CONNECT | Issue 12 | Fall 2021

6

DONORS

Grant Halliburton Foundation thanks the many donors who have made generous financial or in-kind donations to our cause. On behalf of the teens, families, and educators we serve, we’re grateful for your support. Sam Charnes

Sandi and Barry Greenberg

Mary Kohl

Karen Ablon

Margaret and R.W. Cheek

Terry and Annette Griffin

Kathryn and Michael Kotel

Judy Acker

Tiffany Chin

T.J. Griffin and Reed Robertson

Holly Adams

Lexi Choudhry

Susan Griffiths

Michael Adams

Gordon Cizon

Michelle Gross

Becky Aguilar

Zac Clark

Isabelle Guillen

Albertsons Safeway

John Clifford

Jennifer and Mark Gunnin

Deana and Paul Albrecht

Jennifer Clough

Todd Gyure

Dan’l and Andrew Almy In memory of Connor Hubble

Amy Cohn

Sharon and Kevin Hall

American Airlines

Deb and Scott Coldwell

Stan Hall

Julie Coleman

Stephen Hall

Melissa Collins

Cindi and Alan Halliburton In memory of Grant Halliburton

Debbie Andres Lori and Leon Andrus Barbara and Jay Applebaum Irwin Arnstein

Cynthia Colocousis Jan Coltrin Patrick Cone

Dixey Arterburn

Suzanne and Randy Baird Breigh Baker Cindy and Fred Balda Heather and Ray Balestri Beth and Romeo Baltazar Maloree and Bob Banks Denise Bannister David Barbour Gillian and Steve Baron In memory of Alec Becker Alice Bass Shelley and Jeff Becker In memory of Alec Becker Robert Becker

Judy and Dennis Beikman David Bell Benevity Community Impact Fund Judy Benn Laura Berner and Will Hall Caroline Bernstein In honor of Henry Roseman and Robert Roseman

Bert Harrop Judy Harvey

Tricia and Joe D’Cruz

B.J. Harvey

Luca and Mateo Dassanayake

Heather Harvey

David B. Miller Family Foundation

Hattie Mae Leslie Foundation

David Matthews In honor of Sherri Wolfe

Ellen Dawson

J. Havery

Carrie Matthiesen

Geralyn DeBusk

Danna and Jamie Hayden In honor of Mary Dorflinger

Patricia Matula

Zachary Hayden

Matthew Mazur

Andrea Denheyer Dalice and Adam DesJardin

Anne Diamond Leslie and George Diamond Mary Dobson Jeffrey Doi Mary and Neil Dorflinger Singhai Dorothy Risa Douglas Deborah and Terry Doyle

Jason Edwards In memory of Connor Hubble Carrie Edwards

Haynes and Boone Dinah Hays Healing Springs Ranch Eileen Hearne

Jim McConnell Laura McCoy

Mary Ann and Tom Hill

Cynthia McFall and Bob Helms

Cathleen and Larry Hill

Janice McFall In honor or Robert and Cynthia Helms

Pat Hodge Craig Hodges Jackie and Michael Hoffman Hilary Hoffman

Craig Eidelman

Joseph Blackburn

Patricia Ellis

Wendy Blackwell

Hala Elsherbini

Crystal and Jeffrey Blanks

Melinda and David Emmons

Christy Blumedfeld

Episcopal Health Foundation

Carolee Blumin

Joyce and Mike Ernst

Howard Boes

Junior and Ed Esquivel

Annette and Rick Borkowski

Barb and David Farmer

Deborah Bowles

Gretchen Feemster

Candace Boyd

Staci Ferber

Paul Boynton

Cami and Keller Fields

Carrie Huff

Ann and Tom Brashear

Missy and Richard Fisher In honor of Mary Bailey

Molly and Kiel Huhn Hunt Consolidated

Jenny Flake In honor of Connor Hubble

Keith Hutson

Pamela Fleming

Joan Jackson

Fox Family Foundation Amanda and Mark Francis

Kent Hofmeister Lori Holland Tera Holland Susan Holmes Susan and Chad Hooker Sherrie and Mike Howe Niky Howell Ann Hubach Selena and Bill Hubble

