Our Mission
Our mission is to strengthen youth and families through evidence-based programs that prevent substance abuse, promote healthy behaviors, and maximize student success.
Youth First exists to strengthen and transform the lives of young people and their families. Youth First Social Workers 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
Daviess County
To book a speaker, support, donate, volunteer, or advocate for Youth First in Daviess County, contact Janay Sharp, Regional Development Officer.
Find out more about Youth First Social Workers available in Daviess County










Helping Your Child Transition to High School
Counties, Youth First BlogBy Valorie Dassel, LCSW, LCAC The transition from elementary or middle school to high school can come with a wave of emotions for both students and parents. Often there is excitement surrounding the new environment, both socially and academically. Anxiety is also commonly experienced among incoming freshmen. These anxieties often stem from social and academic […]
Getting Back into the Groove of School
Counties, Youth First BlogBy Christine Weinzapfel-Hayden, LCSW – July 29, 2022 – I know you feel it. The new school year is looming. A new school year always comes with a variety of emotions, excitement, nervousness, and dread (Looking at you, common-core math…). One of the hardest things about starting a new school year is settling kids into […]
Regulating Stress Responses
All Posts, Counties, Youth First BlogBy Kacie Shipman, LSW – July 20, 2022 – Children and adults may react to stress in different ways. Trauma and stress can cause the brain to feel challenged or threatened, and the part of the brain that reacts is often on high alert. Our instinct is to protect ourselves, often by fleeing, fighting, or […]