Eldred and Fallsburg Schools Launch Hope Squad Programs to Support Youth Mental Health

Eldred Hope Squad

[LIBERTY, NY] Sullivan 180 is proud to announce the official launch of Hope Squads in the Eldred Central School District and Fallsburg Central School District, marking an important step in expanding peer-based mental health support across Sullivan County schools.

Hope Squad is an evidence-based, peer-to-peer suicide prevention program designed to build a culture of connection, empathy, and help-seeking among youth. Students are nominated by their peers to serve as Hope Squad members and receive specialized training from trusted school advisors. These students work to identify struggling peers, promote kindness, and connect classmates to the help they need.

"Hope squad allowed me to connect, understand and help people on a deeper level", said a Fallsburg Hope Squad member.

The launch of Hope Squads in Eldred and Fallsburg is part of a three-year pilot program supported by the New York State Office of Mental Health and led by Sullivan 180’s Youth Mental Health Program Manager. Both districts have established active Hope Squads at the middle and high school levels, with trained staff and student members ready to begin outreach this fall.

“It has been inspiring to see how much effort both staff and students are putting into the implementation of this program.” Mylene Ortiz, Youth Mental Health Program Manager at Sullivan 180 “I truly believe these students will have a huge impact on their school communities and I cannot wait to see what is in store for the future.”

Beyond their work in schools, Hope Squad members have taken an active role in community outreach, participating in events such as National Night Out and the Out of the Darkness Walk sponsored by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). These efforts highlight the commitment of local youth to reducing stigma, promoting hope, and extending mental health awareness beyond the classroom.

To learn more about Hope Squad and SHAPE, email Mylene@sullivan180.org.