Blue Valley youth program uses gardening and mentorship to prevent violence
In Kansas City’s Blue Valley neighborhood, local youth are learning to lead, connect, and create a safer future — thanks to the Strengthening the Health of Neighborhoods (STRONG) program, a violence prevention initiative funded by the City of Kansas City, Missouri Health Department’s Violence Prevention Fund and administered by Community Capital Fund.
The Blue Valley Youth Development Program is one of several community-led efforts supported through STRONG, a ten-month initiative focused on advancing safety, equity, and resilience in Kansas City neighborhoods. The program provides funding, tools, and hands-on support for neighborhood-driven projects that invest in prevention and community resilience, as outlined in the city’s Blueprint for Violence Prevention.
“Blue Valley is finding different ways to reduce violence by starting with kids at a young age and continuing through high school. A lot of kids don’t have much guidance at home, so they look for attention elsewhere. This gives them positive direction. We teach them about temper control, how not to let others bully them—whether it’s a boyfriend, girlfriend, or someone online. Working together as a team has been successful.”
From community gardens that provide fresh food to mentoring programs that help youth navigate relationships and emotions, the project is designed to keep young people engaged and connected to positive influences. Special attention is given to young women, who often face unique challenges, including emotional abuse and online harassment.
This resident-led effort reflects a key tenet of the Blueprint for Violence Prevention: that safe and healthy communities begin at the neighborhood level, where young people and families are valued and supported. By focusing on relationship-building, youth development, and neighborhood connection, Blue Valley is helping create a Kansas City where all communities are safe, resilient, and thriving.
Each STRONG project must be rooted in community input, supported by residents, and centered on safety, inclusivity, and long-term well-being. In Blue Valley, those goals are being pursued through a mix of neighborhood cleanups, community watch efforts, youth mentorship, and regular access to health resources and city services.
With new neighborhood cameras installed and weekly youth activities underway, the Blue Valley team is demonstrating how consistent, community-led action can help prevent violence before it starts—and build a stronger foundation for the future.
Now in its second year, the STRONG program continues to invest in neighborhoods like Blue Valley, where resident-led organizations are stepping up to do their part. While projects funded through STRONG are required to be completed by the end of 2025, many — including this one — are part of long-term, sustainable efforts already making a lasting impact.
