Updated August 2024
In 2021, a coalition of experts in pediatric health declared a national emergency in child and adolescent mental health. Rates of childhood mental health concerns and suicide have risen steadily since 2010, and by 2018 suicide was the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10-24.1
In 2020, Foundation staff were having conversations about this topic with a number of donors who were concerned about this issue, especially in light of the strains of the pandemic on school-aged children. The Pillar of Hope Fund was created to provide counseling and intervention services for low-income students attending Catholic schools in Santa Clara County. The fund has been granting since 2021 and has already made a significant impact on children, families, and teachers in underserved communities.
The 6 Diocesan elementary schools that receive funding from the Pillar of Hope Fund utilize the services of CASSY – Counseling & Support Services for Youth – to provide highly qualified postgraduate therapists to their campuses 1-3 days a week. Parents and staff alike are relieved to have resources available on campus so they don’t have to go to a second location.
The impact of this fund reaches beyond these 6 schools. Teachers and staff have shared their positive experience, and as of August 2024, 16 schools across the Diocese are anticipated to partner with CASSY.
$556,000
granted to Catholic Schools for counseling and intervention services 2021-2023
Pillar of Hope Fund – Results
2023-2024 school year
2,008 individual student therapy sessions
200 students engaged in individual and group sessions
1,766 family engagement consultations
2,618 staff consultations
Main Reasons for Student Referral / Focus of Treatment
1. Anxiety
2. Peer Relationships
3. Emotional Regulation
4. Self-Esteem
5. Academic Stress
“[The therapist] provided a safe place for my child to voice how she was feeling. She also taught my child great coping mechanisms.”
– Parent at Most Holy Trinity School
“My CASSY therapist treated me like she thought my problems are important.”
– Student at St. Leo the Great School
“It’s nice to let it all out instead of holding it in.”
– Student at St. Lawrence School
Source: 1www.aap.org/en/advocacy/child-and-adolescent-healthy-mental-development/aap-aacap-cha-declaration-of-a-national-emergency-in-child-and-adolescent-mental-health