This week, CBS News Detroit Anchor Lauren Winfrey sat down with Brian Galdes, Coordinator of the Hope Empowerment Coalition, and Beth Santer, Executive Director of Special Education and Early Intervention Services (SEEIS) for Wayne RESA, to discuss the impactful work happening through the Coalition, the growing Peer-to-Peer movement, and the upcoming annual conference in November.
As a former Superintendent of South Redford School District, Brian Galdes shared powerful insights into the increasing stress levels students are experiencing. He emphasized that schools should be more than just places of academic learning—they should be safe spaces where students feel supported and can truly thrive. The Coalition is focused on just that: creating environments where students are equipped with tools to cope, heal, and grow through intentional programming and mental health support.
Beth Santer highlighted the critical role students themselves are playing in this work. What began as an initiative sparked by the 2015 Community Health Needs Assessment from Trinity Health Livonia has evolved into a student-driven movement. While it’s essential for adults to come together to discuss youth mental health and suicide prevention, Beth emphasized that giving students a seat at the table—and the opportunity to share their experiences and solutions—has taken the work to a whole new and empowering level.
This November, the Hope Empowerment Coalition—powered by Growth Works—will host its fourth annual conference, designed to support school-based mental health professionals. The event will offer a day of practical learning, peer connection, and most importantly, an uplifting message of resilience and hope.
To learn more about the Hope Empowerment Coalition and how you can get involved, click here.