Spencer County

in

Youth First

Donate

Our mission is to strengthen youth and families by providing evidence-based programs that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and maximize student success.

What Spencer County says about Youth First

“I first became aware of Youth First in December of 2019. As I learned more about the dramatic impact in the lives of our students who are being helped by Youth First’s approach to early intervention and the notion that one adult with a caring word and approach can make a difference, I became an advocate for Youth First and a champion to grow their services to Lawrence County, specifically Mitchell Schools.”

“We all know many students come to school carrying burdens like poverty, family substance abuse, grief, depression, and anxiety. These kids are more likely to struggle in and out of school without access to the proper coaching. Building resilience in those children is a wise investment because they are tomorrow’s leaders and workforce.”

“Many of us can’t fathom what our young people face, but the anonymous stories we’re hearing already and the referrals that are being made just during the first few weeks of the school year have the opportunity to be life-changing for our students. We have to be open to making sure our youth and their families retain Youth First’s valuable service.”

“We’ve been saying that we’re getting help in the wrong area. We’ve got kids that go through trauma that many of us can’t imagine. You can’t move the needle on academics if you ignore these issues.”

 “Mitchell Community Schools knew we needed a Youth First Mental Health Professional but we didn’t fully realize how much until she was here working with the students, staff, and community. She is able to connect our students and families to resources in our community and plays a major part in the success of some of our most struggling students.”

“Whether it is poverty, homelessness, addictions, or mental health issues – having a Youth First Mental Health Professional in our schools to support our young people is invaluable.  Youth First is committed to caring for the mental health and welfare of K-12 students in our community – and we proudly support their mission.”

“Youth First is a great fit for our Lawrence County community.  The counseling services and programs for students and their families that they provide in our schools are essential for the continued and future success of our students and their families.  Hobson Auto Group is pleased to support Youth First.”

Spencer County Partners

 

Youth First Partner Schools

County Advocates

Label 1Label 2Label 3
Zac BawelLinda BawelKevin Smith
Ed ColeJenna Bieker JonesBecky Beckman

Spencer Calendar

No event found!

Spencer News

Creating a Positive Relationship with Motivation

, ,
By Yolanda Vidal, MA, LMHC, ATR - February 11, 2026 - Motivation is often misunderstood as a personality trait, something you either have or you do not. In reality, motivation is a psychological state that fluctuates based on emotional…

Expressing Emotions in a Healthy Way

, ,
By Hannah Gill, MSW, LSW - February 4, 2026 - When working with teens and discussing emotions, I often give an analogy of sand in a jar. In this analogy, the sand is our emotions. We can put the sand in the jar and stuff it down, but…

The Real Cost of Saying “Girl Drama” and “Boys Will Be Boys”

, ,
By Amy Back, MSW, LSW, Youth First, Inc. One thing I’ve learned from working with children and families is that the language we use matters. The words we choose — often in the heat of the moment — help shape how kids see themselves,…

Our Mission

Youth First’s mission is to strengthen youth and families by providing evidence-based programs that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and maximize student success.

Youth First exists to strengthen and transform the lives of young people and their families. Youth First Mental Health Professionals provide specialized mentoring and caring support to students in partnering schools, readily available to assess and address students, family and school needs. Youth First prevention programs give kids the readiness, resiliency, and relationship skills needed to face life’s challenges.

Youth First in
Spencer County

To book a speaker, support, donate, volunteer, or advocate for Youth First in Spencer County, contact Regional Development Officer Carla Webb.

Find out more about Youth First Mental Health Professionals available in Spencer County

Our Mission

Our mission is to strengthen youth and families by providing evidence-based programs that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and maximize student success.

Youth First exists to strengthen and transform the lives of young people and their families. Youth First Mental Health Professionals provide specialized mentoring and caring support to students in partnering schools, readily available to assess and address students, family and school needs. Youth First prevention programs give kids the readiness, resiliency, and relationship skills needed to face life’s challenges.

Youth First in Spencer County

To book a speaker, support, donate, volunteer, or advocate for Youth First in Spencer County, contact Regional Development Officer Carla Webb.

Find out more about Youth First Mental Health Professionals available in Spencer County.

Our Mission

Our mission is to strengthen youth and families by providing evidence-based programs that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and maximize student success.

Youth First exists to strengthen and transform the lives of young people and their families. Youth First Mental Health Professionals provide specialized mentoring and caring support to students in partnering schools, readily available to assess and address students, family and school needs. Youth First prevention programs give kids the readiness, resiliency, and relationship skills needed to face life’s challenges.

Youth First in Spencer County

To book a speaker, support, donate, volunteer, or advocate for Youth First in Spencer County, contact Regional Development Officer Carla Webb.

Find out more about Youth First Mental Health Professionals available in Spencer County.