Mark Izlar James and Sherri Wolfe Family Fund Kelly Jameson Robert Jameson

Lisa Browning In memory of Robert H. Browning

Gary Frank

James Bryant

Ernest Freedman

Kim and Diane Buford

Melissa Gaither

Debbie and David Burch

Gela Gallardo

Robin Burch

Ryan Gankowski

Mindy Butler

Barbara and Ed Garahan

Scott Butnick

Blanca Garcia

Lynda Calkin

Sandy Garza

Shannon Callewart

Jamie Gaunt

Pete Callis

Wendy and Paul Genender

Kelsey Cameron

Gavin George

Skot Camp

Sally Geymuller

Cathy Campbell

Gil and Dody Weaver Foundation

Polly and Mike Campbell

Dominique Glanville

Joseph Canida

Kay Glawe

Ryan Caraway

Sally Goebel

Kim and Diane Buford Fund of the Communities Foundation of Texas

George Carey In honor of Cathy Wood

Karen Goetting

Kimberly Kimbriel

Karen and Mark Carney

David Goldstein

Brigette and David Kimichik

Elizabeth Gonzalez

Kentoya Kindles In memory of Dreak Scott

Changes Outpatient of Frisco

Robert Franke

Dustin Good Breea Govenar Kristien Graffam Kathryn Grant Meg and Dave Graves

Ellie Jesberg Julie and Kregg Jodie Allyson Johnson Dwight Johnson Eileen Josey Carol and John Joyce JP Morgan Chase Julie and Kregg Jodie Foundation Karen J. Simon Foundation Norma and Michael Katz Diane Kazlow Sue and Mike Kearins Anne Kennon Pamela Kern Nancy Kerr

Charmaine Taing In honor of Margee Hocking

Noel Templer John Terry Jay Thompson Shannon Timberlake

Richardson Mercantile

Mark Heymann

Susan Strauss Breen Family Foundation

Texas Instruments Foundation

Dorothy Rhoads

The Hersh Foundation

Blackbaud Giving Fund

Cindy and Patrick Fox

Valerie Reynolds In memory of Alec Becker

Clayton McCleskey In memory of Grant Halliburton

Susan Sugerman

Tiffany Taylor Wines

Rene and Jimmy Wisch Charitable Fund

Linda Mazur

Wendy Stulmaker

Elton Taylor

Vianey Reinhardt

Susan McCombs

Margee Hocking

Darrell Struck

Jane and Mark Reily

Joanne and Alan Herda In memory of Alec Becker

Emily Hobin

Andrea and Rob Stoler In memory of Alec Becker

Penny and Thomas Nolan Reid

John McCloskey

Elizabeth Hoag

Stettner Charitable Account

Pam and Ed Reed

Debbie Herbst

Christine Ho

David Stern In memory of Alec Becker and in honor of Robert Roseman and Ross Rubin

Alyson and Joe Ray In honor of the Navigation Line and in memory of Susie Ayoob

Amy and Brian McCloskey In memory of Grant Halliburton

Hillcrest Foundation

Connie and John Stephens

Judy and Craig Rawle

McKenzie Mayer

Dorothy Timmins

Phil Ritter

Emily Todd and Al Drowne In honor of Laura Todd

Jan and Paul Rogers James and Anne Rogers

Abby Tomlin

Angie Rogers

Fran and Jeffrey Toubin

Rogers Family Foundation

Megan Triggs

Shani Romick In honor of Ross Rubin and in memory of Alec Becker

Jennifer Turney In honor of Vanita Halliburton

Amy and Michael Roseman

Velda Turnley

Dana Roseman In honor of Robert Roseman

The Uhrick Family Sam Utay

Robert Roseman In memory of Alec Becker

Joseph Van Blargan

Laura and Kevin Meeks

Mindy and Jeff Rosenfeld In memory of Alec Becker

Dee Velvin

Peggy Meier

Amy Ross

Jacquine Melancon

Renee Rubin

Freddy Mendez

Dana Rubin-Remer

Merck Foundation

Lisa Rudner

Merit Energy Associates, L.P.

Russell Foundation

Peggy and Dan Meyer

Lexi Ryan

Lee Michaels

Patricia Saari

Pamela Mickens

Kristy and Beaude Sahm

Beth and Mike Mikeska

Teresa and J.J. Salicrup In honor of Hala Elsherbini

Sarah McGilberry Amber McLaughlin Barbara and Pat McMahon Tricia McQuinn MDStarfish Foundation

Natalie and Duwayne Miller Terry Mitchell Paula and John Mitchell Christopher Mooney Jackie and Trip Moore Danna Morguloff-Hayden Barbara Moroney Stephen Morrison

Janet Motley Jeffrey Mueller Ed Nace Eric Nadel Elizabeth Naftalis In memory of Marty Moore McGinn Lynda Newman Kate Neylon Tina and Doug Noah Rachel Norrod Lindsey O`Hare Susan Odom Melanie Ofenloch Alexandra Ohlinger Barbara Olsen Karen Ondocsin Ivy and Bob Opdyke Sylvia Orozco-Joseph Camille and Patrick Owens Linda Paez

