Grain Processing Corporation Awards $10,000 to Youth First, Inc.

Gift Supports the Social and Emotional Needs of Students in Daviess, Martin & Pike Counties

In a presentation on August 16, Grain Processing Corporation (GPC), Washington, Indiana, committed $10,000 to Youth First, Inc. to strengthen the social and emotional well-being of students in Daviess, Martin and Pike counties. GPC is a subsidiary company of Kent Corporation, headquartered in Muscatine, Iowa.
This school year, Youth First is partnering with 78 schools in 10 Indiana counties to embed 57 Master’s level 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 other valuable life skills.
Research shows these protective factors are the keys to preventing addiction, suicide, violence, and similar outcomes for young people. The organization’s positive outcomes are driving growth, with more schools seeking Youth First’s help to address the growing social and emotional needs of students.
“When we first heard about the presence of Youth First in our local schools and the positive work they were doing, it was an easy decision to get on board with our support,” said John Dudenhoeffer, Plant Manager. “Youth First social workers are in nearly all of the area schools where GPC employees’ children or grandchildren attend. This is one way that we can help support those families and the many challenges facing our youth today.”
The positive outcomes of Youth First are driving growth across the area, with more schools seeking the organization’s help to address the growing social and emotional needs of students.
Youth First President & CEO Parri O. Black stated, “Our children are growing up in a complex and challenging world that puts them at greater risk for substance use, suicide, violence and harmful behaviors. GPC’s investment is critical to achieving Youth First’s mission. We are so grateful for their continuing support. Working together, we can protect and heal the hearts of more young people and their families in Daviess, Martin and Pike counties.”