A Visual Call to Action in Downtown Topeka
A new mural located at 815 S. Kansas Ave. in downtown Topeka serves as a public reminder regarding youth mental health. State and local leaders unveiled the artwork on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026. The piece features the message: “Your Future Matters More Than You Know.” Organizers placed the mural in a high-visibility location near the Kansas Statehouse to ensure maximum reach for their message of support and suicide prevention.
Brooklynn Sumonja, a project manager for the Garrett Lee Smith (GLS) project within the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, led the effort. She emphasized that the project aims to create a culture where people feel comfortable reaching out for help. The work serves as a reminder that it is acceptable for individuals to struggle and seek support from those around them.
Funding and Artistic Execution
The federal Garrett Lee Smith Suicide Prevention Grant provided the capital for this mural. This grant supports initiatives like community outreach, training, and awareness campaigns across Kansas. The funds aim to provide early intervention tools for youth in need of mental health resources.
Kansas City artist Phil Shafer, known as “Sike Style,” completed the mural. He worked on the project for over a week, spending 12 hours each day on the design. Shafer believes public art is a vital tool for sustained awareness, noting that murals remain visible long after specific events or marketing campaigns conclude.
Personal Connection and Future Outreach
The project carries deep personal meaning for Shafer. He lost three friends to suicide this year, including another muralist. He designed the piece to encourage onlookers to pause and reflect on their own mental state. He also encouraged those struggling to connect with friends or professionals who can listen to their concerns.
Sumonja highlighted that the mural's location was chosen carefully to serve as a meaningful landmark for the entire state. The site is a pedestrian plaza located across from the Evergy building, providing a space for reflection in the middle of the city. The initiative highlights a broader push to make mental health resources visible and accessible in public life.
Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis is encouraged to contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. This service operates 24 hours a day to provide support. Officials hope the mural helps sustain the conversation about youth well-being long after its installation.