Patty Kirk

Christina Papaila

Thomas Klawiter In memory of Connor Hubble

Cheryl Parker Leigh and Scott Parks

Sunny and Craig Knocke

Jennifer Passanante

Vilfordi Family Foundation Lynn and Paul Vitek Bev Berry-Vuckovich and Alan Vuckovich Wal-Dot Foundation Erin Walker Tara Walsh Joann Wardlow Geanne Weaver-Hepler Julie Weinberg Fred Wellington Kyle Wells

Laurence Sanger

Jackie Wheat

Anne Satterthwaite In honor of Ross Rubin

Mary Whiting Puckett Deidre Whitt

Amanda Sawyer

Vickey and Mickey Wiechern

Darren Schackman

Mary Wiechern

Marcia and Steve Schaul

Deborah Wiggans

Regina Schertle

Clint and Lisa Wilkins In memory of Alec Reid Becker

Frieda Schmiedel

Louis Morrison III In memory of Jackie Lang

Anne and Bill Neblett

Nicolai van Oers

Cheryl Sanderson

Nancy Mills

Kathy and Robet Schneeberg

Jaclyn and Blake Willbrand

Lynelle Schneeberg In honor of Kathy Schneeberg

Kristi Wilson Amye Wilson

Scott and Julie Miller Philanthropic Fund In honor of Sherri and Jim Wolfe

Linda Wimberly In memory of Alec Becker

Scott Family Fund

Candace and John Winslow In honor of Polly Campbell

Elizabeth Seabury

Rene and Jimmy Wisch

Carl Seago

Judy Wisch

Carley Seale

Lynn and Kevin Wisdom

Sheila Sergiovanni

Tawnia Wise

Tori and Roy Serpa

Michelle Witcher

Elizabeth Sharp

Carmen and Stephen Witt

Marla Shaw

Charles Witte

Bonnie Shelby

Lucy and Don Witte

Greeshma Shetty

Nicole Wolack

Jamie Sholder

Beatriz Wolfe

Marty Sholder

Sherri and Jim Wolfe

Nancy Shosid

Meredith Woodworth

Lisa Simmons

Utay/Toubin Families In honor of Robert Roseman and Ross Rubin and in memory of Hannah Trillo

Simmons Sisters Fund Karen Simon Stuart and Stacy Simon

Young Men’s Service League DallasRichardson In honor of Cami Fields

Janie Simpson Dorothy Singhai Priya Singhvi and Andrew Ericson In memory of Grant Halliburton and Alec Becker

Linda and David Ziegler July 1, 2020–December 31, 2020 Design by Briley Design Group

COMING UP

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Dad2Dad Speaker Series

CALL OR TEXT FOR FREE, 24/7 SUPPORT

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National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1.800.273.TALK (8255)

When Life Hands You Teenagers

Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741

OUR MISSION Grant Halliburton Foundation works

Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line 972.525.8181 • M – F, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

children, teens and young adults; promote better mental

Tuesday, September 14

Thursday, September 23

Wednesday, September 29

THE HOPE PARTY

Friday, November 19

CONNECT WITH US @granthalliburton @ghfoundation @ghfoundation

Issue 12 Fall 2021

Karla Steinberg

Ronald Raphael

Julia Matocha

Nancy and Mitchell Spector

Nancy Staley

Shawn Ramsey

Matajek Family Foundation

Patricia Spear

Maria and Jack Stafford

Beth Quint

Mandisha Mark

Richard Sowan

St. Luke United Methodist Church

Danna Pyke

Reeka Maharaj

Joan and Bruce Sostek

Lori Stacy

Alec D’Cruz

Anna DeHaro

Brooke Soard

Sarah Pietsch

Matt Lillard

The Dallas Foundation

Owen and Cindy Hanson In honor of the Knockes

Smith Foundation

Speedway Children’s Charities

Shanti Majefski

Carrie Hamilton

Judy and Dane Smith

Sheryl Pidgeon Laurie Pierce

Mary Beth Harrison

BKM Sowan Horan

Angela Carrales Carson’s Village In memory of Connor Hubble

LifePath Systems

Cheryl Smith

Julia and Matt Pickett

Susan and Clay Cullins

Jason Dyke

Jennifer Carr

Jason Leyden In memory of Connor Hubble

Lynn Cowan

Phyllis Bisch

Mina Brown

Maya Leibman

Missy MacNaughton

Megan Dunavant

Alan Brown

Patrick LeBlanc

Michael Mack

Taryn Cook

Charles Bickford

Jeremy Brooks

Leslie and Steven Peskind In honor of Robert Roseman & Ross Rubin, in memory of Alec Becker, our nephew

