2025-26 SCHOOL YEAR
We’re so appreciative of the support you offer us in sharing this programming with our students! We get to have such good conversations with the classes on the days we present and it’s a great way to get our faces out there for the new freshmen, particularly for our presentations that happen earlier in the year.
Even if the freshmen students we present to aren’t flagged as needing immediate follow ups they continue to reference the SOS programming throughout their time at the high school. Just a few weeks ago I had a junior sitting in my office referencing A.C.T. when they were concerned about a friend. This long term awareness speaks so powerfully to the great influence of this program!
– Liam Champeau, School Social Psychologist
I wanted to take a moment to share my appreciation for Elyssa’s Mission and the impact the SOS program has had on our students. I am so proud of the way our students took what they learned and immediately used it to save lives.
We had two students who flagged Priority 1 (high risk) on the screener, resulting in PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program) referrals. One of the students, who had attempted suicide weeks prior but had kept it a secret, finally felt comfortable disclosing her experience after attending the presentation. We also had a group of girls tell a teacher after noticing a peer writing something concerning on her iPad. They explained that they remembered what they had learned through SOS, and wanted to immediately alert a trusted adult. Because of their action, the student, who had never previously spoken with a social worker, was connected to vital services.
Additionally, one student experiencing intense suicidal thoughts at home reached out to 988, which led to a 911 response and hospitalization. Although she was not flagged via the screener, she was able to use the resources and knowledge gained from the SOS presentation to seek immediate help.
You have made such a difference in our students’ lives. I am deeply grateful that they are receiving the support they need and that Elyssa’s Mission played such an important role in that process.
– Haley Morelli, Social Worker, Ridgewood Community High School
As a member of Hope Squad at Bernotas, I’ve seen how much this program has changed our school. Hope Squad has helped create a more supportive environment, giving students a better sense of safety by knowing that trusted peers are always there to help. Through Hope Squad, we’ve learned that you never truly know what someone else could be going through and that even one person can make a difference in someone’s life. Hope Squad teaches members how important it is to notice others, listen without judgment, and reach out when someone needs support. Our job isn’t to heal someone ourselves, but to make sure nobody feels alone. Hope Squad helps us make sure that every student at our school feels safe, heard, and cared for.
– Hope Squad Member at Bernotas Middle School, District 47
Hope Squad has had a significant impact on our middle school community by strengthening peer connections and increasing mental health awareness among students in grades 6–8. At a critical developmental stage, students are learning how to support one another, recognize warning signs, and seek help from trusted adults. We have seen a noticeable increase in students advocating for themselves and their peers, helping to create a culture where kindness, empathy, and safety are prioritized. Our recent workshop in partnership with the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office further reinforced these efforts by providing students with practical tools, education, and real-world perspectives on safety and community responsibility. This collaboration strengthened the bridge between our school and local community supports, emphasizing that student well-being is a shared responsibility. Hope Squad continues to be an essential component of our prevention framework, fostering a more connected, proactive, and supportive school environment.
– Katie Staggs, Hope Squad Advisor at Lundahl Middle School, District 47
To honor the memory of a dear family member lost to suicide, I’ve chosen to work with the Hope Squad. I’m committed to actively promoting mental health awareness among young children, a critical need in our society. My role as a mother of three children who have gone through the 308 district, combined with my position as a staff member, provides me with a deep empathy and understanding of the mental health struggles faced by children, including my own. Hope Squad students are becoming powerful peer supporters, actively improving our school’s climate. Their training has developed their communication and empathy skills, allowing them to effectively assist their classmates. Their initiative and impact are consistently impressive, and I’m grateful to be part of this vital program.
– Erin Boberg, Hope Squad Advisor at Grande Park Elementary School, District 308
As the principal of Grande Park Elementary School, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact that Hope Squad has on our school community. By empowering students to recognize and respond to their peers’ emotional needs, Hope Squad fosters a culture of kindness, inclusion, and support. Our students feel safer, more connected, and more comfortable reaching out for help when needed. The training and resources provided through Hope Squad have equipped our school with the tools to build stronger relationships and create a nurturing environment where every child knows they are valued and supported. I am grateful for the positive difference Hope Squad continues to make in the lives of our students and staff.