Home Bank Awards $15,000 to Youth First, Inc.
Gift Supports the Social and Emotional Needs of Morgan County Students
Home Bank has awarded a $15,000 gift to Youth First, Inc. to strengthen the social and emotional well-being of students in Morgan County. The funds will help Youth First protect and heal the hearts of children through its highly impactful model of prevention.
For the second year in a row, Youth First’s prevention services and evidence-based programs are embedded in Martinsville and Mooresville schools. Youth First Social Workers at Bell Intermediate Academy and Paul Hadley Middle School are working to 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. Statewide, Youth First is partnering with 80 schools across 10 counties to place 59 Master’s level social workers in school buildings, where they become specialized mentors for students and prevention coaches for parents and teachers.
“Our children are growing up in an increasingly complex and challenging world that puts them at greater risk for substance use, bullying, social media abuses, and other harmful behaviors,” said Parri O. Black, President & CEO of Youth First, Inc. “We are so thankful for Home Bank’s investment, which is critical to furthering Youth First’s mission in Morgan County. Working together, we can strengthen more young people and their families.”
If you would like to know more about Youth First’s work in Morgan County, please contact Becky Jessmer, Regional Development Officer, at bjessmer@youthfirstinc.org or (812)322-8123. Donations designated for Youth First services and programs in Morgan County may be made online at youthfirstinc.org/morgan or by mail to 111 SE Third Street, Suite 405, Evansville, IN, 47708.