Sylvia and Titus Harris In honor of Emily Harris Todd

Ellen Cook

Al Drowne

Isabel Brooks

Laughlin-Beers Foundation In honor of Emily Todd

Shannon Lynch

Chris Sanner Berry

Vanita and Terry Briley In memory of Grant Halliburton

Perot Foundation

Sharon Harman In memory of Mark Harman

Dr. Paul Pierce Memorial Foundation

Kevin Braun

Beth and Britt Langford

Mary and Roy Potts In memory of Connor Hubble

Kristi Bernstein

Margaret and Charles Black In honor of Nic Stadtmueller

Terry Pender

Sharon Lyle and Mark Mutschink

Shannon DeVilbiss

Doug Bedner

Candace and Scott Lane

Bill Hardcastle

Roswell Deutscher

Dean Beckloff

Frances and Daniel Pearson III

Ann Pool

Sharon Degrazier

Katherine Baxter

Paul E. Cameron Memorial Fund

Tori Smith

Arlene Lamark In memory of Alec Becker

Lyda Hill Fund of the Communities Foundation of Texas

Connor Hubble Memorial Fund

Mary Bailey

Steve Paul

Amy Pool

Connection HERE

Sue and Dan Bailey

Kroger

Pledgling Foundation

Jeannie and Bert Conly

Anna and Scott Aston

Tonya and Paul Smallwood

Zelene Lovitt

Brandi Conedera

John Asher

Diana and Steve Hamilton In memory of Grant Halliburton

Dawn Patterson In memory of Marty McGinn

Grant Halliburton Foundation was established in 2006. Over the last 15 years, the Foundation

has been steadfast in its mission to help families and young people recognize the signs of mental illness. In this special edition of CONNECT, we take a look at the Foundation’s early days, the ways we’re serving North Texans today, and what’s ahead for the next 15 years.

GrantHalliburton.org HereForTexas.com 6390 LBJ Freeway, Suite 100 Dallas, Texas 75240

to strengthen the network of mental health resources for health; and help prevent suicide.

6390 LBJ Freeway, Suite 100 • Dallas, Texas 75240

Shelby Abeyta

NEWS

& QA

Nora McInerny Shares Personal Story at Beacon of Hope Luncheon

THE

2

KEVIN HALL A

s I sit and contemplate writing this column, it’s difficult not to acknowledge the continued challenges we face as a community and a country. Just a few weeks ago, we were celebrating the near end of the pandemic. Now, we are back in a state of uncertainty and frustration.

a few. Resilience helps teens to feel empowered and to cope better with the

uncomfortable. Not every conversation we have with them requires a response or

Gathered in their homes and offices, 250

next inevitable life hiccup. In fact, each life issue teens experience, deal with,

advice. Creating true connections means you allow the conversation to flow. This is

truthfully when people close to us ask, “How are you?” instead of simply replying, “Fine.” “Most of us have not been fine this past year,”

easier said than done because, as someone older and wiser, we always assume that each story should end in a solution. What I’ve learned in the last decade fighting for today’s youth is that this generation can solve their own problems. If we truly want to form a connection with them, it requires

To better understand why empowering young people is so important,

that we listen more and learn to judge less. We need to learn to stop dismissing what’s

CONNECT turned to Kristen Geez, a millennial and Gen Z practitioner.

important to them because we know that the real world will give them far greater

Geez is the founder of Advising Generation Z and a keynote speaker at

challenges to overcome. We must stop seeing this generation as entitled and realize they’re empowered by all the struggles and sacrifices we’ve made to allow them to live

Grant Halliburton Foundation’s upcoming When Life Hands You Teenagers

in the world they live in today. We have to change our perception of them, too. And we

conference on Wednesday, September 29.

have to encourage them to go further than we’ve ever gone. When they see we have

compounded by a mental health pandemic.

an unwavering belief in them, we create a life-long connection.

how many of us are still insisting that we are?”

How can educators and youth-serving professionals take care of themselves during

Nora suggested that not everyone deserves

the summer and the upcoming school year?

the truth or is a safe place to share your story, but some people are, and those people need

This is the season for grace. We must understand that we can’t do all things that are

the truth. In 2014, following the deaths of

thrown at us. This is a season when we must say NO. We should do less. Don’t pack

her first husband and her father, as well as a miscarriage, Nora learned that keeping the truth from those closest to her kept them from “Every time I said, ‘fine,’ that fine became a brick in a wall between me and the people who wanted to show up for me.” slam poet and spoken word artist CICI Edwards, who shared an original poem. Steve Noviello,

All smiles | VIP guest and Former NFL Quarterback Babe Laufenberg is spotted with guest of honor and Texas Rangers Broadcaster Eric Nadel. Grant Halliburton will once again be the beneficiary of the benefit event when Eric Nadel’s Birthday Benefit returns in 2022.

E

ric Nadel, lead voice of the Texas Rangers broadcasts, held his 9th annual Birthday Benefit at The Kessler on June 10, benefiting Grant Halliburton Foundation.

