Our Core Values
1. We value education.
The Hope Squad program was built by educators in partnership with mental health experts. The evidence-based training changes how schools approach mental health and suicide prevention.
2. We value taking initiative.
Hope Squad member are trained to take action when someone is struggling. Instead of waiting for a peer to come to them, Hope Squad members are the ones to reach out first.
3. We value openness.
Hope Squad members are trained to be aware of their peers and watch for warning signs. They learn to show empathy to their peers, listen without judgment, and 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 connection working together for suicide prevention.
The Provo Story
Provo City School District is the tenth largest school district in Utah. It is home to Brigham Young University and considered one of the most family-oriented communities in the West.
For many years, youth suicide was a silent tragedy. Provo was averaging one to two youth suicides a year for over twelve years, including the death of a fourth-grader who took his life on the school campus.
Dr. Gregory A. Hudnall, a high school principal, had dealt with the loss of students to suicide during his tenure. Then in 1997, Dr. Hudnall was contacted by the Provo Police to identify a student who had taken his life in the park next to his school. After working with the police, he returned to his car, threw up, and sobbed over the loss of the student.
While sitting in his car and trying to recover from the experience, he made a vow that he would do everything he could to prevent another child from taking their life.