St. Mark Center is home to the signature early learning programs at United Inner City Services (UICS), and recognized as one of the best providers in the city. In 2004, UICS opened the state-of-the-art St. Mark Center to expand upon its Head Start and other early learning initiatives.

2.) Encourage Hope and Help

Kelsey Prather, Youth Suicide Prevention Specialist, 816-877-0496

Kansas City’s youth suicide prevention resource, brought to you by Tri-County Mental Health Services. Encourage Hope and Help is a suicide prevention resources for youth (ages 10-24), parents, educators, LGBTQ, attempt survivors, loss survivors, veterans, and community members in the Kansas City area. Through education and prevention efforts, we strive to end youth suicide. Like and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! #EncourageHopeandHelp

3.) Wayside Waifs - “No More Bullying!”

Ashley Stanley, Humane Education Manager, 816-986-4428

Wayside Waifs recognizes the powerful connection between people who are abusing animals and people who are abusing people. In an effort to address this cycle of violence, Wayside Waifs developed the primary prevention program “No More Bullying!” This curriculum teaches students to practice 5 core character traits with people and with animals. Studies prove that developing these principles in young people through the humane treatment of animals leads them to have greater empathy for human beings.

4.) Avenue of Life

Evelyn Hill, Community Engagement Director, 816-787-6101

Avenue of Life shares in the city and county-wide mission to end homelessness for families and children in Kansas City. It also shares in the belief that all persons should be linked to mainstream resources and that strong collaboration and community partnerships with other local agencies who serve the same target population are key in providing comprehensive wrap-around services and ensuring that children and families have every resource they need to better their situation.

5.) Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA)

Haleigh Harrold, Coordinator of Prevention, 816-285-1378, 24-hour Crisis Line 816-531-0233

MOCSA exists to improve the lives of those impacted by sexual assault and abuse, and to prevent sexual violence in our community. We provide counseling, advocacy, and education services at no cost. We work with school communities on long-term violence prevention programs focused on mobilizing bystanders to prevent others from being hurt.

6.) Greater Kansas City Chamber

Jasmin Williams, Project Director, 816-221-2424

Pre-Kansas City and Sesame in Communities Project

Pre-KC is an initiative of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. Pre-KC is a 6 month quality early learning education and awareness campaign hoping to inspire business leaders, community leaders, families, and caregivers on the importance of quality early learning in Kansas City.

7.) Center for Conflict Resolution

Debbie Bayless, Eastern Mennonite University, 

CCR has been in the Kansas City area for almost 20 years and has worked with about 30 different schools doing conflict resolution training with students and Discipline that Restores training with teachers, administrators and staff in KCMO, KCKS, Independence, Hickman Mills, and others. CCR also facilitates Restorative Justice processes with courts, neighborhoods, KC Police Dept. and city offices. Other training includes Re-Think Conflict: A New Approach to Anger Management, Trauma Awareness and Resilience, Circle Process Facilitation and Intro to RJ.

 

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