KDADS to Unveil 'Your Future Matters More Than You Know' Mural in Downtown Topeka to Promote Teen Suicide Prevention

TOPEKA - The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), community partners, state and local leaders, and mural artist Phil "Sike Style" Shafer will gather on Wednesday, September 9, to unveil "Your Future Matters More Than You Know," a new public mural in downtown Topeka dedicated to youth mental health awareness and teen suicide prevention.

Commissioned by KDADS and funded through the Garrett Lee Smith (GLS) Grant, the mural is intended as a permanent visual reminder of hope and the importance of supporting young people facing mental health challenges.

"The message behind this mural is simple yet powerful: your future matters, and you are not alone," KDADS Behavioral Health Services Commissioner Drew Adkins said. "By bringing this message into a public space, we hope to spark conversations, strengthen connections, and remind young people across Kansas that support is available."

The ceremony will include remarks from state and local leaders, including Adkins, Shafer, City of Topeka Councilwoman Karen Hiller, and KDADS Garrett Lee Smith Project Manager Brooklynn Sumonja.

Shafer, widely recognized throughout the Midwest for vibrant public murals created for nonprofit organizations and community revitalization projects, brings a colorful, highly visible expression of hope to downtown Topeka.

The "Your Future Matters More Than You Know" project reflects Kansas's statewide commitment to youth mental health and suicide prevention. Organizers hope the mural will inspire hope, encourage young people to seek help when needed, and reinforce the message that every young person has value and a future worth protecting.

Kansans in crisis, or anyone concerned about a young person, can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which is available 24 hours a day.

Media Opportunities

Members of the media are invited to attend the unveiling and may take advantage of the following opportunities:

• Interviews: The artist and local leaders will be available for one-on-one interviews both before and after the ceremony.
• B-roll: Ribbon-cutting, podium remarks, close-ups of the completed artwork, and wide shots of the mural in its downtown setting.
• Photo opportunity: Ribbon-cutting and group photos with the artist, the mayor, and other key stakeholders.

Event Details

WHAT: Public ribbon-cutting and unveiling of the "Your Future Matters More Than You Know" mural

WHEN: Wednesday, September 9, 2026 | 10-11 a.m.

WHERE: 815 S. Kansas Ave., Topeka, KS 66612
Brick-paved pedestrian plaza in front of the building on S. Kansas Ave., across from the Evergy Building

PARKING: Ample 2-hour street parking is available on both sides of the 800 block of South Kansas Ave. A parking garage is available at 8th and Kansas Avenue, Crosby Place Public Parking.

For more information or questions regarding the event, please contact: