About

Durham Beyond The Blue is a peer-led, non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening and supporting families of law enforcement officers in Durham. We strive to promote an awareness of our officer's worth as well as an understanding of the joys and struggles that are uniquely experienced in life in law enforcement.

Spouses and children of law enforcement officers face a unique set of circumstances that lends itself to the need for education, emotional support, better awareness, training, and tools to enable families to thrive, not just survive.

Mental health resources and support systems for families are often not recognized by the existing benefit programs of police services, nor are there proactive programs that empowered families to identify signs of OSI, PTSD and other on the job stressors that can plague our community. Durham BTB with the endorsement of the Durham Regional Police will coordinate resources that aid in offering education, training & practical tools to law enforcement families and fostering a community of support for the enrichment of family life.

Durham BTB is a Chapter of Canada Beyond The Blue - all of which are run by volunteers who are family members of law enforcement officers/civilian members and this vested interest drives their passion and dedication.

Executive Team

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

President

Lucia Goodwin

Lucia has been a Police Spouse for 26 years and an Elementary Educator and Administrator for 25 years. Lucia is well aware of the work-life balance that is required to maintain one’s well-being. She has volunteered her time, alongside her two children, with the Durham Regional Police Association for the past 11 years and appreciates the opportunities it allows all Policing families to enjoy time together.

Lucia understands the importance of building a supportive community for all members of the Durham Regional Police. With her experiences in working in diverse communities throughout Durham Region and supporting a variety of learners and their families Lucia knows the importance of honesty, integrity, patience and compassion. She is looking forward to supporting the Policing community through Durham Beyond the Blue.

Director of Member Support

Scott Skinner

I am an Officer with a combined 15 years of service with both Toronto and Durham, currently working at West Division. I am proud to be part of the Beyond the Blue Team and finding ways to assist members and their families.

Director of Peer Support

Judy Danis

Above all, I am a proud mother of three amazing daughters and two stunning granddaughters. For as long as I can remember, I have always striven to find outlets for my creative expression, the chance to use this passion to make someone smile, make a difference in someone's life is my greatest reward. I am thankful that I am now entering a phase in my life to make a difference and pay it forward.

Director of Kids Beyond The Blue

Taylor Collins

Taylor is a full-time university student who is working towards obtaining her bachelor's degree in Psychology and Child & Youth Studies. For the past year and a half, she has worked part-time as a tutor, a role which gives her a great sense of pride and accomplishment.

As the significant other of a police officer, Taylor is aware of the daily struggles faced by many police families. For this reason, she is so thankful that organizations like Beyond the Blue exist. Whenever she gets the chance, she makes a point of informing others about the various resources and support systems that are in place to support families of law enforcement officers.

We believe all women can embrace who they are,
can define their future, and can change the world.

Our Mission

Goals

Our best tool for measuring our success will be as simple as the number of lives we are able to touch. This will be reflected in the size of our membership, the number of people attending scheduled meetings/events and the number of active members on social media sites.

To offer a community of support to police families
To promote awareness of our officer’s worth as well as an understanding of the joys and struggles that are uniquely experienced in life in law enforcement
To coordinate resources, educational opportunities & training that will aid in offering training & practical tools to police spouses and families
To reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and mental injuries
To facilitate police families connecting on a social level to build friendships and supportive relationships

Our Vision

Canada Beyond The Blue is working towards increasing the number of established Beyond The Blue Chapters across Canada. This will allow for greater support structures, collaboration and access to resources for police families in Canada.

Larger organizations have an inherent strength and advantage which can include a greater influence, stronger brand recognition, an economy of scale, greater human resources and more – all of which Canada Beyond The Blue and its Chapters will benefit from.