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skills to achieve their

equips children with the

Youth First

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students.

Wow!

47,000+

giving access to…

K–12 schools

107

in

Social Workers

Youth First

78

We place

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Youth First Social Worker

student lives

were touched by a

20,201

Last school year,

Find a Youth First Social Worker

Our mission is to strengthen youth and families through evidence-based programs that prevent substance abuse, promote healthy behaviors, and maximize student success.

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Our mission is to strengthen youth and families through evidence-based programs that prevent substance abuse, promote healthy behaviors, and maximize student success.

Learn More

Our mission is to strengthen youth and families through evidence-based programs that prevent substance abuse, promote healthy behaviors, and maximize student success.

Learn More

Proven Programs

Youth First partners with schools churches businesses communities local agencies to provide
a menu of proven programs and strategies.

Youth First Social Workers

Family First

Family First Foundations

LifeSkills Training

Reconnecting Youth

In It to Win It

News

Recharge Your Brain with Downtime

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By Deena Bodine, LCSW – Updated July 7, 2022 – As a Youth First Social Worker, I have been fortunate to facilitate several Reconnecting Youth programs with small groups of high school students. One semester, the group I was working with selected some inspirational “pay it forward” activities to complete. One of the activities involved […]

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Benefits of Outdoor Play

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By Jenna Kruse, LSW – June 29, 2022 – It’s no secret that there has been a great shift in the types of activities that children prefer. According to the Child Mind Institute, the average American child spends 4 to 7 minutes a day in unstructured play outside, while spending over 7 hours a day […]

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Parenting with Grace

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By Heather Miller – June 22, 2022 – Author Jill Churchill once wrote, “There’s no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one.” Before having children, I had many ideas of what I would and would not do as a mom. I would limit screen time, offer healthy […]

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Important Tips for Raising Inclusive Children

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By Brooke Skipper, LCSW – June 15, 2022 – Most of us are familiar with the unpleasant feeling of being excluded. In order to raise children who celebrate diversity and include others, we need to be comfortable starting conversations about differences. These conversations don’t have to be scary! Children are innately open-minded and seek honest […]

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United Way of Southwestern Indiana Invests in Improving Mental Health Care Access

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Evansville, IN – United Way of Southwestern Indiana (UWSWI) is thrilled to announce an investment of $400,000 into improving local mental health care access for low-income residents. The Mental Health Pathway Grant is the first funding opportunity for mental health services since UWSWI shifted its focus to address root causes of poverty and help families […]

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Latest News

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What Youth First supporters say

“I feel it is vitally important to have availability and access to Youth First Social Workers in all the schools and in as many youth programs as possible. It literally saved my daughter’s life and provided me with a sounding board and a helping hand during the rough patches when I didn’t know where to turn.”

“You make my heart feel good.”

“Today, our youth face so many more pressures. Add to that the rise in poverty, drugs, pressure to grow up too quickly, social media, family issues, and it should come as no surprise that many children need help. They need that trusted third party with whom they can converse, vent, and ask advice. They need Youth First.”

“Mrs. C., when I talk to you I feel brave.”

“Over the last twenty years, Youth First has taken a firm stance in our community on behalf of young people. They have demonstrated significant leadership in helping to improve many of the serious substance abuse issues in our city and region, all while enhancing our most important assets…young people and strong families. I believe we should all invest in their future through Youth First.”

“Mrs. A., if people can be safe places, you’re my safe place.”

“Vectren believes in Youth First’s mission because its progress should result in a healthier and safer community by addressing some of the most costly problems such as drug abuse and graduation rates. Their very successful focus on students’ success in school should also contribute to a higher quality workforce. We believe our contribution advances a very strong partnership between Youth First and the local schools.”

“Youth First’s multifaceted programming comprehensively addresses both youth and their families – among the most important targets for the Welborn Baptist Foundation. Through their school-based social workers and other prevention and early intervention resources, Youth First is tackling risk factors like substance abuse and family conflicts, using evidence-based programming models and a deep understanding of our community.”

“My child’s Youth First Social Worker Tiffany Harper was like a second mother/best friend to her. She was able to tell her things she was afraid to tell me, because she didn’t want me to worry. Ms. Harper contacted me when things got very bad and I was able to get my daughter the intensive treatment she needed at that time. If Ms. Harper hadn’t been there, I can’t imagine what would have happened. I don’t want to imagine. I’m so thankful for Youth First Social Workers!”

Send us a message to learn more about Youth First programs

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How You Can Support Local Youth

Be a part of our life-changing work by donating, volunteering, or sponsoring an event!

Donate Volunteer

A generous donor wants to ensure our future is bright with a matching gift opportunity. If we raise $100,000 each year for the next 10 years, it will be matched by this donor!