Transforming Lives with Mentorship & Chess
Empowering youth in Sedgwick County through strategic thinking, emotional resilience, and mentors who care.
Masters & Mentors: Youth Enrichment Strategies, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization serving at-risk and justice-involved youth through mentorship, cognitive behavioral programming, life-skills development, and chess.
The Problem We’re Tackling
In Sedgwick County and across Kansas, many young people face a juvenile justice system that too often works against them. Youth are:
- 3× more likely to be arrested than necessary alternatives suggest
- 6× more likely to be detained, even for low-level offenses
- 7× more likely to end up in secure confinement instead of receiving support in their communities
At the same time, far too many of these young people are struggling with unmet behavioral health needs. In fact, 45% of youth in Kansas juvenile facilities require behavioral health treatment — a need that often goes unaddressed.
This system is not only ineffective — it’s also incredibly expensive. Each youth held in the system costs over $112,000 a year. We believe there’s a better way. By investing in community-based supports, behavioral health care, and restorative practices, we can build a system that keeps youth out of costly incarceration, addresses root causes, and creates stronger futures for all.
Our Mission & Vision
Mission Statement
Masters & Mentors Youth Enrichment Strategies, Inc. exists to empower at-risk and justice-involved youth by combining mentorship, cognitive behavioral interventions, and the discipline of chess. Through this unique model, we aim to transform lives, reduceincarceration, strengthen families, and create opportunities for long-term success.
Vision Statement
A future where youth learn to think critically, make positive decisions, and break cycles ofincarceration— becoming leaders in their communities and families.
Our Programs
Assessment: Understanding Individual Needs
Our journey begins with a thorough assessment to identify each youth's unique challenges and needs.
Mentorship: Guiding with Experience
Caring mentors are paired with youth to offer guidance & encouragement.
Chess as a Cognitive Tool: Building Skills
Chess serves as both an educational tool & a source of fun, promoting strategic thinking & social connections.
You Can Be Part of This Movement
Volunteer / Mentor With Us
Help guide youth through one-on-one mentorship. Training provided.
Donate
Every gift supports programming, materials, training, and reach.
Use the link or QR Code to donate
https://square.link/u/c4UCO32Y
Partner With Us
Schools, agencies, nonprofits — let’s collaborate to reach more youth.
Tony Ballard
Andrea Diaz
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Andrea Diaz co-founded Masters & Mentors: Youth Enrichment Strategies, Inc. and serves as its Executive Director. She has been part of this work since the beginning, building the structure and systems that turned a vision for justice-involved and at-risk youth into a functioning organization.
Andrea brings a rare combination of operational discipline and genuine heart for young people. She built the compliance and reporting infrastructure that allows us to steward public funding responsibly and demonstrate our impact to funders and partners alike. She established the personnel policies and staff training that keep our team prepared and accountable, and built the partnerships that put our programs inside the community centers and schools where youth already are. Under her leadership, Masters & Mentors continues to grow its reach across Sedgwick County while holding fast to the values it was founded on.
Her commitment, creativity, and dedication to youth empowerment are woven into everything this organization does.
Andrea Diaz co-founded Masters & Mentors: Youth Enrichment Strategies, Inc. and serves as its Executive Director. She has been part of this work since the beginning, building the structure and systems that turned a vision for justice-involved and at-risk youth into a functioning organization.
Andrea brings a rare combination of operational discipline and genuine heart for young people. She built the compliance and reporting infrastructure that allows us to steward public funding responsibly and demonstrate our impact to funders and partners alike. She established the personnel policies and staff training that keep our team prepared and accountable, and built the partnerships that put our programs inside the community centers and schools where youth already are. Under her leadership, Masters & Mentors continues to grow its reach across Sedgwick County while holding fast to the values it was founded on.
Her commitment, creativity, and dedication to youth empowerment are woven into everything this organization does.
