08/25/2026
CMHF is proud to support Youth Guidance Kansas City and their program Becoming a Man -- BAM. Every student does better in school when they know someone is in their corner. 💗
For some, a new school year means excitement, new classes and a fresh start.
But for others, it can mean anxiety, pressure, loneliness or the quiet question: "Where do I fit in?"
Last year, a student we'll call Cameron walked into a BAM Circle at Center High School unsure if he belonged.
He wasn't the loudest person in the room. But over time, something changed.
He began stopping by the BAM space nearly every day. He built trust. He made friendships.
And eventually, he found a place where he could simply be himself… in his words:
"It feels good knowing I have a place where I can just be myself."
Cameron's story is one of many.
Last year in Kansas City, Youth Guidance:
💚 Served 380 students
💚 Facilitated 821 Circle sessions
💚 Formed 41 BAM and WOW groups
💚 Saw an average 84% attendance
💚 And 97% of students said they trust their counselor and that the relationship matters to them
And the impact goes beyond attendance.
79% of BAM participants improved their social-emotional skills, 92% said the program helped them believe they would graduate high school, and 96% said it helped them make better decisions.
Because sometimes, the most important thing a student needs at the beginning of a new school year isn't another supply on their checklist.
It's a place to belong and someone in their corner.
Every young person deserves that 🙌
Follow Youth Guidance Kansas City to see what that looks like this school year and share this with someone who needs to hear it.
