reStart, Inc. Receives $55,000 Grant from Jackson County COMBAT Prevention Renewal

reStart, Inc. recently received a grant for $55,000 from the COMBAT Prevention Renewal to support the key staffing positions within reStart’s Youth Anti-Violence and Substance Abuse Prevention Program. This programming includes secondary and indicated prevention activities and services delivered across the reStart Youth Network (RYN) including Street Outreach, Youth Emergency Shelter, Youth Transitional Living Program, and the Maternity Group Home.

reStart’s Youth Anti-Violence and Substance Abuse Prevention Program addresses the fact that multiple risk factors (community, family, school/peer, and individual) converge and put these youths at high-risk for drug and alcohol abuse, as well as related violence and criminal activity. Research shows there is high risk for relationship violence among homeless and unaccompanied youth; that youth have misperceptions about violence being normal in dating relationships; and adolescents being physically hurt in relationships are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior, use alcohol and drugs, get into physical altercations, and attempt suicide (CDC).  reStart provides all youth with a strengths-based case manager. The agency’s strengths-based case management approach is a specific implementation of the overall strengths perspective. Youth case managers help youth identify specific skills, abilities, and assets; support youth decision-making so that the youth takes the lead in setting goals and actions steps; and assist youth in identifying and accessing community resources and resolving any barriers.

As a result of the program, we anticipate seeing youth reducing the use/abuse of alcohol and drugs, and participation in violence, as a result of engaging in counseling, education, and enrichment that helps them develop more pro-social behaviors in order to experience more protective risk factors. To be successful, youth must accomplish initial outcomes of gaining new knowledge and skills in areas of non-violence communication, conflict resolution, empathy, self-esteem, and self-efficacy.

Founded in 1984, reStart is the only homeless agency in Kansas City, Missouri serving all homeless populations, including unaccompanied youth and youth who have aged out of foster care. reStart understands that these children and youth need more than just shelter from the streets and basic necessities.  reStart is a Kansas City, urban core based organization that provides critical support for youth, children, families, and adults experiencing homelessness. reStart is the only homeless agency in Kansas City serving all homeless populations—singles, families/non-traditional families, unaccompanied youth, veterans, LGBTQ individuals, formerly incarcerated/returning citizens, and persons living with HIV/AIDS.



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