Journey Together for Teen Wellness
Journey Together for Teen Wellness
Building Relationships to Empower Teens in a Safe and Inclusive Environment
Dear friends,
As I reflect upon the past year, I am humbled and honored to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering commitment to Pro Deo Youth Center. The value you bring to the organization has been a cornerstone of our collective success.
Your selfless contributions of time, expertise and passion have helped us advance our initiative of providing free services to families right here in eastern Jackson County. This past year has been marked with milestones that have laid the foundation for a stronger and more cohesive organization.
Under the leadership of Tashari Reed, program director, Pro Deo served more teens and families in 2023-24 than ever before. In fact, 27 percent increase in number of unique teens registered. This increase is a blessing and a burden as expenses also increased significantly. New programs were added in the spring of 2024 with the launch of a work readiness program to get teens employed in high wage jobs.
The due diligence phase of our affiliation with ReDiscover was completed in June 2024. The affiliation launched July 1, 2024, and Pro Deo became the prevention and early intervention arm of ReDiscover.
While Pro Deo remains its own 501(c)3, the affiliation marks a milestone in how to sustain our services for years to come.
ReDiscover, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Organization, provides more outpatient behavioral health services than any other nonprofit organization in Jackson County, Missouri. In operation for 55 years, ReDiscover provides an array of treatment, community support and crisis services to more than 15,000 adults, children and families whose lives have been impacted by mental health and addiction disorders.
The capital campaign launched in November 2023 and is still going strong. Pro Deo is poised to expand programs, serve more youth, and create a model that can be duplicated in other communities. My ask is that you come along with us in our journey to build our capacity to serve even more families. If you have not pledged support for the Wesley Place, please reach out to me. I’d love to meet one on one with people who can relate to our mission and want to make a lasting impact in our community.
Pro Deo loves our community!
Dr. Elaine Metcalf Executive Director
Developing Teen Leadership Skills
Student Ambassadors are responsible Pro Deo students who want to make a positive impact at Pro Deo and in their community. They represent Pro Deo at community activities and they serve as role models and friends to peers at Pro Deo. Student Ambassadors are expected to display these qualities:
• Responsibility
• Integrity
• Kindness
• Mentorship
• Public speaking
• Leadership
As part of our capital campaign, Pro Deo invited funders from Truman Heartland Community Foundation to visit our teen center. The ambassadors shared their stories with the visitors inspiring them to invest funds in the future Wesley Place.
Who We Serve
Current year aggregate data from self-reported client intake forms report the following at-risk behaviors (current or history):
growing our services
47% of Pro Deo teens have self-disclosed mental health concerns
According to the Afterschool Alliance, out-of-school programs provide a significant return on investment, with every $1 invested saving at least $3 by increasing youth’s earning potential, improving their performance at school, and reducing crime and juvenile delinquency.
Afterschool activities can have a positive impact on personal and social skills, including problem-solving, conflict resolution, selfcontrol, leadership, responsible decision-making, and self-esteem. impact by the
The number of teens and families served continues to grow each year, with a 27% increase in families accessing our services during 2023-24, up from 112 in 2022-23. This is an impressive number of teens and families taking advantage of our free activities, tutoring, and counseling services.
143
4,793
996 HOMEWORK HOURS
40 hours of 1-on-1
49% OF TEENS living at or below poverty level
or Pacific Islander
or Latinx American Indian Did Not Disclose
Removing Access Barriers
993 Rides Given
1,230 Pro Deo Check
2,508
hours of Fun Friday & Summer Events
How We Help with the Youth Mental Health Crisis
FEEDBACK FROM 2023 PARENT/GUARDIAN SURVEY
We asked parents and guardians why they are thankful for Pro Deo. Below are some of the top survey responses:
Sammy really needed somewhere to go where he fit in.
Just taking the time for teens to have a good time with no pressure. They are a great source for teens like mine with depression and she is able to meet new people.
It’s a safe place for teenagers to gather.