The limited capacity show sold out with 230 seats. Sponsors and ticketholders enjoyed opener Daphne Willis, a long-time Kessler favorite who has performed at most of Eric’s Birthday Benefits, and headliner Bastards of Soul, an East Dallas soul powerhouse. For all these performers, it was their first live show since the pandemic began, and it was truly a celebration for both the musicians and the audience to experience live music together again. Before the concert, sponsors and guests were treated to a VIP party, featuring a

time. In the last 14 months, we all developed emotional scars from the trauma that occurred to us and around us. Take the time to heal from that trauma.

FOX 4 News consumer reporter, served as the

What advice can you give to teenagers going into the next school year?

luncheon emcee.

This year you get to determine who you want to be and have the opportunity to press

Special thanks to presenting sponsor David B. Miller Family Foundation, honorary chairs Karen and Mark Carney, luncheon chairs Kylie Hughitt and Jessica Slay, LPC-S, and founding luncheon chair Barb Farmer.

the reset button and become a better version of yourself. If there is a club, activity, or program you wanted to go after, let this year be the year that you do it. If there is a group of people that you no longer want to be friends with because you may notice you don’t like who you are when you hang out with them, let this be the year you let How can those who live or work with young people empower them to be resilient and

them go. If there’s a group of people that you admire from afar, let this year be the

ready to take on the real world?

year that you tell them.

This generation is not moved by catchy buzzwords. Although they’re the generation

Don’t allow the last 14 months that you spent in isolation stop you from pursuing

that loves hashtags, they prefer authenticity. When we demonstrate daily what we

anything you want. Use the pandemic as a constant reminder that one day the world

mouth-watering appetizer spread courtesy of E Bar Tex Mex and delicious cupcakes from Hannah’s Gluten Free Bakery.

desire to see in them, it not only affirms the behavior we want to see from them, but it

could completely shut down. Do you want to have any regrets? You’re capable of

gives them permission to have high standards for themselves and their peers. If we’re

being one of the greatest generations the world has ever seen. Don’t let us down!

Special thanks to All Star sponsors Marcia Simpson and Keith Gruenberg and to Vanita and Terry Briley/Kevin and Sharon Hall/Terry Hill and to Tom Krampitz, as well as to the Home Run sponsors.

good citizens, let’s show them what good people look like. I could go on and on,

By Amy McCloskey | Director of Special Events

• Our Coffee Days and Dad2Dad programs that have helped so many parents will be adopted as models for similar support groups nationwide.

your schedule with a million podcasts, books, and routines that will just take up more

A journey of hope | Beacon of Hope featured speaker Nora McInerny shares her journey of loss, healing, and hope. Nora is a nationallyrenowned speaker, author, and podcast creator know for sharing her story with vulnerability, heart, and humor around even the toughest topics.

Eric Nadel’s 9th Annual Birthday Benefit Hits Home Run for Youth Mental Health

• Our HereForTexas.com website and the Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line will be the premier “go-to” resources for the state of Texas, and the operating model will be adopted by other states across the country.

That’s the future we believe in. Thank you for helping us get there.

The Carney Luncheon | From Top (L to R): Melinda Emmons, Polly Campbell, Cheryl Parker, Ann Hill, Barb Farmer, Jeanie Conly, Bev Vuckovich, Karen Carney, Dee Velvin, and Allison Yeager

a physical health pandemic; it has been

Special entertainment featured award-winning

• A future where children grow up to be resilient, healthy, strong adults.

living life with less stress and more joy.

and challenged attendees to answer more

in our collective history, and this is not just

relationships with them?

become more resilient and empowered, they can thrive and move forward,

Nora shared her story with heart and humor

Nora said. “This is not a small thing that we

What can adults do to foster more connection with youth and build trusting

and learn from helps them grow into stronger people. As young people

on April 30.

Now, here we are, 15 years later and stronger than ever. This is quite an accomplishment for an organization that started from scratch, in a small office space, with no budget.

• A future where people know the signs of suicidal crisis as well as they know the signs of an oncoming cold—and know how to get help.

And the award goes to… | Foundation Co-Founder Vanita Halliburton presents Dallas Morning News Metro Columnist Sharon Grigsby with the Beacon Award during the virtual luncheon. The award honors Grigsby’s commitment to break the silence and cover the unpopular topic of youth mental health and suicide in North Texas.

people tuned in to watch the virtual broadcast

helping her through that season.

• A future where stigma is a thing of the past and no one is ashamed to seek help for depression, anxiety, or other brain disorders.

safe. True self-confidence comes from constantly evaluating one’s values, goals, and

to share her story of loss, healing and hope.

Following the tragic loss of Grant Halliburton in 2005, the Halliburton family turned their grief into a resolve to change the conversation around adolescent mental health. In 2006, Grant’s parents, Vanita and Alan, and his sister, Amy, established the Foundation that bears his name.

