Youth First Receives $40,000 Award from CenterPoint Energy Foundation
EVANSVILLE, IN – Youth First is celebrating CenterPoint Energy Foundation for investing in Indiana youth. The organization recently awarded $40,000 to Youth First, Inc. to strengthen the mental health and well-being of students at 12 Youth First partner schools in Vanderburgh County.
This significant gift from CenterPoint Energy Foundation, along with funding from other sources, will enable Youth First to provide its school-based student assistance program and family and community prevention programs at Academy for Innovative Studies, Central High School, Daniel Wertz Elementary School, Dexter Elementary School, Fairlawn Elementary School, Harrison High School, McGary Middle School, New Tech Institute, North High School, FJ Reitz High School, Tekoppel Elementary School, and Washington Middle School.
Amanda Schmitt, CenterPoint Foundation Manager, says: “This gift is part of our commitment to seeing communities thrive and seeing students reach their potential. We are so honored to partner with organizations like Youth First to ensure the success of all our students — regardless of the challenges they may face.”
Youth First offers an array of prevention programs and mental health services to help with emotional, behavioral, and academic issues that youth, families, and communities may be experiencing in today’s world. The organization embeds highly trained mental health professionals in school buildings, partnering with 130 schools across 14 Indiana counties.
Youth First President & CEO Holli Sullivan shared, “Young people are navigating increasingly complex challenges in today’s world. That’s why accessible support and early prevention are more important than ever. Youth First provides core services and programs in schools and communities that elevate student potential and better prepare youth to face life’s challenges, lead productive lives, and be an active part of a thriving community. We are grateful for our partnership with CenterPoint Energy Foundation, allowing us to strengthen futures for kids and families.”
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About Youth First, Inc.:
Youth First, Inc. is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening youth and families. Youth First provides prevention programs and over 100 highly trained mental health professionals (primarily master’s level social workers), parent engagement coordinators, and bilingual support personnel who assess needs, develop and implement prevention plans, and connect students and their families to vital resources in 130 schools across 14 Indiana counties. Over 55,000 youth and families per year are served by Youth First’s school-based student assistance program and community programs that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and maximize student success. To learn more about Youth First, visit youthfirstinc.org or call 812-421-8336.
Pictured in photo (L to R):
Courtney Lander, Foundation Specialist, CenterPoint Energy
Amanda Schmitt, Manager, Foundation and Community Relations North, CenterPoint Energy
Christy Walker, Vice President of Development, Youth First, Inc.
Taylor Houchin, Director of Development, Youth First, Inc.
