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This fall, Communities In Schools of San Antonio celebrates a remarkable milestone: our 40th school year of walking alongside students, families, and educators. Our theme — “One Mission, Many Futures: Champions for Every Student” — is more than a slogan. It’s a call to action. A reminder that every child deserves a community of caring adults in their lives, united in support of their dreams and goals for the future. 

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CIS-SA is also an anchor partner helping lead the work of the Future Ready Bexar County Plan, which aims to increase postsecondary enrollment of Bexar County High School graduates in a degree or credential program to 70% by 2030 through the focus areas of healing, access, voice and system supports.

This September, during National Suicide Prevention Month, we are especially mindful of the urgent need to support youth mental health to particularly align with the healing focus area of the community-wide plan. 

In honor of our legacy and with our eyes firmly on the future, we’re proud to announce a new partnership with FRBC Public School Districts East Central ISD and Southwest ISD to launch the Hope Squad program in two high schools in each district. 

Hope Squad’s purpose is to foster human connection, community, and hope. Their approach is to elevate mental wellbeing through peer-to-peer suicide prevention programming. Hope Squad’s curriculum prepares advisors to educate students to recognize signs of distress, offer compassion, and connect their peers to trusted adults and resources. It’s built on the simple but powerful idea that students often turn to each other first — and that with the right tools, they can be the difference between despair and hope.

“We know that students thrive when they feel seen, heard, and supported,” said Jessica Weaver, president and CEO of CIS-SA. “Hope Squad aligns perfectly with our mission and our 40-year legacy of showing up for kids. This partnership is a powerful reminder that when we invest in connection, we cultivate resilience.”

Hope Squad has a rapidly growing presence in Texas with nearly 500 active schools, where they are equipping students to prevent youth suicide, according to the organization’s CEO Eric Workman.  

“Through this partnership with CIS-SA, the Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio, ECISD, and SWISD, we can seamlessly integrate mental wellness into the school community and support students in a comprehensive way. I’m excited to see how these two launches will transform the school culture and save lives,” Workman added. 

This transformative initiative is made possible by the generous support of the BHFSA, whose commitment to youth mental health is helping us bring life-saving support directly into our schools.

“At BHFSA, we view hope as a valuable tool for promoting community health,” said Cody Knowlton, president and CEO of BHFSA. “It’s a beautiful thing to see youth empowered to give the gift of hope to each other. We thank God that we’re able to be a part of this work.”

The enthusiasm for the program is shared by the two superintendents of SWISD and ECISD, who see Hope Squad as a way to reinforce their commitment to student well-being.

“At Southwest ISD, we are committed to creating safe, inclusive environments where every student can thrive,” said Dr. Jeanette Ball, superintendent of SWISD. “Partnering with CIS-SA and Hope Squad allows us to deepen that commitment and ensure our students have the support they need — emotionally and academically.”

ECISD Superintendent Roland Toscano echoed that sentiment, noting that the partnership aligns with their long-standing investment in student health and resilience.

“Through our partnership with CIS-SA, we’re ensuring that students across East Central ISD have access to timely, effective behavioral health support,” Toscano said. “Hope Squad is a vital part of that vision — helping students build resilience and know they’re never alone.”

This collaboration reflects a countywide push to prioritize youth mental health, turning local and national data into action through programs like Hope Squad.

“Multiple data sources show a consistent concern about mental health among young people,” said Cathy Jones, CEO of UP Partnership. “At our 2024 Youth Summit, 38% of students told us they worry about mental health. When we see that reflected in national and local surveys as well, it’s a clear call to action. Partnerships like Hope Squad help us move from data to solutions — creating safe, supportive environments where students can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.”

This initiative comes at a critical time. Our youth are facing unprecedented levels of stress, anxiety, and isolation. But we also know that hope is contagious. When one student reaches out, others follow. When one school embraces mental wellness, the whole community grows stronger.

The data confirms the urgency. In the 2024 Teen Mental Health Survey, 36% of local youth reported feeling helpless or numb, 62% said school is their biggest stressor, and 16% admitted they have no one they feel comfortable talking to — underscoring the need for trusted adults and a community to be connected to.

As CIS-SA celebrates 40 years of impact, we invite you — our neighbors, leaders, and friends — to join us. Be a champion for kids. Advocate for mental health. Volunteer. Listen. Show up. Because when we come together with one mission, we unlock many futures.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available now. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — free, confidential support is available 24/7.

Together, CIS-SA and our community of supportive partners are building a city where every student knows: You matter. You are not alone. And your future is worth championing.

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