We believe it is easier to expand a lung than to grow a new one. That same philosophy shapes how we partner with our local schools. We look for ways to use our available capacity to give schools room to breathe life into children. We recognize that, next to their parents, no one spends more time investing in our youth than their teachers and school staff.

Our strategy begins with the adults who serve students every day. We invest first in teachers, administrators, and every staff member on campus. Through them, our support flows into PTOs and finally into the lives of the students themselves.

This layered approach builds a system of care that surrounds each child with encouragement, wellness, and opportunity.

We live this strategy in practical ways. SENT wrote $10,000 into one of its grants to help sponsor the Ross Music Garden, and last year and again this year, we are funding school staff to attend Making Sense of Your Worth training. Our staff take part in the Be Present Team, showing up to greet students with high fives as they walk into school, creating a culture of belonging before the first bell rings.

On planning days, we bring neurofeedback machines to campuses. We offer Neighbor Advocacy for teachers and allow community members to shop for teachers in need at the Southside Filling Station pantry. When staff cannot make it to appointments, our Southside Wellness Clinic sends professionals to campuses to provide physicals and wellness care.

Our presence is consistent. Johnathan serves on the Ross PTO, and Brail Watson participates in the Eisenhower PTO as part of Campus Connections while also working with the modern band program there. Each month, SENT staff and our often-partner, Fellowship Hi-Crest, show up as a part of Fellowship Hi-Crest Bless Teams to lead teacher appreciation efforts, ensuring that staff know they are valued. We also partner on the annual Teacher Resource Fair each January to restock classrooms with essential supplies.

Through Campus Connections, we provide evidence-based programming such as Making Sense of Your Worth classes for counseling staff from every feeder school, Work In Process concerts that combine music and therapy, and prevention efforts like Teen Intervene and Level Up (launching in 2026). Our occupational therapy and mental health therapy partners join us at these events, ensuring that students and staff have access to wraparound care.

Our investment extends beyond school walls. We are building Johnson-Betts Meadows and New Heights, housing developments named after local educators and designed with affordability in mind so that teachers and staff can live in the community where they serve.

This is not charity work. It is a strategy to transform neighborhoods by strengthening the people who pour into our youth every day.

By focusing on teachers and staff first, we multiply the impact that flows into students and families. Other communities can replicate this feeder system approach, building resilience and hope where it is needed most.

Together we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive because the adults around them are supported, encouraged, and equipped to give their very best.

Annual Halloween Costume Giveaway + Child Mental Wellness Fair

Saturday, October 11 | 9-11am

This event is designed to support families in our community with more than just costumes — we’re creating a space where joy, health, and wellness come together.

Here’s what you’ll find:
Free Halloween Costumes
Child Mental Wellness Fair
Free Flu Shots
Southside Filling Station Food Pantry Access

DONATE COSTUMES! We’re collecting new and gently used costumes now through September 30. Drop them off at SENT (455 SE Golf Park Blvd). Additional drop-off locations will be posted in the Facebook Event!

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