The HALO Initiative

Thank you for your support of The HALO Initiative since 2020! This journey has been nothing short of remarkable, and it’s all thanks to your open hearts and minds and generous contributions. It was an especially important time to step forward in new ways. You have fueled our passion and we're proud of the impact we've made together. To each and every one of you who have been part of our story, please accept our deepest gratitude. We look forward to working alongside you to support Catholic education in new ways in far north, south and west Dallas as more unfolds in the coming months.   If your family has received tuition assistance support through HALO, please know that the Dallas Diocese Education Endowment Trust (also known as DEET or the Endowment Trust) and the Bishop’s Invitational Golf Tournament funders will continue providing financial aid to nearly 1,000 Catholic school students. 

Important Announcement: 𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗢 𝗶𝘀 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲 -- New initiatives are starting and The Catholic Schools Office (CSO) is investing in added resources for our community’s evolving needs. As a result, the CSO will no longer contribute to The HALO Initiative operation costs in exchange for services we provide and we are preparing to complete HALO’s work on June 30, 2024. We have been very pleased to serve the community since 2020, and with tremendous gratitude for our HALO supporters, together we have made a positive impact that will last for years to come. Our most notable accomplishments in these years include the HALO 139 pilot that attracted more than 100 new families to Catholic education at five schools, the Shared Facilities Maintenance pilot that is improving campuses and supporting leadership at seven schools, and the allocation and governance of nearly $11M in tuition assistance distributed on behalf of the Endowment Trust and the annual Bishop's Invitational. If you are a supporter of The HALO Initiative, we wholeheartedly thank you for enhancing and sustaining our Dallas Catholic school system. If your family has received tuition assistance support through HALO, please know that the Dallas Diocese Education Endowment Trust (also known as DEET or the Endowment Trust) will continue this work that provides nearly 1,000 Catholic school students. Thank you for this opportunity to serve with you.

As I take notice of the highs, the lows, and the 'in-betweens' of HALO over 2023, I recognize a theme of resilience, and that's good. More so than the challenges that have come along, we notice that ALL people and organizations experience distress, grief, or anxiety and that those who stand out are those of you who cope in ways that foster growth. In addition to 'sticketoittiveness,' you model a healthy detachment to challenges and you have an openness to change. HALO values all of that. In fact, shout out to Catholic school teachers who model this approach to their students. Resilience will become one of the many advantages their Catholic education can provide that will last their lifetime. At HALO we have noticed that being open to change creates new positive realities and perspectives, and each time it allows us to arise and flourish in the most surprising ways. It allows us to become deeper and more compassionate in response to the stressors in our lives which results in a more collective effort to reach goals. As we move into 2024, count on HALO to build the opportunity for more kids to receive a Catholic education in and around Dallas, even when challenges keep coming. We're starting a new pilot in January to help several pilot schools try some new, shared services, so we hope you join in our efforts. (Note, your support will be especially helpful by Dec. 31 for matching funds). #CatholicEducationIsGoodForDallas  #CatholicEducationTeachesResilience #CatholicSchoolDioceseOfDallas #HALOinitiative https://lnkd.in/gnvy85-e

Once again, the Bishops Invitational was nothing short of amazing. Before the golfers arrived, Bishop Burns and CHRISTUS Health CEO Ernie Sadau gathered with several of the students who earned one of the 10 CHRISTUS awards provided! This photo also includes some of the amazing people who made the 2023 ⛳ Bishop’s Golf Invitational a reality - including this year’s event chairs, Peter and Kara Gehan, Don and Jane Hanratty, Catholic Schools Office - Catholic Diocese of Dallas Superintendent Dr. Rebecca Hammel. What a great way to kick off the day to this fantastic annual event!

Principal Lora Watson at Santa Clara of Assisi Catholic Academy was pleased to add a STEM lab for outstanding student collaboration and exploration. #catholicschools #STEM #STEMlab #collaboration #exploration #learning #formingsaintsandscholars

HALO is proud to support the Bishop's Invitational Golf Tournament each year, and this year is no different. Since the inaugural golf tournament in 2011, the Bishop’s Invitational has raised $7.1 million to provide need-based tuition assistance for K-8th grade students attending Catholic Schools in the Dallas area. The invitational is next Monday (weather permitting) and there's still time to DONATE! Help us make this an un-fore-gettable event! https://lnkd.in/gyh6vF4A

📸 Photo Share: Students at St. Mark Catholic School participated in "Mix It Up Monday" - they were placed at random at a table with other students they may not have known as a great way to make new friends and get to know other students! And kindergarten students at St. Joseph Catholic School Waxahachie learned about the miracle of the sun from 1917 in Fatima, Portugal where the sun appeared to dance in the sky. They watched a video and drew their own dancing suns.

Providing tuition assistance and capital improvements for our kids and schools will always be important, but there is more we can do. As an independent organization, we work alongside our Catholic school leaders here in the Dallas Diocese to create fresh ideas and new possibilities so that more students can get the advantages of a Catholic education. Want to learn more? Visit us online to learn about our innovative pilots at Dallas area Catholic schools and to help us provide fresh ideas and support! ➡️ www.haloinitiative.org