November 2, Then and Now
By Vanita Halliburton, Alan Halliburton, and Amy (Halliburton) McCloskey
November 2, 2005 will always be the day our world was turned upside down and our hearts were forever broken—the day our son and brother, Grant Halliburton, died by suicide at the age of 19.
Grant Halliburton’s passion for life, people, and the arts continues to inspire through the legacy of art, music, and words he left behind. Learn more about Grant’s life and creative work at GrantHalliburton.org/grant.
Photo courtesy of the Halliburton family
It was difficult to navigate the complicated grief of suicide loss, and sometimes it threatened to swallow us whole. But in the midst of our pain, we knew there were other young people struggling and other families searching for answers for their loved ones.
We couldn’t save Grant, but maybe we could do something to help others battling mental illness and suicidal thoughts—before they lost the fight.
We founded Grant Halliburton Foundation in Grant’s memory, hoping we could save even one life through our efforts.
While none of us has a background in mental health, we set out to learn how we could join the effort to prevent suicide in our community. We took a seat at the table, worked alongside the many outstanding organizations committed to this cause, and began to chart a path for the ways we could make a unique contribution.
Alan Halliburton, Amy (Halliburton) McCloskey, Grant Halliburton, and Vanita (Halliburton) Briley at Grant’s graduation from Plano West Senior High School in 2005.
Photo courtesy of the Halliburton family
From the beginning, education was core to our mission. Teaching young people—and the adults in their lives—the signs of depression and the warning signs of suicide, and training them how to ask the hard questions and lead someone to help, has always been a cornerstone for empowering people to care for those around them.
Over the years, our education program grew, and we began supporting schools in bigger ways, helping them implement resources like peer-to-peer suicide prevention programs, telehealth for on-campus therapy, and other programs that truly change school cultures around mental health. We’ve brought countless parents, teachers, counselors, mental health professionals, faith leaders, and community partners together for conferences to learn from leading experts on topics affecting teen mental health.
Amy (Halliburton) McCloskey, Alan Halliburton, and Vanita (Halliburton) Briley at The 15th Annual Hope Party in 2024.
Photo by Simon Luna Photography
We launched our Here For Texas website and mental health help line, connecting people with lifesaving information and resources for mental health and addiction, and following up to ensure they receive the care they need.
We never could have imagined how much this Foundation would grow and persist. We’re humbled by Grant’s legacy that continues to save lives, all because of a bright soul who loved life and people, and his family who wanted to save others from the tragedy of a similar loss.
Since 2006, Grant Halliburton Foundation has provided mental health education, training, and support to more than 350,000 students, educators, parents, and professionals.
As time has marched onward and November seconds have passed, the work and impact of Grant Halliburton Foundation has slowly pulled us forward, out of the shadow of grief, and invited us into the light of hope.
And now, on November 2, 2025, 20 years after Grant left this earth, we feel immense gratitude—for the life of our beloved Grant, first and foremost; for the enduring mission of Grant Halliburton Foundation that has helped so many families and saved so many lives; and for the people who have given their time, talents, resources, and love to this organization, whether as staff members, board members, volunteers, partners, funders, or donors. Thank you for believing in this work and continuing to support us so that we can save as many lives as possible and bring hope to those in the darkness.
We know Grant would be so proud.
With love,
Vanita, Alan, and Amy
