MISSION, Kan. — Youth mental health advocates celebrated with a ribbon cutting for the Tyler Home for Teens in Mission, Kansas.

The nonprofit has expanded from its previous location to a new 4,000-square-foot location, creating a free, safe, and interactive environment for teens.

“Tyler’s House serves as a beacon for all, especially those who need a safe space to go. Our new location fosters growth, emotional support and a place of safety because young people matter,” said Cori Hastings, founder and CEO of Tyler’s. Home for teenagers. “Our welcome mat has been rolled out and we encourage the Kansas City community to join us in empowering teenagers and changing lives.”

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A study from Reports Mental Health America 45% of teenagers report that feelings of loneliness negatively impact their mental health, increasing the risks of depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.

A 2018 report by KDHE-KIC showed that there is one suicide every four days, including attempts.

“The atmosphere is very welcoming. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who came here who didn’t feel welcomed by the people who are here,” said Alastor Reynolds, a teenager who visits the Tyler Home for Teens every day. “If someone is struggling with homework, trying to find a song, struggling with stress or depression, people will always try to help them.”

Tyler’s House for Teens offers a variety of educational and arts programs. The new facility offers a STEM Maker Space, a sensory room and a large common area.

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“Tyler’s House makes me happy. I love coming here and seeing people I know,” Reynolds said. “I love playing bass and I love doing all the programs.”

Reynolds lost his father to a chronic illness in 2020.

During the two years he visited Tyler’s House, it gave him the opportunity to heal in the space outside of the house.

“It’s helpful to have an outlet where he’s not around his parent all the time. He just comes in here and kind of gets chills and doesn’t do anything,” said Jenny Sterling, Reynold’s mother. “It’s different being in a space like that than being at home. I think it helps ground you a little bit.”

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Tyler’s House for Teen’s is staffed by volunteers during business hours.

Offers a variety of programs and support groups for teens struggling with mental health.

“We have a lot of conversations with people about things they struggle with; a lot of times, there are thoughts of self-harm or suicide,” Hastings said. “We made 9-8-8 calls with students to get professional help.”

Sterling said KSHB 41 support groups at Tyler’s House are confidential and do not report conversations to parents. A level of trust is created among the volunteers and the youth served.

Tyler’s House services have grown in popularity so much that organizational leaders are faced with staffing challenges.

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“With new space comes a need for more resources and a need for more volunteers and more staff,” Hastings said. “This is where we lean on our community to help us.”

At Wednesday night’s ribbon cutting, local elected officials and Tyler’s House for Teens leaders shared feelings about the need for youth services in the community.

They also pointed out the cost of providing a completely free service to the public.

“I’d be kind of lost without her. I come here every day after school, that’s kind of what I do,” Reynolds said.

Tyler’s House for Teens is located at 6200 Johnson Drive in Mission, Kansas. The basement location is below Go Pet Go Grocery and Grooming.

For more information about the services and programs offered at Tyler’s House for Teens, click here.

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KSHB 41 reporter Ryan Gamboa covers Miami County in Kansas and Cass County in Missouri. Share your story idea with Ryan.