• A future where suicide is no longer the second leading cause of death for 10- to 24-year-olds.

and in some cases, moments in their journey where they choose to play it small or

to tell you how they feel about all subjects, including the ones that make us feel

welcomed best-selling author Nora McInerny

How could any of us really be fine? And yet

More importantly, what will be the outcomes of those efforts? I see this:

them to have the consistent ability to see the changes they’ve made, their sacrifices,

illness, injury, loss, divorce, bullying, or broken relationships, to name just

Beacon of Hope at Home virtual luncheon and

Without question, some days are harder than others to keep my chin up. But with an incredible team beside me, working creatively and with urgency to support North Texas youth, I find great inspiration in our ability to overcome whatever obstacles get in our way.

• Our education programs will have expanded across the state and possibly the country. Virtual formats will enable us to reach audiences everywhere.

go in every year as they get older and reaffirm who they want to become. This allows

Be intentional about having a listening tour. This is where you allow young people

Foundation presented the 12th annual

have lived through. This is a huge moment

So, what does the future look like? I took an inspirational gaze into our crystal ball, and here’s what I see for Grant Halliburton Foundation 15 years down the road, in 2036.

what version of us we want the world to see. This simple exercise allows students to

A young person’s world can be shaken by any number of difficult life issues:

A

continued this spring, Grant Halliburton

Despite the rollercoaster ride we’ve all endured over the past year and a half, I’m more determined than ever to remain optimistic about what lies ahead.

We see no other option but to stay focused on our mission and forge ahead. And that’s exactly what we’ll continue to do, just as we’ve done since 2006, which incidentally was 15 years ago! I hope you enjoy this issue of CONNECT as we take a brief look back at our humble beginnings and look to the Foundation’s future.

to choose the names we are born with, we can decide who we want to become and

CONNECTING YOU WITH ANSWERS THAT MATTER

behaviors that we demonstrate to others.

s the COVID-19 vaccination rollout

FOUNDATION PRESIDENT

5

How Can Adults Support and Empower Generation Z?

By Amy McCloskey | Director of Special Events

A MESSAGE FROM

P R O GN RA EW MS

Thanks to generous support from this year’s sponsors, donors, and auction winners, the 9th annual event raised record-breaking funds to support the Foundation’s mental health education and resources programs for North Texans.

wanting teens to be resilient, let’s show them resiliency. If we’re wanting teens to be

Kristen Geez is an adjunct professor, training

but the overall goal is that we show them their potential by the way we live out our

consultant, TEDx speaker, author, and founder of

lives. Remember that everything we do as adults, the young people in our lives are

Advising Generation Z, a nonprofit mentoring

watching and they’re listening, so inspire them.

program focused on equipping Gen Z and millennials with leadership opportunities in Texas, Oklahoma,

How can adults help teens have positive self-esteem and confidence in a culture of

and Louisiana. Kristen’s mission is to develop and

social media, unrealistic expectations, and comparison?

empower people of all ages to become the best

One of the most effective strategies utilized in my foundation, Advising Generation

versions of themselves.

Z, is having students write down the meaning of their name. Although we don’t get

SAVE THIS DATE

11.19.2021

The Hope Party (formerly Steaks on the Lake) will be held in person at On The Levee in the Dallas Design District. Mark your calendar now for a fun evening supporting the work of Grant Halliburton Foundation to promote better mental health for teens and young adults, which is needed now more than ever. CEUs, continental breakfast and lunch included Live music is back | The East Dallas band Bastards of Soul, a Kessler Theater favorite, played the soulful, powerhouse anthems they’re known for.

Join us

Sponsor tables and individual tickets on sale now!

Purchase your sponsorship and learn more at GrantHalliburton.org/hopeparty

15 Y E A R S O F H O P E

3

Vanita Halliburton Reflects on 15 Years of Hope I

t’s hard to believe that 15 years has passed since our family established the Foundation that bears Grant’s name. In 2006, we were still stumbling through the fog of loss and grief, wondering how this could have happened. How had this bright, beautiful boy lost his boundless love for living? How had he lost his grip on hope? We had fought alongside him for five years as he battled depression and, ultimately, bipolar disorder.

Grant Halliburton Foundation Celebrates 15th Anniversary By T.J. Griffin | Director of Communications

Grant Halliburton Foundation was founded with one goal in mind: to keep

But it wasn’t enough. We lost the fight. And in that moment, we knew—even in the midst of our heartbreak—that the fight wasn’t really over. It had just begun. Because if we could help even one struggling young person find their way back from despair and hopelessness, it would be worth everything. That’s what Grant would want us to do.

young people healthy--and keep them here.

And so we began.

