Since 1982 · Chesterfield & Kansas City, Missouri

A line thrown from shore, for young people in rough water.

The Crossroads Program Support Group is a peer-driven recovery community for people ages 13–25 and their families — grounded in the 12 Steps, and built on the belief that recovery should be something worth getting excited about.

The monkey's fist knot, symbol of The Crossroads Program
1982Serving Missouri families since
13–25Ages served, youth and young adult
2.5 yrsOngoing support available
TwoLocations across Missouri
Our mission

To empower teens, young adults, and their families in recovery from substance use and mental health challenges.

For a young person to gain sobriety, happiness, and self-esteem, recovery must meet the same needs that drugs met. It has to be socially fulfilling. It has to bring mental and emotional relief. It has to be fun.

Guided by the 12 Steps and rooted in Enthusiastic Recovery, we show young people that recovery can be empowering and full of purpose — strengthening families and redefining recovery as something worth getting excited about.

More about our approach

We offer an extended aftercare, enthusiastic 12-step approach — providing initial and ongoing assessments, as well as referrals, to ensure every family finds the right support. That includes two 12-step meetings each week for young people, a weekly support group for parents, sober social activities every Friday and Saturday night, family outings, and positive peer mentorship. Support is available for up to two and a half years.

Through connection, belonging, and community, we strengthen families and help each individual become a healthy, confident, and productive member of society.

What we provide

One community, six kinds of support.

A two-year — sometimes longer — support group for young people ages 13–25 and their parents. Everything below is included.

01

The Support Group

Hour-long, peer-to-peer 12-step meetings facilitated by Crossroads staff, followed by two hours of supervised fellowship. For young people seeking additional support to maintain sobriety, in a positive and safe environment.

Twice weekly · Ages 13–25
02

Parent Support Group

A haven for parents seeking hope and connection for a child ages 13–25 who may be struggling. Built on the 12 Steps, in an environment of shared experience, compassion, and understanding.

Weekly · For parents
03

Sober Social Events

Sports outings, game nights, and dances — an attractive alternative to the using scene, designed to engage young people in safe and enjoyable experiences. Where most lasting friendships begin.

Friday & Saturday
04

Family Outings

Events that bring young people and their parents together outside of a meeting room. Recovery holds better when the whole family is part of it.

Ongoing
05

Assessments & Referrals

Initial and ongoing assessments, with referrals where appropriate, to make certain each family receives the right level of support.

As needed
06

Community Engagement

Educational speaking engagements for schools, churches, and community organizations. Our staff share their personal stories with honesty and humor, making complex topics relatable and accessible.

By request

For current meeting times at the Chesterfield or Kansas City location, call 866-369-7759.

Symbols of sobriety

Three symbols, each one earned.

Thirty days

The Wanna Ball

A round musket ball, carried as a symbol of a commitment to 30 days of sobriety.

The full story

Congratulations on your decision to commit to 30 days of sobriety. To celebrate this milestone, you receive a "wanna ball" — a round musket ball to carry with you as a symbol of your dedication. This tangible reminder helps keep you focused on your journey and reminds you of the strength within you.

One year

The Monkey's Fist

The mariner's knot thrown from ship to shore — and the reason it sits at the center of our logo.

The full story

The monkey's fist is a unique mariner's knot designed for practical use at sea. It features a weighted ball encased within the knot, allowing crew members to throw a line from the ship to the dock. It is the first point of contact between vessel and land, enabling the crew on shore to catch it, secure the line, and pull the ship to safety.

The Crossroads Support Group has adopted the monkey's fist as part of our logo. It represents our commitment to guiding newcomers from the turbulent waters of addiction to the safety of sobriety. The fist is suspended on a piece of leather or paracord and worn as a necklace. When a young person achieves one year of sobriety, they receive a "year's fist" — a monkey's fist made with three hundred and sixty-five braids.

For parents

The Parent Heart

A wooden heart bearing an embossed monkey's fist, worn by parents of recovering young people.

The full story

This wooden heart is more than just a piece of jewelry — it is a symbol of hope and resilience for the parents of recovering young people. The embossed monkey's fist emblem represents the young person who is striving for recovery. Each heart carries the essence of every Crossroads parent's unwavering love and commitment, worn as a reminder of the journey toward healing and support.

May the knot in your gut be replaced by this symbol of hope for the drug abuser embedded in your heart.

Dominic Ryan Buchholz
In loving memory

Dominic Ryan Buchholz

July 30, 2001 — July 29, 2024

Dom envisioned a future where The Crossroads Program expanded into the nonprofit sector, supporting more young people in need of recovery. His life was cut short in a motorcycle accident a day before his 23rd birthday. In the wake of his passing, we felt a profound calling to bring that shared vision to life.

Read Dom's story

Dom had aspirations to become the Lead Counselor of this initiative, and his passion and commitment shone through in every effort he made. Dom's enthusiasm inspired those around him, creating a ripple effect of hope and determination within the community. His unwavering spirit was a beacon for many striving for a brighter future.

Tragically, Dominic's life was cut short just a day before his 23rd birthday, leaving his vision for The Crossroads Program Support Group unfulfilled. His dream of creating a nonprofit to support young people in recovery remains a poignant reminder of his passion and love for others. Although he is no longer with us, the impact he made on those around him continues to inspire and motivate others to carry on his legacy.

Dominic Ryan Buchholz will forever hold a special place in our hearts, inspiring us to honor his legacy. Together, we carry his spirit with us as we pursue this initiative, ensuring that his influence continues to resonate in everything we do.

Make a donation

Every month, families walk into Crossroads looking for hope.

Since 1982, The Crossroads Program has helped young people and their families find freedom from addiction through connection, honesty, and love. Now, as a nonprofit Recovery Community Organization, we provide youth and parent 12-step meetings, sober social events, educational school talks, and family support groups across Missouri. Your donation helps us keep the doors open, the lights on, and hope alive for the next generation.

Where it goes

What your gift supports.

$25

Helps support a weekly meeting

$50

Supports a young person

$100

Supports a family in recovery

$250

Sustains the program week to week

$500

Covers a significant portion of one family's support

$1,000

Community Sponsor

$2,500

Family Sponsor — sponsors five families

$5,000

Program Sponsor

The earlier we invest in a young person's recovery, the greater the return — not just for them, but for their family and the entire community.

From the blog

Notes from the program.

Get in touch

Call now for an appointment.

Services are provided in Chesterfield, Missouri and Kansas City, Missouri for ages 13–25. Reach out and we'll help you find the right starting point.

866-369-7759 Email us
St. Louis area

Chesterfield

626 Cepi Drive
Chesterfield, MO 63005
Call this location
Kansas City area

Kansas City

13860 Wyandotte Street
Kansas City, MO 64145
Call this location