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 a grassroots violence prevention initiative supported by Community Capital Fund’s Strengthening the Health of Neighborhoods (STRONG) program.
The Blue Valley Youth Development Program is one of several projects funded through STRONG, a ten-month initiative focused on advancing safety and resilience in Kansas City neighborhoods. The program provides funding, tools, and hands-on support for community-led projects aimed at reducing violence and improving health outcomes at the neighborhood level.
“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.
The Blue Valley program aligns closely with STRONG’s mission: to prevent violence before it starts by building up neighborhood capacity, fostering trust, and creating opportunities for neighbors—especially youth—to work together for the common good.
Each STRONG project must be rooted in the community, 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 connection to city services and health resources.
With new neighborhood cameras installed and weekly youth activities underway, the Blue Valley team is demonstrating how sustained, community-driven work can lay the foundation for safer streets and stronger futures.
The STRONG program is now in its second year, continuing to invest in neighborhoods like Blue Valley where residents are taking the lead to prevent violence and support each other. Projects funded through STRONG are required to be completed by the end of 2025—but many, like this one, are part of long-term efforts already making an impact.