Kickstand and Trellis: A New Partnership for Youth Wellbeing

In spring 2026, Trellis celebrated the grand opening of Kickstand within our Strathmore Hub.

Kickstand serves young people ages 11 to 25 through a combination of Trellis-delivered services and support provided by community partners. Within the same building, Trellis’ FRN serves young people up to age 24, as well as caregivers and families. While the programs operate separately, the experience for the community is simple: one welcoming place where people can connect to the support they need, regardless of where they begin.

For Jenna*, a youth living in the Strathmore area, Kickstand has provided life-changing support that has put her on a path of healing and growth.

A Path Forward: Jenna’s Journey to Stability and Hope

When Jenna first connected with Kickstand Strathmore, she and her boyfriend were living in a trailer on family property. Their housing was precarious, as was their financial situation, and each new day brought the question of whether they’d be able to afford food, utilities, and other essentials they needed to survive. Jenna was also dealing with mental health challenges that required care and support she wasn’t able to find on her own.

Upon learning about her situation, the Kickstand team responded immediately by providing food and helping Jenna obtain identification. When, due to family conflict, living in the trailer was no longer an option, the team helping Jenna and her boyfriend find emergency housing.

During this time, staff also began helping Jenna connect to mental health supports. They referred her to professionals who could provide a formal diagnosis, while ensuring she had access to crisis supports to help manage self-harm and suicidal ideation.

Over time, the focus shifted toward rebuilding relationships. With ongoing encouragement and coordinated care, Jenna reconnected with family members and begin establishing stability in her life.

Today, Jenna is connected to a Nurse Practitioner through the Primary Care Network, has accessed employment support through community partnerships, and has re-enrolled in high school while working part-time. Thanks to Kickstand, Jenna is now better connected, supported, and moving forward on a positive path. Her story demonstrates the power of integrated support and the impact of meeting young people where they are, with compassion, persistence, and hope.

Through our partnership with Kickstand, Trellis is helping build a stronger local system of care where people like Jenna can find support, build resilience, and thrive. Together, we are creating healthier futures for young people and a stronger community for everyone.

*Name has been changed to protect confidentiality