HOPE Program Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HOPE program?
HOPE stands for Healthy Outcomes through Positive Engagement. It is a partnership between the Neenah Joint School District and three community agencies to bring counseling, screening and support to students.

What agencies are involved with HOPE and how will they be serving the elementary children at Neenah?
The three agencies that are supporting the elementary schools are Catalpa Health, Samaritan Counseling and NAMI Fox Valley. Each of the agencies will be collaborating with the district to support the mental health needs of our elementary students and provide support to caregivers.

How can I receive counseling services for my child at one of the elementary schools?
Catalpa Health will be providing counseling at all of our K-5 elementary schools. If you are interested in receiving counseling at your elementary school, you can call (920) 750-7088 and let the receptionist know you are a Neenah family calling about the HOPE program.

Are there costs for my child receiving services from Catalpa Health at school?
Catalpa Health will bill families’ insurance for using the HOPE program, but there are also opportunities for thosefamilies wherefinances are a barrier.

What is screening and how will it benefit children in Neenah?
Samaritan Counseling will be using a questionnaire that will be offered to all caregivers with a child in our K-5 elementary schools. Although the questionnaire will not be able to diagnose a child or tell with certainty whether a child needs counseling, it does offer valuable information about a child’s well-being. Based upon the screening results, parents may be given resources that specifically focus on their child.

What role will NAMI Fox Valley be providing as part of the HOPE program?
NAMI Fox Valley will provide a parent peer advocate, who will offer one-on-one support and resource connection to parents of students who are identified as having mental health concerns. To contact the parent peer advocate, call NAMI Fox Valley at 920-954-1550 and ask for Megan.

Which schools will be getting the services from HOPE?
Alliance, Clayton, Coolidge, Hoover, Lakeview, Roosevelt, Spring Road,Taft,Tullar and Wilson will all receive the services offered by the HOPE program.

Who should I contact to answer my questions about HOPE?
You can contact our Mental Health Coordinator, Mike Altekruse at 920-751-6800, ext. 10123 or email him at maltekruse@neenah.k12.wi.us. You can also contact your school counselor.