Episode 11: Hope Squad

Jenny Mathews, contributing writer

A Hope Squad is a team made up of advisers and students who are trained to know how to help others with mental health issues. Our interview with Hailey Maire, a MSW practicum intern for Green Canyon High School, as well as two student members, Rachel Gunther and Ruby Vejar, covers all the ins and outs of what it means to be in a Hope Squad and why they are needed now more than ever. The students are trained to practice self care and learn skills to help them help others who may be struggling with things, like anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts. They call themselves “gatekeepers,” because it describes their intentions—not to be responsible for healing or counseling their fellow students, but to be a support for them as they guide them to adults who can get them the help they need.

Hope Squads in Cache Valley are putting on “Hope Week” the second week in May and coming together to “Walk for Hope” on May 12 at 11 a.m. at the Green Canyon High School track. For more information, you can see our community calendar, or visit the Green Canyon High School homepage.

Thanks to our sponsors Stacked at 31 N. Main, and Eric and Isabel Jones with the Cache Home Realty Team. Visit cachehomerealty.com for more information.

Breakfast Epiphanies is a podcast hosted by Jenny Mathews and Emily Buckley that follows up on families featured in the print issue of Cache Valley Family Magazine and features local guests who are experts in their fields, who will share epiphanies on family life and raising kids, education, health, culture, business, philanthropy, and more. Do you know someone with an interesting story or perspective? Email us at podcast@cachevalleyfamilymagazine.com.