Elyssa’s Mission educates and screens students to help them recognize the warning signs of suicide, identify youth who may be at risk, connect them with vital resources and, ultimately, prevent suicide. The organization partners with more than 350 elementary, middle and high schools statewide -- including 17 schools in Proviso Township -- to provide lifesaving suicide prevention programming. Through the nationally recognized SOS Signs of Suicide® program, middle and high school students learn to recognize the warning signs of depression and suicide and what to do if they observe these signs in themselves or their peers. SOS also incorporates universal depression screening and student response tools, helping schools identify students who may be experiencing depression, suicidal thoughts or other mental health concerns and connect them with needed services. Elyssa’s Mission further partners with 27 elementary, middle and high schools to implement Hope Squad, a nationally recognized, peer-to-peer suicide prevention program that also addresses bullying. Students nominate trusted classmates to serve as Hope Squad members. These students receive specialized training to recognize warning signs, provide compassionate support and connect their peers with trusted adults who can help them access professional resources. Elyssa’s Mission is excited to launch Hope Squad at Riverside-Brookfield High School during the 2026–2027 school year, with the hope of expanding the program to additional Proviso Township schools in the future. Elyssa’s Mission fully funds all SOS and Hope Squad program costs for its school partners and provides comprehensive onsite and remote support throughout every phase of implementation. Its programming in Proviso Township schools is made possible through the generous support of the Proviso Township Mental Health Commission.
Mental Health
Elyssa’s Mission® provides resources to help prevent teen suicide. Elyssa’s Mission® provides hands-on support to area public and private schools in order to educate students, staff, parents, and guardians on how to recognize and assist those teens most at-risk. We have helped educate over one million students, staff, and parents since inception.
Youth Prevention
Elyssa’s Mission® provides resources to help prevent teen suicide. Elyssa’s Mission® provides hands-on support to area public and private schools in order to educate students, staff, parents, and guardians on how to recognize and assist those teens most at-risk. We have helped educate over one million students, staff, and parents since inception.