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Goals & Dreams

skills to achieve their

equips children with the

Youth First

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students.

Wow!

40,000+

giving access to…

K–12 schools

105

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

Self-Regulation for Parents

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By Shannon Loehrlein, LCSW – January 19, 2022 – Being a parent is hard. I can say this is 100 percent true from my own personal experience with a seven-year-old and a two-year-old. Parenting is a job that offers no pay, little appreciation, and no time off. It’s a 24/7 job. Who in their right […]

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Ring in the New Year with Self-Care

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By Camryn Cater, MSW – January 14, 2022 – When traveling by plane, we have all heard flight attendants tell us that in an emergency you should put an oxygen mask on yourself before putting it on your child. This is to ensure the adult’s safety so they can take care of the child accompanying […]

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Coping with a Cancer Diagnosis

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By Katherine Baker, LCSW, LCAC – January 6, 2022 – During my time as a Youth First Social Worker, I have worked with many students impacted by cancer. This school year has been no exception, as I was diagnosed with breast cancer myself in July 2021. Here are a few ideas you may find helpful […]

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D-Patrick Ford Donate and Drive Event – January 2022

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Drive a brand new Ford and give back to Youth First! During the month of January, D-Patrick’s Evansville Ford Dealership will donate $10 to Youth First for every test drive. Visit their Evansville Ford Dealership online! Please set a date this month and invite the family to test drive for Youth First!

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Smoothing Transitions for Your Child

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By Kelly McClarnon, LCSW – December 29, 2021 – Christmas break is underway! As a Youth First Social Worker, I have met with several students who have difficulty transitioning back to the classroom after weekends and school breaks. My observation is that many of these kids also struggle with feelings of anxiety. The pandemic has […]

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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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For more information about Youth First’s programs and services, please provide your name, email address and a brief message about the nature of your inquiry.  We’ll get your contact info to the appropriate person and get back with you as soon as possible.

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!