Empowering Youth For A Safer, Healthier Future

Youth Ambassadors (YA) is a dynamic program serving Greater Kansas City youth ages 14 to 18. Grounded in strengths-based principles, YA combines social-emotional learning, trauma healing, and violence prevention to help young people overcome significant challenges and become leaders in their communities. By providing specialized training in life skills, job readiness, health, entrepreneurship, community development, and creative expression, YA equips youth to thrive both personally and professionally. Mental health services are embedded into the program, offering free, onsite therapy as a vital support.

Understanding The Challenges Facing Kansas City Youth

Youth in Jackson County’s urban neighborhoods face deep and persistent hardships. These include poverty, community violence, food insecurity, underfunded infrastructure, and high rates of unemployment and incarceration within families. These conditions create an environment where youth are exposed to trauma and limited access to the support they need.

Recent data reveals the alarming reality: a rising number of young people are involved in violent crime, either as victims or suspects. According to the Kansas City Missouri Police Department’s 2023 homicide report, 65% of homicide victims were African American males, with many victims under 24 years old. National research also shows Black youth are disproportionately impacted by mental health challenges. For example, the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (JAACAP) reports that Black children aged 5 to 12 are twice as likely to die by suicide compared to their White peers, with contributing factors including systemic racism, poverty, trauma, and exposure to neighborhood violence.

This context highlights the urgent need for trauma-informed, culturally responsive programs like Youth Ambassadors that help young people build resilience, develop healthy coping skills, and prevent violence.

A Holistic Approach

Youth Ambassadors addresses these challenges with a comprehensive program designed to foster emotional healing, personal growth, and community leadership.

Social-Emotional Learning & Trauma Healing

YA places a strong emphasis on social-emotional learning (SEL), helping youth develop self-regulation, empathy, social skills, and personal responsibility. These competencies are essential for navigating complex social situations and reducing conflict.

The program also offers trauma-informed care through specialized mental health services. Youth have free access to onsite counseling that targets anxiety, depression, and trauma symptoms. These services are integral to supporting mental wellness and breaking cycles of violence.

In the previous year, 79% of YA youth showed measurable improvements in emotional regulation, empathy, and social competence, reflecting the program’s positive impact.

Leadership In Violence Prevention

Youth Ambassadors empowers young people to take active roles in community violence prevention. Participants receive training in conflict resolution and non-violent communication. In fact, 95% of youth reported feeling better prepared to resolve conflicts peacefully after joining YA.

Through leadership development, young people become agents of change in their neighborhoods—promoting safety and positive community norms.

Life & Job Skills Training

Preparing youth for the future is a key focus. YA offers workshops on job readiness, financial literacy, health and wellness, entrepreneurship, and community development. These trainings give young people the tools to secure employment, pursue further education, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

The program’s creative expression activities allow youth to share their experiences and ideas through art, music, and other mediums—fostering confidence and voice.

Ninety-three percent of participants report feeling better equipped for future employment and educational opportunities, demonstrating the program’s success in career readiness.

Vision: Building A Path To Healthy, Successful Adulthood

Youth Ambassadors envisions a future where every young person in Kansas City has the support, skills, and opportunities to reach their fullest potential. The program focuses on positive activities during out-of-school hours—critical times when youth are most vulnerable to negative influences.

By creating safe spaces for learning, healing, and self-expression, YA nurtures strengths and promotes healthy development. Youth not only learn how to manage risks like violence and trauma but also discover their personal strengths and interests. This foundation prepares them for a future of success and well-being.

Impact: Real Results In The Community

The program’s outcomes demonstrate meaningful change. Youth Ambassadors participants consistently report gains in emotional health, conflict management, and future preparedness. These improvements help reduce risk factors that contribute to violence, school dropout, and poor mental health.

Beyond individual success, YA contributes to a stronger community by fostering youth leadership and positive peer influence. The program helps shift the narrative from trauma and risk toward resilience and opportunity.

Investing In Kansas City’s Youth For A Brighter Tomorrow

Youth Ambassadors is more than a youth program—it is a lifeline for young people navigating complex challenges. By integrating social-emotional learning, trauma healing, leadership development, and skill-building, YA creates a supportive environment where youth thrive.

As these young leaders grow in confidence and ability, they not only improve their own lives but also uplift their families and communities. Youth Ambassadors invites partners, families, and community members to join in this vital work—helping Kansas City’s youth build brighter, safer futures.

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.