STRONG GIRLS, SAFE FUTURES

In response to the rising violence, bullying, and mental health challenges facing Kansas City youth, (see statistics below) the Building Beautiful Black Girls (BBBG) Project launched Strong Girls, Safe Futures (SGSF)—a holistic initiative designed to protect, empower, and prepare girls for lifelong success.

While BBBG continues to focus on building confidence, identity, self-worth, and healthy relationships, SGSF expands the mission by integrating emotional wellness, mental health awareness, bullying prevention, and relationship safety into one evidence-informed program.

Through dynamic workshops, group discussions, and community partnerships, SGSF helps girls ages 13–17:

  • Recognize and respond to warning signs in relationships.

  • Strengthen decision-making and boundary-setting skills.

  • Build resilience against bullying and peer pressure.

  • Prioritize mental and emotional health.

  • Develop leadership, empathy, and self-advocacy skills that promote safety and success.

Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 1 in 12 teen girls experience physical dating violence and 1 in 10 experience sexual violence each year.

This program was created in direct response to community data showing that in Missouri, Kansas City recorded 19 domestic-violence–related homicides—up from 12 in 2024. The Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) responds to about 5,000 domestic-violence calls every year, averaging roughly 14 per day.

Across Kansas, more than 21,000 domestic-violence incidents were reported in 2024—impacting families in every income level and zip code.

In Clay County, calls related to domestic violence and child abuse rose 50% from 2023 to 2024. In Platte County, law enforcement recorded 205 domestic-violence incidents in a single year—proof that violence exists in every community.

Strong Girls, Safe Futures (SGSF) strengthens emotional health, confidence, and protective skills—addressing the full spectrum of violence, trauma, and mental health challenges that today’s girls face. Our program helps them rise as leaders — equipping girls to use their voice, model healthy behaviors, and mentor others, creating a ripple of safety, strength, and hope across their schools and communities.”