AstraZeneca Awards $10,000 to Youth First

In a presentation on October 25, AstraZeneca awarded $10,000 to Youth First, Inc. to strengthen the mental health and well-being of students in Posey County.

Femi D-Etti, Vice President and General Manager at AstraZeneca’s Mt. Vernon site, says, “We are committed to partnering in the communities where we live and work. We are grateful for the opportunity to support Youth First and the important work they do in schools to improve the health of young people.”

Youth First partners with school districts across Indiana to embed social workers in school buildings, where they become specialized mentors for students and prevention coaches for parents and teachers. Youth First Social Workers build caring relationships, foster readiness for positive change, and boost resiliency along with equipping students with valuable life skills. Their presence also contributes to a healthier and safer school environment.

Youth First Social Workers are coaching kids to thrive. Research shows that when equipped early in life with the protective factors that combine to create resilience, young people can successfully navigate the increasingly complex world that awaits them as adults. Long term, communities will benefit from a healthier, happier, more employable workforce.

“AstraZeneca’s mission to deliver life-changing medicines parallels Youth First’s mission to change lives by strengthening the mental health of youth. Together, AstraZeneca and Youth First are helping youth and families face life’s current challenges and emerge with resilient mindsets and real hope for the future. We are grateful to AstraZeneca for this grant that allows Youth First to sustain critical mental health supports for Posey County kids,” says Youth First Vice President of Philanthropy Julie Hoon.

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