evening of basic training for service with Hope Force International. This training is required to be approved as a Hope Force Reservist – eligible for rapid deployment within 24 to 48 hours of a disaster event.
The Training Intensive course consists of live speakers as well as teaching filmed exclusively for Hope Force International. The program begins on a Thursday evening, is followed by a full day and evening of teaching on Friday, and then culminates at 5pm on Saturday. The program covers the following topics to prepare the Reservist for the emotional, spiritual and practical dynamics of disaster response:
• An overview of the grief and trauma cycle with Dr. Erik Spruyt
• Identity in Christ for the disaster responder with Dan Sneed
• Maintaining healthy and cohesive relationships during ministry with Dean Sherman
• Core principles for effective ministry with Dave Buehring
• How to be an appropriate caregiver, and self care for the crisis responder; HFI staff
Upon successful completion of the training, graduates will be certified as Hope Force Reservists, eligible for rapid deployment with Hope Force International.
Schedule:
Thursday
6:30pm – 8:30pm: Introduction to Hope Force
Friday:
8:00am – 12:15pm: Segment 1 Sessions
12:15pm – 1:00pm: Lunch provided
1:00pm – 5:30pm: Segment 2 Session
5:30pm – 6:30pm: Dinner provided
6:30pm – 8:00pm: Segment 3 Sessions
Saturday:
8:00am – 12:15pm: Segment 4 Sessions
12:15pm – 1:00pm: Lunch provided
1:00pm – 4:30pm: Segment 5 Sessions
4:00pm – 5:00pm: Graduation, Group Photos
5:00pm: Depart for home and prepare for your first deployment!
Cost of Training Intensive
The program cost varies by location but averages between $125 an $175. Please contact the office to verify costs before registering. The cost includes all training materials, meals and refreshments.
Transportation
Each participant is responsible for their travel to and from the event, as well as ground transportation. Hope Force recommends www.travelocity.com for air travel or car rental.
Accommodation
Affordable hotels are within reach of Hope Force training locations. Hope Force recommends www.travelocity.com for hotel bookings. Participants are encouraged to organize carpooling to and from the conference locations. 
Dates:
September 23 - 25: Nashville, TN - $150
Registration for Hope Force Training Intensive
Please complete one registration per participant.
To print out a registration form, please click here.
Registration for each event closes three days prior to the start date.
Cancellation Policy
To cancel your training registration, please contact the HFI office at 615-371-1271 at least 3 days prior to the commencement of the training event.
Extended Training and Preparedness
We strongly recommend all Reservists take First Aid/CPR. Most cities or communities around the country provide training for their citizens in these basic skills. Hope Force also recommends at least two designated Salvation Army courses following the Training Intensive course. The Salvation Army training offered through Hope Force International consists of:
• Introduction to Disaster Services
• Training for Mobile Feeding Units and Social Services
• First Aid/CPR (with certification)
The dates and locations of the Salvation Army training are posted on our website. During deployments, priority will be given to those who have completed both the HFI and Salvation Army portions of the training.
Meals
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