Burst via The Center Projet
Serves LGBTQIA+ youth ages 14-17 who live in Boone County
Content added Sept. 25, 2026
BURST is a free mental health skills group offered by The Center Project for LGBTQIA+ youth ages 14-17 who live in Boone County. Applications are open for the second round of a new program for youth. Parent/Guardian Consent and Screening are required before the first session, so sign up ASAP!
How BURST Works:
· Is totally free (we don't even bill insurance!) and led by mental health professionals
· Meets Wednesdays, October 21 to December 16, 6-8pm, 805 Fairview Ave, Columbia, MO 65201.
· Uses a combination of DBT & Radical Healing Framework
· This is a space where you'll connect with other teens, learn awesome life skills, and build your inner strength in a supportive, judgment-free zone. BURST helps students learn Mindfulness, Distress tolerance, Emotion regulation, Interpersonal effectiveness>
For more information:
o BURST Website
o BURST application
o Email BURST@thecenterproject.org
Vera Elwood, Youth Program Coordinator
vera.elwood@thecenterproject.org
(573) 222-0679
Kate’s Heart
Content updated Dec. 18, 2025
Grieving children and teens
We work with organizations to provide a care pack of grief activities and books for children and teens who are grieving the death of parent, sibling, or other significant caregiver. Downloadable materials are available free to individuals on our website.
Email: katesheartorg@gmail.com
Youth Empowerment Collective
Content updated April 3, 2026
This organization supports primarily middle school students. Empowering Youth and Giving Parents Tools to Be a Better Version of Themselves.
The Youth Empowerment Collective is dedicated to building character and self-esteem in the youth of the community. We seek to empower them to reach their full potential through education, mentorship and life skills application. We encourage scholars to DREAM BIG!
Larisha M Jones
Email: Youthempowermentcollective23@gmail.com
573-881-7929
Young Life
Middle school, high school, and college aged students.
Content updated Aug. 14, 2026
We walk alongside middle school and high school students and point them to Jesus as they navigate life. We host weekly club meetings and provide mentors for kids of all walks of life.
Hours: Mon-Thur, 8am-4pm
5th floor of First Presbyterian Church
16 Hitt Street
Columbia, MO 65201
Email: younglifecolumbia@gmail.com
Visit website
Flourish Initiative
Homeless youth ages 16-24; Youth with educational employment barriers - middle school to high school
Content updated Oct. 28, 2025
24/7 for shelter operations & street outreach
8am-5pm, M-F for community programs
Transitional housing shelter for youth ages 16-24
Street Outreach for homeless youth ages 16-24
Community Programs for youth middle school to high school
(573) 615-6135
Contact: Kenny Petska
Email: info@allyouthflourish.org