Addressing Violence & Mental Health In Kansas City

Kansas City faces significant challenges related to violence, particularly impacting its youth. Neighborhood Scout reports that the chances of becoming a victim of violent crime in Kansas City is one in sixteen, making it one of the most violent cities in America. The urban core experiences high levels of violence and homicides, which contribute to serious health disparities and reduce life expectancy. In 2022, nearly 30% of homicide victims and suspects were under the age of 24, with African American men disproportionately represented among both victims and perpetrators. This ongoing violence creates an environment of trauma, limiting safe spaces for youth to socialize and grow, and posing a critical public health and equity issue.

Program Purpose

The Calvary Community Outreach Network (CCON) has developed a comprehensive Teen Safe Spaces and Outreach Program designed to provide safe, supportive environments for at-risk youth in Kansas City. The program partners with local churches through the Clergy Response Network to establish Safe Spaces during non-school hours. These spaces offer mental health interventions, socio-emotional learning opportunities, and positive peer engagement in neighborhoods that otherwise have limited resources.

The program aims to reduce youth exposure to violence, improve mental wellness, and empower teens with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate challenges in their communities.

Core Components Of The Program

1. Safe Spaces in Churches

Recognizing the lack of accessible community spaces in neighborhoods plagued by violence and substance abuse, CCON works with churches to transform them into Safe Spaces for teens. These spaces provide structured activities that promote positive peer relationships, socio-emotional skill-building, and mental health support — all without religious proselytizing. The Safe Spaces model was successfully piloted at Jamison Memorial Temple in partnership with the Kansas City Health Department’s Violence Prevention Program, demonstrating its effectiveness in engaging at-risk youth.

2. Teen Outreach Program (TOP)

At the heart of CCON’s initiative is the evidence-based Teen Outreach Program (TOP), which has been successfully implemented in diverse urban and rural communities. TOP focuses on improving teens’ community engagement, coping skills, and dispute resolution abilities. Sessions are led by behavioral health consultants selected by CCON alongside Church Health Liaisons from participating congregations. Through TOP, youth learn how to handle conflict constructively, communicate effectively, and develop leadership skills — all critical to reducing both physical and electronic violence.

3. Helping Youth Plan for Excellence (HYPE)

To counteract the negative messaging often directed at teens through media, CCON offers its Helping Youth Plan for Excellence (HYPE) program. This component provides youth with media communication skills, enabling them to create and share positive messages that promote community engagement and resilience.

4. Capacity Building and Technical Assistance

CCON provides ongoing technical assistance and support to churches and community partners seeking to establish or enhance Safe Spaces and outreach efforts. By leveraging existing community infrastructure such as churches, the program maximizes available resources and creates sustainable environments for youth development.

Community Impact & Equity Focus

The program is deeply rooted in addressing health disparities and inequities affecting Kansas City’s African American youth. African American men accounted for 58% of homicide victims and 50% of suspects in 2022. The persistent violence in these communities leads to trauma that negatively affects long-term health outcomes and life expectancy.

CCON’s program acknowledges these challenges and commits to providing culturally responsive, community-centered interventions that resonate with African American youth. By partnering with faith communities and other local organizations, CCON fosters hope, healing, and positive growth opportunities for youth who face significant obstacles.

Partnerships & Collaboration

CCON’s collaborative approach strengthens the program’s impact. Working closely with the Clergy Response Network, local churches, the Kansas City Health Department, and behavioral health professionals, the program integrates community knowledge with evidence-based practices.

The partnership with Jamison Memorial Temple was instrumental in piloting the Safe Spaces concept. Additionally, collaboration with Wyman, an agency based in St. Louis, supports the implementation of the Teen Outreach Program. These partnerships enhance program quality and expand access to proven interventions.

Program Outcomes

The Teen Safe Spaces and Outreach Program is designed to achieve multiple positive outcomes, including:

• Increased community engagement among participating youth.
• Improved coping and conflict-resolution skills.
• Enhanced socio-emotional learning and mental health support.
• Reduced rates of physical and electronic violence.
• Greater youth empowerment through leadership development.
• Strengthened connections between youth and caring adults within their communities.

By creating safe, supportive environments and providing evidence-based programming, CCON seeks to interrupt cycles of violence and trauma and help youth build a foundation for a healthy and successful future.

A Vital Responses To Challenges

The Calvary Community Outreach Network’s Teen Safe Spaces and Outreach Program offers a vital response to the challenges facing Kansas City’s youth. Through partnerships with churches and community organizations, and by delivering proven programs like TOP and HYPE, CCON provides at-risk teens with the tools, support, and safe environments necessary to thrive.

This program represents a thoughtful, culturally informed, and strategic effort to combat violence, support mental health, and empower the next generation of leaders in Kansas City’s most vulnerable neighborhoods.

Locations

Click on the window icon (upper right corner) of the map below to expand. List of all program locations is included with expanded view of map. Locations are also listed on this page below the map.