CAPE GIRARDEAU – Several schools in the Cape Girardeau and Perryville areas are set to implement the highly anticipated Hope Squad program, a peer-to-peer suicide prevention initiative designed to improve mental wellness support for students.
Hope Squad | Peer-to-Peer Suicide Prevention
This vital program will be introduced at Perryville High School, Jackson High School, Jackson Junior High School, Jackson Elementary, Cape Central High School, Cape Central Junior High School, and Cape Central Academy.
The implementation of Hope Squad has been made possible through the generous support of two significant grants from the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. The Community Counseling Center successfully secured a grant to support the program’s rollout across participating schools, while Cape Central schools also independently obtained a grant from the Community Foundation of the Ozarks specifically for their district.
Hope Squad is a nationally recognized program that trains student leaders to identify peers who may be struggling with mental health challenges or suicidal thoughts. These trained “Hope Squad members” are not therapists, but rather compassionate individuals who know how to listen, offer support, and connect their peers with trusted adults and mental health professionals. The program aims to destigmatize mental health conversations, foster a culture of support, and ultimately save lives.
“We are incredibly excited to bring the Hope Squad program to our local schools,” said Kyle Schott, Administrative Projects Specialist from Community Counseling Center. “The mental well-being of our youth is paramount, and this program provides a proactive and empowering approach to suicide prevention. The support from the Community Foundation of the Ozarks has been instrumental in making this a reality, and we believe Hope Squad will make a profound difference in the lives of countless students.”
“The Hope Squad program aligns perfectly with our commitment to student well-being,” stated Mandy Keys, Assistant Superintendent of Special Services for Cape Girardeau Public Schools. “Empowering our students to look out for one another and seek help when needed is crucial. We are grateful to the Community Foundation of the Ozarks for their investment in the mental health of our school communities.”
“We would like to see the Hope Squad program implemented in every school in our service area,” adds Wendy Ice, CEO of Community Counseling Center. “We are actively exploring every possible avenue to make this a reality.”
The Hope Squad program will provide comprehensive training to selected advisors from each school today at the Community Counseling Center office located at 402 Silver Springs Rd, in Cape Girardeau.
About Hope Squad: Hope Squad is a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program that empowers students to identify and refer peers at risk of suicide to trusted adults. Hope Squad members are trained to be vigilant, listen actively, and connect struggling peers with school-based mental health professionals or other appropriate resources. For more information, visit hopesquad.com.
About Community Counseling Center: Established in 1974, Community Counseling Center (CCC) is a private, charitable, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit behavioral health organization dedicated to serving the public. Committed to the highest standards of care, CCC holds accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) International and is proudly certified by the Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH).
As an Administrative Agent and Certified Community Behavioral Health Organization (CCBHO) for the Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH), CCC is uniquely entrusted to provide a full and comprehensive array of behavioral health services. Our dedicated team serves individuals and families across five southeastern Missouri counties: Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Madison, Perry, and Ste. Genevieve.
CCC’s vital work is made possible through the generous support of the Missouri Department of Mental Health, the Cape Girardeau, Perry, and Ste. Genevieve County Mental Health Boards, fees for services, grants, contracts, and invaluable private and corporate gifts.
About Community Foundation of the Ozarks: The Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO) is a public foundation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the Ozarks region of central and southern Missouri. Since its founding in 1973, the CFO has worked to achieve its mission through resource development, community grantmaking, collaboration, and public leadership.