What happens when one of the most painful experiences of your life becomes the reason you dedicate yourself to helping others?
In the very first episode of Philanthropolis, host Ted Rusinoff sits down with Jim Banish, founder and president of the New York Law Enforcement Assistance Program (NYLEAP).
After spending 25 years in law enforcement, Jim understood firsthand the stress and trauma that can come with serving as a first responder. But in 2008, the issue became deeply personal when Jim lost his older brother, New York State Police Lt. Joseph Banish, to suicide.
That loss, combined with Jim’s own experiences with depression, trauma, and PTSD, helped set him on a new path.
Today, through NYLEAP, Jim and his team are working to make sure first responders and their families don’t have to face those struggles alone.
In this episode, Ted and Jim talk about:
- Jim’s 25-year career in law enforcement
- The loss of his brother and how it changed the direction of his life
- Jim’s own experience confronting trauma, depression, and PTSD
- Why first responders can struggle to ask for help
- The power of peer-to-peer support
- How NYLEAP is helping first responders and their families
- The importance of changing the culture surrounding mental health in law enforcement
- The legacy Jim hopes to create through this work
This conversation is about grief, service, resilience, and what can happen when someone turns an incredibly difficult chapter of their life into a mission to help others.
More info for NYLEAP
website - https://www.nyleap.org/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/newyorkleap
About Philanthropolis
Philanthropolis is built around a simple idea: good people getting together to do good things can make great things happen.
Every two weeks, host Ted Rusinoff sits down with the people behind nonprofits, charities, and organizations creating meaningful change around the world. We learn about who they are, what led them to their cause, the people they’re helping, and the stories behind the impact they’re making.
Welcome to Philanthropolis.
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/philanthropolispod/
