About Friends in Faith KC

​If you are a teenager, or have a relationship with a teenager, you probably have noticed an alarming rise in mental health issues among young people over the last several years.  So many teens feel isolated, lonely, and anxious, with no one to provide a solid source of support and encouragement to them. 

 

Many teens are increasingly disconnected from their parents, and more connected to their phones.  However, research shows that teens who have a good, trusting relationship with at least one adult have better mental health.  Research also shows that teens who have some foundation of spirituality are more resilient. 

 

Friends in Faith trains volunteer Adult Friends who form a one-on-one relationship with a student who is matched to them based on shared interests.  They meet twice a month for lunch, and discuss material on a topic prepared by Friends in Faith.  Initially, the sessions are designed to build rapport and trust between the Adult Friend and their student.  Future topics are developed based on feedback from the teens after each session.  

 

Currently, we serve 33 students at Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, KS who are matched with 33 volunteer Adult Friends from the community. Plus, we are launching a new program at Cristo Rey High school in Kansas City, MO in January 2025!  We are exploring the possibility of serving teens in other schools also.