Building a Culture of Care Through Aevidum

For the past 10 years, CIS of Eastern PA has partnered with Aevidum to empower students at Easton Area High School to build a culture of kindness, connection, and mental health advocacy within their school community.

Led by CIS of Eastern PA, the Aevidum program at Easton Area High School provides students with a safe and supportive space to promote acceptance, peer connection, and mental health awareness. Aevidum — meaning “I’ve got your back” — was created by students following the loss of a classmate to suicide and has since become a national movement focused on breaking the silence surrounding depression, suicide, and other mental health challenges facing teens today.

What began as a supportive initiative at Easton Area Middle School has grown into a thriving high school leadership program where students are encouraged to become advocates, role models, and sources of support for their peers — especially incoming freshmen transitioning into high school life.

This year’s program began with an Aevidum Leadership Training, where students had the opportunity to openly discuss their personal mental health journeys and share why they are committed to the Aevidum mission. These conversations helped establish trust, empathy, and a shared commitment to creating a more compassionate school environment.

Throughout the school year, the CIS-led Aevidum group met monthly and organized events centered on kindness, mental health awareness, and peer support. Student-led initiatives included:

• Appreciation Stations

• Positive quotes displayed throughout the building

• Mental health resource fairs

• “Hero of the Month” bulletin boards honoring staff members who help students feel accepted and supported

• Random acts of kindness and peer encouragement campaigns

In total, 83 students participated in the afterschool program this year, including five student leaders who helped guide activities and strengthen engagement throughout the school community.

The impact of the program has extended far beyond the events themselves. Students reported feeling more connected, valued, and empowered through their participation. Many transformed their own personal hardships into opportunities to support others and grew tremendously as leaders in the process.

School administrators have also witnessed the positive influence the club continues to have on the school climate.

“The work that Aevidum does to promote acceptance, kindness, and connection among students is so important, and I’m grateful for the impact the club continues to have in our school community.” — Deidre Hakimi, EAHS Administrator

“The Aevidum Club continues to make a meaningful impact in our school community by promoting kindness, compassion, and support for one another, and I feel fortunate to be a small part of that mission.” — Tracy Wartman, EAHS Administrator

Programs like Aevidum demonstrate the power of student leadership, peer support, and human connection in creating healthier school communities. During Mental Health Awareness Month and throughout the year, CIS of Eastern PA remains committed to helping students feel seen, supported, and empowered to care for one another.

Together, these students continue to send a powerful message to their peers: “I’ve got your back.”