Improving Trauma-Informed Residential Care for Youth

Camber Mental Health Kansas City – a youth residential mental treatment campus in Wyandotte County – recently hosted a special art dedication ceremony. The event honored longtime licensed clinical social worker Lynn Kaufman, who served children and families for more than 25 years. To continue that legacy, the Kaufman family gave a $1 million lead gift to improve access to residential mental health treatment for youth in crisis and strengthen the therapeutic environment at Camber Mental Health’s Kansas City, Kansas location.

“This campus has been at the heart of my life’s work, and it means so much for our family to give back,” said Lynn Kaufman. “This gift is about helping create more space for children to heal, feel safe and find hope again.”

Lynn Kaufman & Stew Langer, Sculpture Artist

 

 

 

 

 

 

On any given day, an average of 50 Kansas youth are on the statewide waiting list for an available children’s residential mental health treatment bed. Many young people with the most complex needs struggle to find treatment close to home. Camber Mental Health Kansas City has been a leading children’s mental health treatment center since the early 1990’s. Residential care integrates therapeutic programming including art, music, equine-assisted therapy, horticulture, recreation and education. The Kaufmans’ $1 million gift will support further enhancements to this healing environment, helping ensure youth in crisis have access to safe, trauma-informed care.

 

 

Throughout her 25-year career at Camber Mental Health, Kaufman supported thousands of children and families navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicidal ideation. Her work is widely recognized for blending clinical expertise with a deeply relational approach grounded in dignity, empathy and healing.

“Lynn’s work is defined by loving kindness in action,” said Jason Hooper, President and CEO of KVC Health Systems. “She has consistently shown up for children in their most difficult moments with patience, presence and deep compassion. That approach has shaped how so many of us think about care.”

Lynn Kaufman and Jason Hooper, President and CEO of KVC Health Systems

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A centerpiece of the art dedication ceremony was the unveiling of an original glass sculpture inspired by The Grump Meter, the emotional regulation tool Kaufman co-created with her daughter Janet. The tool helps children identify and express emotional intensity in simple, developmentally appropriate ways, giving language to feelings that can otherwise feel overwhelming or unmanageable.

The installation, created by Kansas City artist Stew Langer, transforms the concept of the Grump Meter into a vibrant visual artwork that reflects emotional awareness, regulation and growth. It stands as a lasting reminder of the importance of helping children understand their internal experiences with dignity and support.

The art dedication served as both a celebration of Kaufman’s professional legacy and a lasting tribute to her impact on children’s emotional wellbeing through compassionate, relationship-centered care.

About Camber Mental Health

Camber Mental Health provides inpatient and residential mental health treatment for youth and adolescents, focusing on compassionate, evidence-based care. Our team supports individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and the impacts of trauma, helping them stabilize and build the skills needed for long-term wellbeing. With 24/7 care, therapy and treatment planning, we ensure each person receives the support they need to heal and move forward.

For more information, visit cambermentalhealth.org.