We consult with community partners, educational institutions, and community-based organizations that want to become equitable, strategic engines of change in their communities. Our consulting services offer a wide spectrum of support, including assistance with strategic planning, fostering a healthier organizational culture, and providing guidance for improved program outcomes and engagement.

Consulting

  • Strategic Planning

    Move beyond prescriptive business plans. Beginning with a unique needs and assets assessment, we help you identify and clarify your organizational goals. We deeply examine current systems and operations to deliver individualized, strategic steps forward.

  • Organizational Culture

    Wellness is key. After signing up for workplace culture consultation services, expect open and honest conversations about including but not limited to: current all-staff wellness practices, organizational behaviors, team dynamics, current training practices and methods, trends in staff retention, and hopes for the future.

  • Program Outcomes & Engagement

    Our specialty started out as offering high-quality youth and family engagement programs. Your organization has the capacity to achieve exceptional outcomes for those you serve. Higher Ground helps adapt and attune your system to achieve the results you want—versus the results you are experiencing right now.

Partnership Examples

  • The Tucson Medical Center (TMC) and Higher Ground collaboration resulted in a unique educational support program for the children of TMC's frontline healthcare workers. This initiative provided a safe, enriching environment for children, following the then evolving COVID protocols and science, to continue their education while their parents worked during the pandemic. It combined academic support with social and emotional learning, and trauma-responsive practices. This program not only addressed the educational needs of the children but also supported TMC staff, ensuring they could continue their critical work without concern for their children's schooling. This innovative collaboration garnered significant local and national attention for its unique approach amid the COVID-19 crisis. Our novel solution, addressing the critical needs of frontline healthcare workers and their children, was recognized as a model of community resilience and adaptability. The program's success in navigating the challenges of the pandemic highlighted the potential of collaborative efforts in crisis response, the strategic framework that proved Restart SMART's viability, and Higher Ground's agility.

  • From 2016 to 2019, Higher Ground partnered with TUSD's District Alternative Education Program (DAEP). Higher Ground integrated into TUSD's alternative to long-term suspension and became part of the school day to help reduce recidivism and provide skill-building for students who experienced long-term suspension. Through innovative coaching methods and character-building recreational activities, Higher Ground provided behavioral support, behavior coaching, resource navigation, and mentoring to students and their families. Designed for students who struggled in conventional educational environments, DAEP offered a specialized mix of academic instruction and social-emotional learning during their suspension period. The curriculum was crafted to re-engage students, helping them to develop personally and address the root causes of their suspension. The program's success was built on a foundation of behavioral strategies and individualized support, reflecting a commitment to each student's unique journey.

  • Higher Ground partnered with SUSD to enhance educational and personal development for students at Star Academy. The program integrated Higher Ground's character-building martial arts curriculum, life skills, and resource navigation into the school day, establishing a partnership that immersed students in a positive and engaging environment. It included the introduction of social-emotional learning components and life coaching to prepare students for post-graduation goals and to foster a culture of future planning and community engagement. Additionally, students were connected to diverse resources to ensure needs for stability were met. This partnership alleviated the burden on Star Academy staff, allowing them to focus on academic excellence while Higher Ground addressed students' emotional, social, and physical needs.

  • The Evening Reporting Center, facilitated by Higher Ground, was a partnership with Pima County's Juvenile Court Center and Higher Ground. This innovative program was designed as an alternative to traditional juvenile detention, focusing on intensive supervision and proactive methodologies to create holistic support and reduce recidivism. It offered a comprehensive approach to juvenile rehabilitation, including academic support, recreational activities, resource navigation, family engagement, and leadership development, all integrated with the Probation case planning process. The center provided 10 hours per week of direct services to each participant, employing Higher Ground's coaching process for service framing and adopting the "Kids At Hope" philosophy. Youth were able to participate in judo/jujutsu, archery, dance, music, and other recreational activities, while also taking on leadership roles during tutoring and other programs at Higher Ground's David Bradley Wellness Center. The program also included a dedicated Child Services Advocate, who ensured effective coordination and communication between the Youth Success Center, REC, and community support systems. This holistic approach aimed not only at fulfilling the educational and vocational responsibilities of the youth but also at building a supportive environment for their overall success.

Testimonials

  • "Working with Higher Ground has been an enlightening and enriching experience. The personalized approach, coupled with the ability to address complex questions effectively, has made a significant difference. The leadership training for our directors has not only improved our school culture but also strengthened the bond and understanding within our team. Our association with Higher Ground has been nothing short of transformative."

    Liz Gallagher, Abbie School

  • "Higher Ground became a vital member of our leadership team and site council [at PK-8 Hollinger]. When we would run into roadblocks and wonder how we could do something within the confines of the school system Higher Ground would provide the resources. Through the collaboration and partnership with Higher Ground we saw an increase in parent engagement and student achievement. Higher Ground provided connections and resources that we struggled to provide our community. Many of the success stories from Hollinger were results of Higher Ground."

    Brian Lambert, Assistant Superintendent with TUSD

  • "Your work has been instrumental in shaping our approach to classroom management. The focus on transitioning from mere rules to instilling classroom values has fostered a more positive and engaging environment for students and educators. The sessions on cognitive approaches and your personal and inspiring testimony have deeply resonated with our teachers, reinforcing the impact they have in their students' lives."

    Liz Gallagher, Abbie School

  • "I was blessed to first work with Higher Ground as the principal at Hollinger PK-8. Higher Ground provided wrap around support to our school. They came in provided lunch support for our middle school, but organizing a type of intermural sports during lunch. They also provided an afterschool program to our school when we had none. With this collaboration and partnership Higher Ground became more and more involved in the day to day running of the campus. Teachers collaborated with staff to support students and families. We worked together to provide supports for families and students no challenge was too big. Higher Ground became the bridge for Hollinger so we were able to provide complete supports for our students."

    Brian Lambert, Assistant Superintendent with TUSD

Let’s work together

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