My kids have been able to make friends with teens from other high schools in Lee’s Summit.
Through Pro Deo Arvana gets to experience different types of activities and opportunities to grow sociably.
Harry has an opportunity to relate to others his age.
volunteer impact
Pro Deo’s success is in large part due to our generous volunteers and their efforts to better our community and the lives of our teens. We are so grateful to each and every one of them who helps us thrive.
134 service hours logged by college interns
397 service hours logged by adult volunteers
“I volunteer with Pro Deo Youth Center because I remember how difficult the teenage years can be. Pro Deo is the only organization I know of that meets teenagers where they are and offers any type of support they may need–from meals to activities to counseling to tutoring. It makes me feel good to give some level of help and support to these young people who have so much potential.”
Dave
Aubuchon 2024 Amanda Wells Service Award
Pro Deo launched a new website as a result of capacity building funding from the Children’s Services Fund
Pro Deo Youth Center was pleased to unveil a brand new website featuring information about teen programming and support, as well as enhanced avenues to communicate information to the broader community. The website promotes and supports important initiatives like the capital campaign, events programming, resources and more.
From Curious Kid To Building Namesake: Wesley’s Impact On Pro Deo Youth Center
Lee’s Summit Tribune, November 11, 2023 | By
Robin Blakely
Nonprofit leaders at Pro Deo Youth Center are raising $4.9 million in the next 12 months to construct The Wesley Place, a new building named for Wesley Walker, late son of Lee’s Summit residents Bob and Jane Rutherford.
Dr. Elaine Metcalf, Executive Director of Pro Deo Youth Center, said, “Wesley’s story is one of resilience and determination. The Rutherford’s decision to donate Wesley’s trust fund to Pro Deo jumpstarted our dream to build a state-of-the-art teen center. Their gift is now inspiring the community to help us build a brighter future for youth across the region.”
Visit https://tinyurl.com/4hatnd9y for full article.
Nonprofit Affiliation to Strengthen Youth Mental Wellbeing
Discover and Pro Deo Youth Center have formalized their affiliation, effective July 1, 2024 to provide a stronger continuum of care for youth mental wellness in Jackson County, Missouri.
“ReDiscover has informally partnered with Pro Deo Youth Center over the last six years and this affiliation is an opportunity to strengthen our work together to meet the growing mental health needs of youth and families in our community,” said Jennifer Craig, President and CEO of ReDiscover. “At a time when the US Surgeon General has declared a youth mental health crisis, we want to be intentional about doing innovative work to support youth and families in our community.”
Our Supporters
291 Nutrition & Energy
Adam Rutherford
Alpha Beta Eta
Amanda Bush
Amy Middaugh
Andrea Shelby
Andy & Angela Campbell
Angela Lampton Turner
Arbo Mediation & Consulting
Arrowhead Electric Inc
Ashley & Rob Nowell
Barbara & Randy Stone
Bob & Candy White
Bobby & Christine Bushyhead
Carl & Elaine Froeschle
Cathy & Craig Vollmer
Centric Construction
Charlene Metcalf
Chris Duke
Clint Haynes
Colin Litow
Colleen & Jeff Fetz
Dave & Anne Aubuchon
David & Julie Fritz
Dennis Haines
Dessie Stafford
Ed Cullumber
Ed Steil
Eileen Nash
Emily Chapman
Eric Abel
Fidelity Investments
First Federal Bank of Kansas City
First Presbyterian Church
Foxhoven Family
Friedrich Family
Gary Graham
Grace United Methodist
Women
Hardesty/Macha Household
Helen & Doug Hatridge
Hilary Graves
Hope & Art Davis
Jacob Haynes
Jan & Ron Carter
Jan Nelson
Jenni & Jake Edwards
Jennifer Craig
Jennifer Johnson
Jennifer Muntzel
Jensen Family
Jeremy Wood
Jodie & Thom Sabina
Jody & Jeremy Springer
Joe & Alicia Hyde
Joseph Timmons
Karen & John Schuler
Karen Mitchell
Karla Williams
KC Communications &
Media Matters
Kent Ruehter
Kiewit Engineering Group Inc
Kim Fritchie
Kimberly Metcalf
Landon Gregory Memorial
Scholarship Fund
Laura & Kirk Doan
Laurie & Mike Johnson
Lee’s Summit Chamber
Lisa Hibschman
Lisa & Jody Williams
Lydia Davis
Mary Altman
Mascot Junction, Inc.
