Laura Arrick is a firm believer in the power of making positive connections with students. Ever since she started with Youth First as an intern, she was hooked! She currently provides support to students at Evansville Day School and Signature School in Vanderburgh County.

Each day, Laura strives to build meaningful relationships with students of all ages. Laura recalled the story of a particularly resilient student who she worked with for three years:

“Her mom passed away from cancer when she was little and she was managing a lot of intense emotions all while being an excellent student and person. She won the Don Mattingly award and has gone on to enroll in the Social Work Program at USI. Love that she wants to pass it on and help others! I also really enjoy connecting with my students later on when they’ve grown up and have their own adult lives and their own families. It is always so rewarding to see them grow and mature and live successful and healthy lives.”

Laura says she loves her job because of the work environment and culture that Youth First provides.

“I have always been shown respect and been supported from my bosses from day one and that makes such a difference. Working in a school also has its benefits with the school schedule and having young children I enjoy being able to spend time with them.  It has been such an honor to work for an organization so determined to be a positive impact on our community and its youth. It makes me more hopeful for my own children. I am forever grateful to work for an organization that values and champions its employees.”