A Night With The Stars Compass Award Recipient Highlight: Jacob Painter
Jacob Painter, also known as Coach J, is the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Coach at CHADs Coalition for Mental Health, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the awareness and prevention of depression and suicide. He received the Compass Award at the Network’s Fourth Annual Night with the Stars Awards Ceremony on December 12, 2025. Jacob is dedicated to guiding and improving the mental and emotional well-being of the youth and has served youth at Lucas Crossing Middle School and The Legacy Center during the 2024 and 2025 school years.
As a Compass Award winner, Jacob was nominated by his peers for being someone who helps others find their way. In his role at CHADs, he achieves this by truly hearing and validating others’ perspectives. By doing so, Jacob has created an environment where youth feel emotionally safe, helping them grow from mental and emotional uncertainty to confidence and growth.
Jacob joined CHADs in August 2024 and has an extensive background in youth development. At Lucas Crossing Middle School in the Normandy Schools Collaborative, Jacob provides mentorship and resources to help students improve their academic and emotional skills.
Jacob’s excellent listening skills have also helped him increase students’ awareness, which helps him learn about the underlying concerns they may have.
According to his nomination application, Jacob’s “attentiveness not only uncovers underlying concerns and solutions but also empowers young people to find their voice and advocate for themselves.”
Since receiving the Compass Award, Jacob says he is grateful and looks forward to the future.
“It was truly an honor to be acknowledged by an organization striving for a mission I care so much about. I look forward to continuing to work in the community and being present for our youth who need support.”
For more information about CHADs Coalition for Mental Health, click here.
