Mission & Goals
"Our Goal is to prevent suicide through public awareness and education, reduce stigma and serve as a resource to those touched by suicide."
Our Mission
Reduce youth suicide through education, training, and peer intervention.
Our Vision
A Hope Squad in every school.
Core Values
1. We value education.
We show Hope Squad members how to help someone through a crisis using safe, evidence-based training. Hope Squad members actively spread awareness of suicide prevention in their schools, families, and communities.
2. We value taking initiative.
As an organization, we seek out opportunities to help each Hope Squad be successful and know their value. When Hope Squad members think someone may be struggling with mental health, they take action by being the ones to reach out first.
3. We value openness.
Hope Squad members are open and receptive to suicide warning signs. They show empathy to their peers, listen without judgment, and work to reduce stigma regarding help-seeking and mental illness.
4. We value self-care.
You can help others best if you are also taking care of yourself. We advocate for maintaining healthy boundaries, building resilience, and avoiding burnout.
5. We value community.
It takes a village to raise a child, and it takes an entire community to save one. The Circles4Hope model recognizes the role of mental health partnerships, school programs, and community connections working together for suicide prevention.
Areas of Focus
1. Safety
Hope Squad members recognize the warning signs of suicide, reach out to peers in distress, and refer them to trusted adults.
2. Connectedness
Hope Squad members actively look for ways to support their peers and increase connectedness in their schools.
3. Bully Prevention
Hope Squad members recognize bullying, intervene, and encourage other students not to be bystanders.
4. Mental Wellness
Hope Squad members promote resilience and self-care and work closely with their local mental health agency.
5. Reducing Stigma
Hope Squad members reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and mental health and show that it’s okay to get help.
6. Substance Abuse Prevention
Hope Squad members understand the complexity of substance abuse, encourage peers to make healthy choices, and persuade struggling peers to get help.
