Brunch & Bowl for Kansas City youth group

by Emma Rose Kraus
Journalism Intern

If you’re an LGBTQ youth or straight ally aged 14 to 20 living in Kansas City, you may benefit from Passages. As an LGBT organization whose mission is to “equip LGBT youth to become aware of and comfortable with their identities, knowledgeable of their health status and risks and actively involved in the Kansas City community.”

Passages is a youth group that meets every Wednesday evening from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in the basement of Holy Trinity United Methodist Church. However, just because the church offers their space does not mean the group is affiliated with any religion.

The group offers youth resources such as free onsite STI testing, showers and laundry services, a food pantry and fun activities for the youth such as music, art and socializing.

“We have a clothing closet, we provide mental health resources, therapy sessions and support,” says youth service coordinator Misty Town. “So, [at] Passages itself we hang out once a week, but through that entity we help kids throughout the week do other things.”

Begun in 1990 under the name “Greater Kansas City Gay and Lesbian Youth Services”, the group has been working for over 23 years to help youth in Kansas City grow and become educated in everything from relationship and dating safety to healthy hygiene practices.

“We now meet every Wednesday night at a set location,” Town says. “We provide them a meal and an opportunity for kids to hang out in a safe place.”

As a non-profit organization, the Kansas City Anti-Violence Project (KCAVP) is holding a Brunch & Bowl fundraising event for Passages on Saturday, November 12 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Ward Park Lanes in Kansas City.

“All the funds from this event will be going to Passages Youth Group. You can either sign up as an individual or you can sign up as a team,” Town exclaims. “Our kids will also be there and we’ll have raffles and it will be just a really good way for everyone to interact with each other.”

The Brunch & Bowl will cost $35 for individuals or $200 for a team. So don’t forget to come out and support this great cause and enjoy some good food and great company along with friendly competition at the same time.

The Brunch & Bowl will take place on Saturday, November 12 from 1 to 4 p.m. Photo Provided.