Team Effort to Launch Hope Squads in San Antonio During Suicide Prevention Month

San Antonio, Texas — In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, Hope Squad is raising awareness and sharing hope by celebrating two Squad launches at Southwest ISD (SWISD) and East Central ISD (ECISD). This launch was a team effort made possible through our partnership with Communities In Schools of San Antonio (CIS-SA) and the Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio (BHFSA).

CIS-SA is celebrating 40 years, and this initiative is part of their commitment to the Future Ready Bexar County Plan, which aims to increase post secondary enrollment and improve student well-being through healing, access, voice, and system supports.

“Hope Squad aligns perfectly with our mission and our 40-year legacy of showing up for kids,” said Jessica Weaver, President & CEO of CIS-SA. “This partnership is a powerful reminder that when we invest in connection, we cultivate resilience.”

Hope Squad is a student-led, adult-supported program that equips students to recognize signs of emotional distress, offer support, and connect their peers to trusted adults and resources. Thanks to the generous support of BHFSA, these two high schools will join nearly 500 other active schools in Texas with Hope Squads.

“It’s a beautiful thing to see youth empowered to give the gift of hope to each other,” said Cody Knowlton, President & CEO of BHFSA.

The announcement was made at a press conference on September 22 at Southwest Legacy High School where SWISD Superintendent, Dr. Jeanette Ball, and Superintendent of ECISD, Roland Toscano, echoed the importance of this launch.

Our youth are facing increasing levels of stress, anxiety, and isolation, but we are fighting back with hope, healing, and action. If you or someone you know is in crisis or struggling, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free, confidential support 24/7.

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To view photos from the press conference, click HERE. To see a video message from Hope Squad’s CEO, Eric Workman, click HERE.

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ABOUT HOPE SQUAD
Hope Squad is a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program with a purpose of fostering human connection, community, and hope. Thousands of schools across the United States and Canada benefit from Hope Squads, with more than 1,250,000 students positively impacted annually. Over 98% of school administrators agree that the programming promotes a positive school climate for their students. Share the hope and save a life at www.HopeSquad.com.

ABOUT COMMUNITIES INSCHOOLS OF SAN ANTONIO (CIS-SA)
For 40 years, CIS-SA has been helping students achieve in school, graduate, and go on to bright futures. Our mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. We are 1 of 135 affiliates in the country of Communities In Schools, the nation’s largest and most influential organization dedicated to keeping kids in school and helping them succeed. Our unique model positions site coordinators inside schools to assess students’ needs and provide resources to help them succeed in the classroom and life. We partner with local businesses, social service agencies, healthcare providers, and volunteers. Whether it’s food, school supplies, health care, counseling, academic assistance, or a positive role model, CIS-SA is there to help. To learn more visit www.CISSA.org.

ABOUT BAPTIST HEALTHFOUNDATION OF SAN ANTONIO (BHFSA)
BHFSA was formed in 2004 to fund nonprofit healthcare services and education throughout Bexar County and seven surrounding counties. Since inception, BHFSA has awarded over 100 million dollars in grants to further BHFSA’s mission of honoring God by improving the health of our community. For more information, visit www.BHFSA.org.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST INDEPENDENTSCHOOL DISTRICT (SISD)
SISD provides opportunities for all learners to be confident, resilient, and successful global citizens. We continue to build on the strengths of the community to create effective and equitable schools where students meet their highest potential. Learn more at www.SWISD.net.

ABOUT EAST CENTRALINDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT (ECISD)
Established in 1949, ECISD is among the fastest-growing districts in Texas. Our mission centers on people and fostering the holistic well-being of every student, every school, every day. Dedicated to delivering a quality education, ECISD cultivates a positive school climate that enhances teaching and learning while upholding the values of our community. With a current enrollment of 11,000 students, ECISD prepares future leaders through an engaging and forward-thinking curriculum. Learn more at www.ECISD.net.