Empowering Youth: Kansas City's Innovative Approach to Curbing Juvenile Crime

In the heart of Kansas City, a city grappling with the challenges of urban crime, a remarkable organization is making strides in keeping young people on the right track. As businesses across the city continue to face the aftermath of break-ins, one program is working tirelessly to provide a supportive environment for students, offering them a path to a brighter future.

Transforming Lives, One Student at a Time

Addressing the Root Causes of Juvenile Crime

The issue of juvenile crime in Kansas City is a complex one, with many underlying factors contributing to the problem. Organizations like 20/20 Leadership at 31st Street and Gillham Plaza are taking a proactive approach, recognizing that the solution lies in addressing the root causes of these behaviors. By collaborating with high school students, they aim to provide the support and guidance these young individuals need to stay on the right path."We say, 'Hey, you can stand out from your peers for the right reasons and for the reasons that get you interviews and scholarships and that career that you want,'" explains Marnie Morgan, the Executive Director of 20/20 Leadership. This message of empowerment and encouragement is crucial, as many of these students may have never heard such positive reinforcement before.

Providing a Lifeline for Struggling Students

The program's reach extends far beyond the classroom, as they recognize the unique challenges faced by many of their students. "They may be working a part-time job to contribute to the needs of the family whether that's rent or food or whatever is needed in the family or they're watching their siblings so mom or dad can work a second or third job to make ends meet," Morgan explains.By offering specific tracks for students from freshman to senior year, along with a robust mentor program, 20/20 Leadership is providing a lifeline for those who might otherwise fall through the cracks. More than 70% of the freshmen applying for the program have nowhere else to turn, making the organization's work all the more vital.

Fostering a Sense of Belonging and Purpose

The program's inclusive approach is a key factor in its success. "Because of our loose admission requirements or recruiting practices, we can take students that can't get involved in other things, and we can give them a place to belong and a place to start to find a path that leads to good things," says Morgan.By creating a supportive environment where students feel valued and empowered, 20/20 Leadership is helping to steer them away from the lure of the streets and towards a brighter future. The program's impact is already being felt, with thousands of mentors available to guide and support these young individuals.

Collaboration and Community Engagement

The efforts of 20/20 Leadership are not isolated; they are part of a broader network of child and youth services available in the Kansas City area. The Kansas City, Missouri Police Department website lists nearly 60 such organizations, all working towards the common goal of supporting and empowering the city's youth.This collaborative approach is crucial, as it allows for a more comprehensive and coordinated response to the challenges facing young people in the community. By working together, these organizations can leverage their resources and expertise to create a more robust safety net for those in need.

Overcoming the Aftermath of Break-Ins

While the work of 20/20 Leadership and similar organizations is making a difference, the impact of juvenile crime on local businesses cannot be ignored. Cycle City in the River Market, for example, has been the victim of break-ins multiple times in the past 30 months, leaving the business with boarded-up doors and a sense of uncertainty."Monday and Tuesday of this week, [we] had a company come out and restabilize some stuff, make sure our door is functional because it will take months to get all of the property parts, all of the things that we need get this all put back together and make us whole," explains Bike Mechanic Aaron Apel.Despite the challenges, Apel remains positive, emphasizing that Cycle City is not in the business of begging for support, but rather, providing valuable services to the community. "We're not here to beg for business, we're here to serve people and we want our services to coincide with your needs. We don't want you just support us or prompt you to support us out of some kind of pity," he says.

A Holistic Approach to Juvenile Crime Prevention

The efforts of organizations like 20/20 Leadership are a crucial part of a holistic approach to addressing juvenile crime in Kansas City. By providing support and guidance to students, they are not only helping to steer them away from criminal behavior but also empowering them to become productive members of society."We're always looking to serve more students and hopefully in the future, we'll be acting partner schools as well," says Morgan, underscoring the program's commitment to expanding its reach and impact.As the city continues to grapple with the aftermath of break-ins and other juvenile crimes, the work of 20/20 Leadership and similar organizations serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that with the right support and opportunities, young people can overcome the challenges they face and forge a brighter path forward.