Now in its 15th year, the leading North Texas nonprofit that helps people

By 2009, we had grown from a staff of one (me!) to three, with the addition of Diana Weaver and my daughter Amy—who was not only Grant’s sister but also his best friend. We leased a tiny 1,100-square-foot space with three offices and a small conference room that doubled as a kitchen. All the office supplies, files, books, and brochures were stuffed under our desks.

navigate mental health crises is looking to the next 15 years and beyond with hope and resiliency. Grant Halliburton was a gifted artist and musician who loved people and loved life. Throughout his teen years, he struggled with depression and, ultimately, bipolar disorder. Though he received professional treatment for more than five years, he took his life at the age of 19, just two weeks out of a 30-day hospital stay.

“I didn’t know everything I needed to know at the time I needed to know it,” Vanita Halliburton, said. “After Grant’s death, I desperately wanted to help other people understand the warning signs and know how to get help—I wanted them to know how to save a life.” Out of that tragedy, Grant Halliburton Foundation was founded by Grant’s parents, Vanita and Alan, and his sister, Amy. Since 2006, the Foundation has provided mental health education, training, and support to more than 200,000 students, educators, parents, and professionals across North Texas. Over the years, the Foundation has remained true to its mission, which is rooted in helping North Texas families and young people recognize the signs of mental illness and know how to find help. It has developed a portfolio of mental health educational programming aimed at teaching young people—and all the adults in their lives—how to recognize and respond to someone in major distress or suicidal crisis. “Over the past 15 years, people have begun to talk more openly about mental health, but there’s still a stigma tied to this important issue,” Kevin Hall, Grant Halliburton Foundation president, said. “Our goal is to be the ‘go to’ organization for those who need resources and for those working with children, teens, and young adults.”

That year, I began speaking to student and adult audiences in schools, libraries, community organizations, conferences, places of worship, and anywhere else that would have me. By the end of that year, I had taught 2,735 people how to recognize the symptoms of depression and the warning signs of suicide—and how to get help. Now, 15 years later, our team has reached more than 200,000 people with mental health presentations.

The Foundation remains laser-focused on helping people—young and old alike—know more about mental health and suicide prevention. We help people connect with mental health resources that meet their needs. And we offer ongoing support and encouragement to families in the fight for a young person’s mental health.

If I could go back in time and if I had the power to change history, I would most certainly go back to November 2, 2005 and save my darling boy. But life doesn’t work that way. We can’t go back. We can only

go forward. We can’t change the past, but we can change the future.

And so, I look to the future with eager anticipation. We will continue to reach and teach more people. We will continue to connect people who are hurting with people who can help. We will continue to support and encourage parents who are worn down by countless sleepless nights of worry over a struggling child. We will go forward, and we will continue to do the work of saving young lives. If you’re lucky in this life, you get to have a job you love or a fulfilling career. If you are truly blessed, you get to have a calling. This is my calling, and for that I am grateful.

Vanita Halliburton Co-Founder, Executive Chairman, and Mom

The Foundation also offers help with finding appropriate mental health HereForTexas.com website. These free community tools offer easy access for North Texans seeking mental health and addiction information and resources, which are needed now more than ever as COVID-19 continues to leave a mental health pandemic in its wake.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the way our staff pivoted during the pandemic to continue providing our programs and resources in ways that will continue even once we’re back to more in-person programming,” Hall said. “Over the past year and a half, we’ve given hope to so many people and we will continue to be there for our North Texas neighbors.”

BY THE

resources, through its Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line and

NUMBERS

Grant Halliburton Foundation has provided mental health education, training, and support to more than 200,000 students, educators, parents, and professionals. Here’s how those numbers break down over the years.

2009

2,735

2015

18,450

2010

1,050

2016

21,036

with schools, organizations, and corporations has driven its past success and

2011

2,225

2017

31,555

will continue to fuel its future growth.

2012

1,025

2018

35,024

“We’re grateful to our supporters, partners, and funders who have helped us

2013

3,290

2019

49,253

2014

3,357

2020*

29,731

Strong ties throughout the community help the Foundation to continually broaden its impact and reach. More than 15 years of building community connections

fulfill our mission over the past 15 years,” Hall said. “Because of their strong commitment to Grant Halliburton Foundation, we’ll continue to grow and develop and be a resource for North Texas for years to come.”

*School closures due to COVID-19 caused an unforeseen drop in school presentation numbers.

4

15 Y E A R S O F H O P E

GRA NT HALLIBURT O N FOUND AT I O N T I M EL I N E 2 0 0 6 – 20 2 1 JANUARY 2006

MAY 2006

“Journey: The Art, Music, and Words of Grant Halliburton” is held at the ArtCentre of Plano through June 1. FOUNDATION FACT: Grant Halliburton’s artwork is now featured at the Foundation’s office in its hallway-turned -art-gallery exhibiting more than 40 pieces of his art.

