South Sudan YouThrive improves the holistic well-being of South Sudanese and Sudanese youth in Kansas City through support and community engagement to address generational trauma.
Like a canvas, adolescence begins with a blank slate of possibilities. It represents a period of opportunity and potential. In this stage of development, young people learn to manage stress, build relationships, and begin to shape their identity, ultimately laying the groundwork for mental health. Unfortunately, it’s also a time marked by vulnerability to mental health issues, as the pressures of academic performance, social relationships, and an uncertain future paint a clouded portrait. Teens face cultural, social, and environmental factors that can both enrich and challenge their mental health journey. At South Sudan YouThrive, our job is to empower our youth with the confidence to paint their path.
- 70-80 percent of children with mental health disorders go without care
- 37 percent of high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Black children are nearly twice as likely to die by suicide than white children
To promote the well-being of our young people, we believe in a holistic programming approach. SSYT offers youth-centered and community-wide events incorporating mental, intellectual, physical, social, and environmental wellness.
