Brainerd Area Hope Project

Creating Access. Building Hope. Supporting Healing.

A NEW Community-Based Crisis Prevention & Healing Initiative.

(NOT a school-based mental health program)

Every student deserves access to compassionate mental health support — especially during the moments when life feels overwhelming.

The Brainerd Area Hope Project is a community-focused initiative started by a small group of local independent clinical mental health professionals to a level of crisis and support to students and their families experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, crisis situations, or grief following a suicide loss.

Our goal is simple: to help reduce barriers to care and ensure that students and families have access to trauma-informed support when they need it most

A Safe Place During Difficult Times

Students today face many challenges that can impact their mental health and ability to thrive, including:

• Anxiety and depression
• Suicidal thoughts or feelings of hopelessness
• Self-harm concerns
• Trauma and difficult life experiences
• Bullying, isolation, or feeling disconnected
• Academic and social stress
• Grief after losing a friend, classmate, or loved one
• Major family or life transitions

When a student is struggling, early support can make a meaningful difference.

Removing Barriers to Mental Health Care

Not every student or family has the resources needed to access ongoing therapy.

 Insurance limitations, financial concerns, waitlists, and other barriers can prevent young people from receiving the support they deserve.

Through community support and partnerships, Riverside Hope Project works toward expanding access to trauma-informed counseling services for students and families who may otherwise struggle to receive care.

What Brainerd Area Hope Project Supports

Community support helps provide:

Student Mental Health Support

Individual counseling for students experiencing emotional distress

Support for youth impacted by suicidal thoughts or crisis concerns

Trauma-informed therapy focused on healing and resilience

Suicide Loss & Grief Support

Support for students grieving the loss of a peer, family member, or loved one

Help processing grief, trauma, questions, and difficult emotions

Family support during times of loss

Community Collaboration

Partnerships with schools, families, and local organizations

Stronger connections between students and mental health resources

A compassionate community response to youth mental health needs

Trauma-Informed Care That Sees the Whole Student

Every student has a story.

Brainerd Area Hope Project approaches mental health through safety, connection, and understanding. 

For Families

If your child is struggling, reaching out for support is a sign of strength. You do not have to navigate difficult moments alone.

Brainerd Area Hope Project is committed to creating pathways for students and families to access compassionate, specialized mental health support.

Community Partners & Sponsors

Healing happens when communities come together.

We welcome partnerships with individuals, businesses, schools, and organizations who believe every student deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and succeed.

And we are now: 

Accepting Sponsorships from local businesses.

Seeking Grants from Fiscal Sponsors

Will be holding near-future fundraising events.

Businesses can sponsor grief groups & parent workshops

Community support helps expand access to mental health services for students and families facing barriers to care.

Are you a caring and concerned member of the community wanting to do more?  Join our Community Advisory Board! Together, we can create a stronger network of hope and support for our youth. 

We are looking for:

Parents

Teachers

Mental Health Professionals

Faith & Spiritual Leaders

College Students

Local Business Owners

Youth Representatives

Reach out today!

We are brand new started in July 2026.

Brainerd Area Hope Project
A community initiative.

Creating Access. Building Hope. Supporting Healing.

If you or someone you know is experiencing an immediate mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide, 

Call or Text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or contact emergency services.