APRIL 2009

Vanita, Alan, and Amy Halliburton establish Grant Halliburton Foundation following the suicide death of Grant Halliburton in November 2005.

SEPTEMBER 2006 Grant Halliburton Foundation officially receives 501(c)(3)

status and begins its mission to strengthen the network of mental health resources for children, teens, and young adults; promote better mental health; and prevent suicide.

I AM H·E·R·E Coalition hosts its first meeting with more than 100 people at Communities Foundation of Texas.

MAY 2009 The HereForYouth.com (later HereForTexas.com) website launches. The website is a

AUGUST 2009

collaborative project of Grant Halliburton Foundation, I AM H·E·R·E Coalition, and North Texas Society of Psychiatric Physicians.

OCTOBER 2009

The Foundation begins making mental health and suicide prevention presentations in schools and community organizations throughout North Texas.

Coffee Days, a free monthly peer support group for moms

ON THE MOVE: In 2009, the Foundation moves into its first office, a small 1,143-square-foot space.

NOVEMBER 2010

and female caretakers of young people with emotional or mental health challenges, hosts its first meeting.

JANUARY 2010

The Foundation hosts the first Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon with featured speaker Terry Wise.

The Foundation hosts the first Steaks on the Lake fundraiser (now The Hope Party) at The Filter Building on White Rock Lake.

SEPTEMBER 2010 The Foundation hosts the first When Life Hands You Teenagers

AUGUST 2012

youth mental health conference.

First meeting of Dad2Dad, a peer support group for men who have a personal stake in the mental health of a young person.

ON THE MOVE: With a need for more space, the Foundation moves to Concourse Office Park in North Dallas in 2012.

FEBRUARY 2014 I AM H·E·R·E Coaltion hosts the first Windows to Hope conference, aimed at providing education on youth mental health and suicide prevention to the faith community.

AUGUST 2014

JANUARY 2015

The I AM H·E·R·E Coalition hosts the first Beyond Bullying conference, a half-day

The Foundation expands its mental health and suicide prevention education programming through the acquisition of TeenCONTACT programs and two new staff members.

ON THE MOVE: Here we grow again! To make room for more staff, the Foundation knocks out walls in 2015 to expand its office space at Concourse Office Park.

JANUARY 2016

APRIL 2016

Connection H·E·R·E begins supporting the Foundation as a service auxiliary following the closing of CONTACT Crisis Line.

JULY 2016

Connection H·E·R·E hosts its 16th annual Bingo Bash,

HereForYouth.com changes it name and domain to HereForTexas.com, reflecting a broader mission to help all Texans with mental health and addiction resources.

ON THE MOVE: Following a break-in in April 2018, the Foundation

JUNE 2019

back-to-school conference discussing the latest trends in bullying prevention.

moves to a larger suite at LBJ Concourse, which also allows for more growth and better security.

DECEMBER 2018 Dad2Dad relaunches as the Dad2Dad Breakfast Speaker

The Foundation launches Thrive, a comprehensive strategy for infusing mental, social, and emotional health in schools. FOUNDATION FACT: To date, 27 North Texas Schools and districts have partnered with the Foundation to use Thrive as part of their mental, social, and emotional health curriculum.

OCTOBER 2019 The Foundation celebrates the 10th anniversary of Coffee Days. FOUNDATION FACT: During the celebration, the Foundation’s community room, where Coffee Days meets, was designated as the Barb Farmer Community Room, honoring the Coffee Days founder and longtime Foundation supporter.

benefiting the Foundation for the first time.

Series, featuring compelling guest speakers on topics related to youth mental health. FOUNDATION FACT: In March 2020, the Dad2Dad Breakfast Speaker Series welcomes San Francisco 49ers defensive end Solomon Thomas, fresh off the field from Super Bowl LIV.

JANUARY 2019

The Here for Texas Mental Health Navigation Line launches, assisting callers in the search for information about mental health providers and resources in Texas.

NOVEMBER 2019 Steaks on the Lake gets a new name: The Hope Party!

APRIL 2020 All Foundation programming and fundraisers go virtual for the first time ever as COVID-19 dictates a new normal.

SEPTEMBER 2021 HereForTexas.com, the Foundation’s searchable online database of Texas mental health providers and resources, launches updated website. See it today at HereForTexas.com!

JUNE 2021

Eric Nadel’s 9th annual Birthday Benefit supports the Foundation for the first time.

FOUNDATION FACT: Eric Nadel’s Birthday Benefit will return in 2022, again benefiting the Foundation!

ON THE MOVE: In February 2022, The Foundation will move to Pegasus Park, a 23-acre campus with an 18-story office tower at Stemmons Freeway and Commonwealth Drive. Learn more at GrantHalliburton.org/pegasuspark.