Melanie Adkins
Michael and Cindy McMenus
Mike & Ann Ditty
Mike Arcuri
Mike Marmo
Morris/Curtiss Family
Mr. and Mrs. Brokenicky
Mr. and Mrs. Settle
Mr. and Mrs. Stilley
Nathan Morris
New Covenant
Community Church
NextGen Wealth
Paragon Star
Paula & Mike Krogh
Peratt Family
Retirement Solutions Group
Rob Binney
Robert & Tricia Hile
Rosalie & Robert Newkirk
Sandy Morris
Sara & Rody Taylor
Sky Blooms Fireworks
Smile Doctors
Southern Bank
SS&C Technologies
St. Matthew Lutheran Church
Stahl Family Foundation
Steve & Susan Arbo
Susan & John Newsam
Susie & Dave Gale
Susie & Dymon Wood
The Horn Law Firm, P.C.
Thomas Family
Traci Fann
Vanessa Higgins
Weed Man/Turf’s Up Enterprises
Generosity Comes in Many Forms
Take the people like you who buy from our Amazon Wishlist. Or groups like Advance Aesthetic Center, Beyond Wealth Advisers, Mazuma Credit Union, CBM, Inc., Lee’s Summit Christian Church, Illuminate Home Loans, and NorthPoint Foundation who give gift cards or items that directly benefit the teens, families and our organization. During 2023-24, this movement of corporate caring fueled Pro Deo to serve more and more families living in marginalized conditions.
Our supporters are the lifeline of the teens Pro Deo serves. Without people who “dig a little deeper” to come alongside us to do this important work, Pro Deo wouldn’t exist. Your generous donations make a tangible difference in the families in our community. Thanks for your kindness and generosity!
The People Who Make it Happen
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Andy Campbell, Chair, Summit Ridge Academy
John Beaudoin, Chair-Elect, KC Communications & Media Matters
Jan Nelson, Board Secretary, retired LSR7 counselor
Mikel Isaacs, Board Treasurer, Tooth & Coin
Fred Lane, City of Lee’s Summit
Kent Ruehter, True Environmental
Andrea Shelby, KC Blues & Jazz Juke House
Sara Taylor, KC Dumpster
Christina Davis, Mo. Dept. of Transportation
Jody Springer, Stone Amp SEO
Amy Schield, Coaching/Consulting
DRIVERS
Dymon and Susie Wood
Cliff Horton
Charlotte Yates
STAFF
Elaine Metcalf, Executive Director
Melissa Ward, Administrative Director
Vanessa Hickman, ReDiscover Community Relations Manager
Tashari Reed, Program Director
Kaylee Henry, Assistant Program Director
Bethany Kosovich, Site Coordinator
Monique Sheen, Program Assistant
Tamara Scharfenkamp, ReDiscover Youth Mental Health Specialist
CONTRACT STAFF
Hunter Gale, Garden Specialist
Arbo Consulting
Hive Strong Consulting
Creative Center of America
Byrne & Pelofsky Associates
Blume Video Marketing
TUTORS
Amy Charpie
Dave Aubuchon
Sashi Gannavaram
FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE
Cathy Vollmer
Kelly McEntire
Leslie Alford
Jan Carter
Cindy McMenus
Traci Fann
Shannon Pennington
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
Bob Glaser
Haley Bowman
Kris Pierson
Ann Ditty
Karen Schuler
