Hope Squad Strengthens Mental Health Support
The Student Services department at Wisconsin Lutheran High School recently hosted an impactful full-day retreat for Hope Squad members on April 23. The retreat was designed to strengthen teamwork, camaraderie, and the shared mission of creating a supportive atmosphere for peers supporting students struggling with anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
The day began with a heartfelt devotion led by School Counselor Mr. Pete Schumacher, who encouraged students to reflect on the eternal hope won for us by our Savior. He reminded attendees that even in life’s darkest moments, believers can find comfort in the promise of an eternal home with Jesus.
Following the devotion, students heard a powerful testimony from guest speaker Mrs. Katie Morrow, a member at Peace Lutheran Church in Hartford, WI. Mrs. Morrow shared her personal journey through depression, self-harm, and substance abuse use—experiences that pulled her away from a stable life and faith in God which led to time in jail. Yet, she emphasized how those challenges became pivotal moments where Jesus entered her heart and began the process of healing. Now a speaker and advocate, she shares her story with youth in hopes of helping others navigate similar struggles and to encourage those who are in a position to help use their strengths to support others and remind them of God's unconditional love.
After Mrs. Morrow’s moving presentation, Christian Family Solutions and the WLHS School Counselors led a training session in QPR—Question, Persuade, and Refer—a nationally recognized suicide prevention program. This training provided Hope Squad members with valuable tools to identify warning signs and respond with care and action when someone is in crisis.
The retreat concluded with a series of team-building activities, reinforcing the bonds among Hope Squad members and emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration in their work.
The WLHS Hope Squad, along with the QPR training, plays a vital role in the school's broader Wellness Plan—offering students preventative programming and practical skills to face life’s challenges and support one another through them.
We thank the WLHS School Counselors on organizing the event, Christian Family Solutions School-Based Therapists, and Mrs. Morrow for making this a successful event!
