Building Strong Boys for a Stronger Future

Young Boys Healthy Start nurtures the social, emotional, and behavioral well-being of Black boys ages 3–5 in North St. Louis City—empowering them and their caregivers to develop healthy habits that last a lifetime.

Young Boys Healthy Start (YBHS) is a transformational program within the Foundation for Strengthening Families’ Healthy Start initiative.

It was created to address a critical gap in early childhood development—supporting Black boys at the formative ages of 3 to 5, when their emotional and behavioral patterns begin to shape their academic and social futures.

Through interactive group sessions led by licensed mental-health professionals, YBHS strengthens the bond between children and caregivers while teaching emotional intelligence, self-control, and positive communication.

The program helps families replace stress-based reactions with connection-based responses—laying a foundation for stronger homes and healthier communities.

YOUNG BOYS HEALTHY START

Why This Program Matters

Across the United States, Black boys face disproportionate disciplinary actions as early as preschool.

Research shows that 50 percent of all preschool suspensions and expulsions in 2021 were Black boys, even though they made up only 20 percent of enrolled children.

This trend—fueled by implicit bias, stress, and limited resources for early intervention—creates what experts call the “preschool-to-prison pipeline.”

FSF’s Young Boys Healthy Start intervenes long before that pipeline forms.
By equipping boys and their families with emotional literacy, behavioral support, and positive parenting strategies, we redirect that trajectory toward promise and potential.

Program Structure

Format: Weekly group sessions over the course of a school year
Location: FSF facilities and partner early-learning centers in North St. Louis City

Social-Emotional Learning

Helping boys name feelings, manage anger, and practice empathy through games and guided activities.

Parental Coaching

Caregivers learn the Conscious Discipline framework, a trauma-informed approach to behavior management that teaches connection before correction.

Peer Support Circles

Creating a safe space for parents to share challenges and solutions without judgment.

Behavioral Assessment and Tracking

Each boy receives a Social and Emotional Screening (ASQ-SE) to measure progress in self-regulation and social interaction.

All sessions are facilitated by a licensed mental-health professional with experience in early childhood trauma and family therapy.

Barriers Removed, Access Restored

FSF removes the practical obstacles that often prevent families from participating in developmental programs:

Free Transportation

Gas cards, ride vouchers, or FSF van service.

Nutritious Meals

Dinner provided for every session to encourage attendance after work hours.

Childcare

Supervised care for siblings so parents can engage fully.

No-Cost Counseling Referrals

Additional support offered for families needing individual therapy.

These supports ensure that families can focus on learning and connection—not logistics.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of each program cycle, participating families demonstrate tangible growth in key areas:

Improved emotional awareness and behavior management in boys.
Increased parental confidence in using positive discipline strategies.
Reduced stress levels among caregivers through peer support and mental-health resources.
Enhanced school readiness and social skills that translate into future academic success.

YBHS turns preventive care into proactive empowerment—transforming how families approach childhood development.

Program Impact Metrics

“When we help a young boy manage his emotions with love and guidance, we build the foundation for a man who can lead with empathy.”
— Cortaiga Collins, Founder & Executive Director

20

boys served each year in North St. Louis City

90% +

Weekly engagement rate

95%

gained awareness of community resources for healthy living.

85%

of caregivers report less stress and greater connection with their child

These results demonstrate the power of education and community in closing health equity gaps for Black mothers and babies.

Educational Setting

Healthy Start sessions take place at Good Shepherd Early Learning Center in North St. Louis City, where participants also access hands-on cooking classes in the on-site teaching kitchen and resources in the therapy and literacy lab.
The environment is warm, nonjudgmental, and intentionally designed for women to learn, rest, and grow together.

Program Cost and Sponsorship Opportunities

Your support directly funds a child’s growth and a family’s healing.

$1,726

Sponsor one boy for a full program year

$5,000

Provide materials and behavioral assessments for five participants

$1200

Fund weekly meals for families for one month

$2,500

Underwrite mental-health facilitator fees for a session series

Every donation helps FSF offer hope and healing where it matters most.

Become a Sponsor Download Packet

Partners & Collaborations

Young Boys Healthy Start works in partnership with local early-learning centers, faith-based organizations, and mental-health agencies to provide wrap-around services.
By aligning community resources under a shared vision of equity and prevention, FSF ensures that each family receives the support they need to thrive.

When we invest in our boys, we invest in our future.