FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 8, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT
Kelly Ferrara Bayne, 314-221-2251
Eureka, MO – St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund (CSF) has awarded Wyman $1,996,053 to support mental and behavioral health services for children and families in St. Louis County over the next three years. The funding will be used to support Wyman’s local delivery of the Teen Outreach Program (TOP) and Teen Connection Project (TCP).
“Through CSF, St. Louis County residents demonstrate their deep commitment to helping young people thrive,” said Allison Williams, President and CEO of Wyman. “This funding allows us to continue delivering Teen Outreach Program and expand access to Teen Connection Project, ensuring more teens have the support, connections, and opportunities they need to build strong futures. We are grateful for our partnership with CSF and their commitment to young people.”
Wyman has been a funded partner of CSF for more than 10 years. This funding supports delivery of TOP and TCP to approximately 900 teens each year in the University City and Ferguson-Florissant School Districts. Through these programs, young people build life skills and healthy relationships with peers and trusted adults. Eighty-four percent of TOP participants and 93% of TCP participants report strong life and leadership skills, including communication, empathy, and self-efficacy.
Building on this long-standing partnership, the funding will also expand delivery of TCP at University City High School, reaching more teens with opportunities to build meaningful connections and improve their overall well-being. At a time when young people are experiencing increased loneliness and mental health challenges, TCP offers a proven solution. Research shows TCP strengthens peer relationships, increases school engagement, improves coping skills, and reduces depressive symptoms. Ninety-three percent of participants report positive peer relationships and overall well-being. Expanding access means more teens gain the connections and support they need to thrive – in school and in life.
As a funded partner, Wyman is part of an integrated network of partners who share a commitment to providing quality services and programs to the children and families of St. Louis County. CSF invests in local nonprofits and governmental entities that provide mental and behavioral health services, substance use treatment, and prevention services for kids and families in St. Louis County through a voter-approved quarter-cent sales tax.
About Wyman and CSF
For 128 years, Wyman has believed in the power of young people. Wyman’s mission is to connect teens to their voices, their strengths, and their futures through proven programs and supports. We are a nonprofit organization driving impact for teens in St. Louis and across the country. Our direct service programs serve more than 1,100 young people each year. We extend our reach through partnerships to serve more than 2,500 young people in the St. Louis area, and more than 25,000 across the country. Learn more: www.WymanCenter.org
For more information on CSF, their partner organizations, or how to get involved in their funding process, visit stlcsf.org or their interactive “Find a Service” map tool https://stlcsf.org/find-a-service/. For an immediate mental or behavioral health need or crisis, please call 988 or Behavioral Health Response’s Youth Connection Helpline at 314-819-8802 or visit bhrstl.org.