History

The work of Visionary Youth began in 2012, organized by Kwabena (KB) Mensah, owner of Oasis Barbershops in Lincoln and veteran barber of nearly 30 years, and Dr. Lawrence Chatters, a clinical therapist, psychologist and leading expert on mental health care for youth of color. Born out of the barbershop environment, a hub of community, Visionary Youth was formed to provide culturally relevant, accessible programming to youth and families in need that supports all youth to reach their full potential.

We began with the 1st Annual Free Haircut and Backpack Event in 2012, an opportunity for youth to enter the new school year with a fresh cut, backpack and school supplies along with a connection to their peers and positive adult role models that share their cultural experience. The impact on the confidence, self-efficacy, and motivation of young people involved in the event quickly became apparent and, with the support of a network of barbers, stylists and community partners, the effort became an annual event that has grown from serving 75 youth to 1,250 youth each year.  

Recognizing the impact of challenges faced by low income families on the potential of youth to excel, Visionary Youth expanded programming in 2018 to include two additional events each year, the Community Holiday Food Giveaway and the Holiday Gift Giveaway. Held during particularly challenging times of the year for low-income families, the Holiday Food Giveaway and Holiday Gift Giveaway provide youth and their families with support for positive familial experiences and opportunities to celebrate and carry on traditions despite financial challenges. Each of the events to date has served 700-1,200 families each year.

In 2019, Visionary Youth began development of programming aimed to formalize the informal mentorship and positive impact of the barbershop experience for young people in the Mentoring in New Dimensions (MIND) program. A combination barbershop mentoring and peer group counseling program, MIND employs committed barbers trained in trauma-informed youth mentoring and culturally representative therapists committed to decreasing the stigma surrounding counseling and limited access to culturally relatable therapists for youth. In 2021, Visionary Youth purchased the MIND Mobile Barbershop, a fully customized 36 ft bus designed specifically for the MIND program and full implementation of the program began in 2022.