Standing Together: Hope, Community & Resources
As providers working with former federal employees, we recognize the scars from the maltreatment many felt from this administration's shame-inducing employment practices. A natural outcome of this kind of treatment is profound loss and a sense of inadequacy which, in turn, fosters isolation and lack of hope.
In the last few months, I have had experiences with organizations, both established as well as newly formed, that I was unaware existed. These supportive bodies came to exist for the express purpose of protecting the rights of civil servants, righting wrongs which have been perpetrated, as well as providing reliable and current information about policies and practices which are being litigated.
In addition, there are a multitude of coalitions, initiatives, and startup organizations which began in 2025 as a direct response to the mass firings of civil servants. Their efforts continue to focus on career transition, financial advising, legal and security issues, as well as wellness and mental health support.
With each new resource I find, my hope grows as I see just how many people stand on this common ground with us at Therapy4Feds.org. It’s reassuring to know we have a growing, diverse, and action-oriented community where we can both give and receive support.
Our Communities' Resources
This post announces a new feature called Our Community's Resources. It will be permanently available for you to consult or to share with your clients. We will also list time-sensitive resources like webinars, which might be helpful to you as a provider, or to those you are working with.
Democracy Forward
Founded in 2017 is a nonpartizan, public interest legal organization using litigation, education and regulatory engagement to challenge unlawful government actions and hold executive agencies accountable. They work on behalf of individuals, unions, and local communities to defend democratic institutions, civil rights, and the rule of law. New initiatives since 2025: Civil Service Strong, Democracy Works 250, Rise Up program.
Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA)
Founded in 1986, this national non-profit has provided emergency financial grants, disaster relief, and scholarships to civilian federal employees for decades.
FEEA Emergency Support Networks
Post Jan. 2026 providing emergency financial micro-grants, disaster relief, and guidance on navigating state-by-state unemployment insurance claims.
Partnership for Public Service
Established in 2001 as a nonpartisan, non-profit organization dedicated to building a more effective government. While it expanded its programming to counter recent workforce disruptions, its broader mission predates 2025.
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE)
was founded after the Great Depression in 1932, to protect federal civil service workers from severe wage cuts, furloughs, and political attempts to dismantle workplace rights. Today AFGE acts as the largest labor union for federal workers, negotiating collective bargaining agreements, defending civil service rights, and providing legal representation for over 820,000 employees against unfair workplace practices. New Initiatives since 2025: Launching several aggressive legal and legislative initiatives including the following; The coalition of unions which make up The Rise Up: Federal Workers Legal Defense, Mass Reinstatements Lawsuits, Blocking “At Will” firings, and more.
FedsForward
A public-sector talent platform established to help former civil servants pivot their skill sets into state/local government, academic institutions, non-profits, and government contracting roles. Initiated in 2025
The "You Are Not Alone" Project
Formed in 2025 as a targeted joint emergency coalition between unions and legal advocacy groups specifically to guide displaced workers through rapid RIF proceedings and transition legalities.
WellFed
A rapidly growing nationwide support network founded by two terminated Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) workers. WellFed organizes virtual mental health programs, support groups, and employment workshops for thousands of impacted career personnel and contractors
Civil Service Strong
In 2025 a coalition by civil society, nonpartisan good government and watchdog organizations, lawyers, and unions to ensure our nation’s civil service can continue to serve the American people. It contains information regarding resources available for civil servants facing harassment by private individuals, or fearing firing, reassignment, or retaliation on the job.
Whistleblower.org
Whistelblower.org is a nonpartisan effort by the Government Accountability Project, promotes government accountability by protecting whistleblowers and advancing occupational free speech. The site contains educational information about the importance of whistleblowing and existing protections.
TheJusticeConnection.org
TheJusticeConnection.org is a network of Department of Justice alumni who provide practical support to current employees, including legal services in connection with employees' past or current official positions, help for employees who've been doxed or harassed online, whistleblowing guidance and job-search assistance for those who leave.
27 UNIHTED
An advocacy and support network formed by former and off-duty National Institutes of Health (NIH) staff. The organization works to protect the integrity of publicly funded biomedical research, support current and displaced research workers through legal and career resources, and lead public science advocacy and policy campaigns
Public Service Alliance
Public Service Alliance collaborates with legal networks to provide free highly discounted legal assistance and transitional career security resources for federal employees . Serving since 2025
Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA)
This longstanding charity launched a specialized 2025 Resources for Feds portal. They distribute emergency hardship grants, structural guidance, and navigators for those dealing with sudden income loss.
Therapy4Feds
A volunteer clearinghouse network connecting displaced or impacted federal public servants directly with licensed therapists providing low-cost or pro bono mental health support. Founded in 2025
Grounded Idealist
Founded in 2025 by former USAID employees offering free coaching and other services for former federal employees.
Upcoming Events to Share
The Partnership for Public Service is excited to be launching with the Environmental Protection Network and Civil Service Strong starting tomorrow and continuing through the fall. This Practical System Skills series is designed to help public servants navigate complexity, break through barriers, and move important work forward, with practical tools for problem solving, decision-making, working across boundaries, leading effective meetings, using AI responsibly, and sustaining teams under pressure.
While the first session kicked off September 10, additional sessions will continue to run through the fall. Folks can register for individual sessions or the full series as they wish.
Series session dates and topics:
• September 10: Decision-Making in Federal Systems
• September 24: Systems Thinking for Real Federal Problems
• October 6: Facilitating Meetings That Move Work Forward
• October 15: Feedback and Communication Across Differences
• November 12: Working Across Boundaries Without Authority
• November 19: Sustaining Capacity in High-Pressure Systems
• December 3: Responsible Use of AI
Session registration for all events can be found here.
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