Synergy Services, USTA Heart of America bring tennis to kids in need

With students preparing to head back to school, USTA Heart of America is highlighting a partnership between the district and Synergy Services.

Since 1970, Synergy Services has been a refuge for runaway, homeless and/or abused youth in western Missouri as the only shelter for them in the region. With so much turmoil taking place in their young lives, the children need healthy outlets and the excitement of a new hobby.

Tayler Prowell, assistant program manager of youth resilience, outreach and crisis services at Synergy Services, shared that a meeting with Rebecca Falkner Axelrod, USTA Heart of America executive director, led to the two organizations coming together. From this collaboration, a weekly youth tennis program was created.

“We had several meetings to bring this to life, and it has been an amazing partnership since,” Prowell said. “The goal of this program is to provide our youth, many of whom struggle with housing instability, a safe place to learn a new hobby.

“They get consistent learning and growth through this weekly program, and it’s somewhere they feel safe to let energy out.”

Synergy Services was awarded a USTA Micro-Grant to help deliver the tennis programming and gear needed for the children to succeed. Prowell shared this grant helps cover the cost of hiring the tennis pros who lead the program as well as providing transportation and equipment for the children to use, with a focus on red ball play.

The tennis program is held at Plaza Tennis Center in the spring and fall, and it’s hosted at Northland Racquet Club in the winter. The program is free for all who attend. Kids learn tennis basics, such as how to properly hold and swing a racquet, and participate in a variety of fun games as they practice.

Prowell said the program has had a lasting effect on participants and hopes it will continue to have a positive impact on the children seeking shelter at Synergy Services.

“This program has seen many youth grow from brand new to much better tennis players,” Prowell said. “We have seen so many youth trying tennis for the first time and finding true enjoyment from it.

“Our hopes for this school year are to get a consistent group that attends weekly tennis as well as keep space for new youth to come in and try it.”

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