Tag Archive for: awards

6th Annual Warrick County Cares

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I CARE Awards Breakfast   

To be held Friday, May 10th, 8:30-9:30 am

Newburgh Chandler Public Library, 4111 Lakeshore Dr., Newburgh

The 6th annual Warrick County Cares (WCC) I CARE Awards Breakfast will be held to honor organizations, youth and individuals that go above and beyond to serve the Warrick County community and contribute to the well-being of its citizens.

Nominees were collected from around Warrick County in three different categories: Organization, Individual, and Youth, along with Coalition Member of the Year.  WCC coalition members chose the awardees. 

Nominees

Organization:

  • Castle High School Riley Dance Marathon
  • Logan’s Promise
  • Optimal Rhythms, Access Academy

Youth:

  • Mayce Wangler, Boonville Middle School student
  • Hadley Mayes, Boonville High School student

Individual:

  • Michael Perry, Warrick County Prosecutor
  • Brad Schneider, Superintendent – Warrick County School Corporation
  • Carrie Roelle, Volunteer – Sharon Elementary School, Attorney at Kahn, Dees, Donovan, and Kahn
  • Jeff Valiant, Elberfeld Town Councilman

County youth will present “Through The Eyes of Youth,” A Photovoice Project, in conjunction with Purdue Extension.

The media is invited to attend the breakfast and awards ceremony.

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Youth First Honors Students and Educators at Annual Fundraiser

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Youth First’s Passport to Adventure Auction, presented by Edward Jones, was held at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Evansville on Thursday, April 11, 2019. Guests enjoyed a live and silent auction, program and awards reception. The awards reception was sponsored by Deaconess Health System.

Young people and supporters who have benefitted from or advocated for Youth First’s programs and services were honored.

The Don Mattingly Youth First Award was launched in 2012 to salute young people who share his strengths. Don, an Evansville native, New York Yankees legend, and current Miami Marlins Manager, embodies many winning characteristics, including:

  • A Winning Attitude
  • A Commitment to Self-Improvement
  • A Strong Work Ethic
  • Overcoming Adversity in Life
  • A Commitment to Help Others Succeed

Each year, Youth First Social Workers and staff nominate young people who exhibit these qualities, and a committee of community leaders carefully reviews the applications. This year, the Don Mattingly Youth First Award was presented to middle school student Ian Simmons of St. Joe Catholic School and high school student Brittney Willis of Pike Central High School.

The Carol Lynch Award Honoring Advocates is named for Founding Board Member and past Board Chair Carol Lynch, who has championed the organization since 1998. Joely Yaser, a junior at New Tech Institute, was named this year’s winner. She has been a frequent and impactful spokesperson for Youth First ever since she benefitted from the support of her Youth First Social Worker at Thompkins Middle School.

The Steve Fritz Award Honoring Educators celebrates Youth First Champion and past Youth First Board Chair Steve Fritz, a long-time teacher, coach, administrator, and mentor in the EVSC. This award honors outstanding educators who value and champion Youth First programs and services. Dr. Shane Browder, principal of Plaza Park International Prep Academy, was named the first-ever recipient of this award.

Proceeds from the evening will be used to fund Youth First’s school social work services and prevention programs available to students and their families at no charge across 10 Indiana counties.

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Dr. William Wooten Honored with Sagamore of the Wabash

Youth First Founder Dr. William Wooten was recently awarded one of Indiana’s highest honors. At the Emerald Gala celebrating Youth First’s 20th anniversary on April 21, 2018, Dr. Wooten was designated a Sagamore of the Wabash by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb. 

Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch announced the award in a video tribute, and it was then presented by Youth First President & CEO Parri O. Black and Youth First Board Member Carol Lynch. 

“Dr. Wooten has literally saved thousands of lives through the founding of Youth First. It was no easy task in a world searching for quick fixes, but he knew Youth First must be a coordinated, collaborative, comprehensive, regional and sustained effort in order to fight substance abuse and related concerns like suicide, self-harm, child abuse, violence and other traumatic childhood experiences,” said Lynch. 

A former family physician and director of a treatment center, Dr. Wooten founded Youth First in 1998 because he saw a growing number of young people with complex substance use and behavioral health disorders. Feeling there was a gap in prevention services in our area, he rallied community leaders and worked to positively address the problem and help young people succeed. 

Over the last 20 years, Dr. Wooten’s concern for young people and dream of a better approach to prevention has resulted in an organization that has become a trusted partner in Indiana and is now a model for the rest of the state. 

The Sagamore of the Wabash honorary award was created during the term of Governor Ralph F. Gates, who served as Indiana Governor from 1945 to 1949. Conferred upon Indiana citizens who have contributed greatly to Hoosier heritage, the award has been given to astronauts, presidents, ambassadors, musicians, scientists, politicians and others. 

About Youth First, Inc.:
Youth First’s mission is to strengthen youth and families through evidence-based programs that prevent substance abuse, promote healthy behaviors, and maximize student success. Youth First partners with 58 schools across 7 counties to provide 39 Master’s level social workers who assess needs, develop and implement prevention plans, and connect students and their families to community resources. Youth First also offers afterschool programs involving parents and caregivers to strengthen families. For more information about Youth First, please visit www.youthfirstinc.org or call 812-421-8336. 

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Youth First’s 20th Anniversary Emerald Gala Raises Record Funds

A record $342,000 was raised from the Emerald Gala Celebrating Youth First’s 20th Anniversary, held at Tropicana’s Riverfront Pavilion on Saturday, April 21, 2018. Nearly 500 guests enjoyed a live auction, program, formal dinner and dancing. The Emerald Gala, sponsored by Edward Jones, celebrated Youth First’s supporters and impact over the years and set the stage for the organization’s future endeavors. 

The Passport to Adventure Preview and Awards Reception, presented by Romain Cross Pointe Auto Park, was held on Thursday, April 19, 2018. The event was hosted by Hot 96’s Claire Ballard. Guests previewed and placed bids on silent auction items, and young people who have benefitted from Youth First’s programs and services were honored. 

The Don Mattingly Youth Award was presented to middle school student Alicia Phillips of Pike Central Middle School and high school student Michaela McGregor of Signature School. The Carol Lynch Advocate of Youth First Award winner was Ethan Barrera of Harrison High School/Virtual Academy EVSC. Toyota Indiana sponsored the Awards Reception. 

Proceeds will be used to fund Youth First’s school social work services and prevention programs available to students and their families across southwest Indiana at no charge. Youth First would like to thank all of the generous event sponsors, donors, volunteers and attendees for your support of these two 20th anniversary celebrations. 

About Youth First, Inc.: Youth First’s mission is to strengthen youth and families through evidence-based programs that prevent substance abuse, promote healthy behaviors, and maximize student success. Youth First partners with 59 schools across 7 counties to provide 39 Master’s level social workers who assess needs, develop and implement prevention plans, and connect students and their families to community resources. Youth First also offers afterschool programs involving parents and caregivers to strengthen families. For more information about Youth First, please visit www.youthfirstinc.org or call 812-421-8336.

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Youth First Unveils 20th Anniversary Celebrations

Youth First, Inc. hosted a ribbon cutting on Thursday, February 1st unveiling its 20th anniversary celebrations. The year ahead will include an anniversary edition of the organization’s signature auction, an awards reception, and a celebratory gala. These events will honor the community that has stepped forward to support Youth First over the years and serve as a springboard for the organization’s future endeavors.

Featured speakers at the unveiling included Dr. William Wooten, Youth First founder; Carol Lynch, Youth First Board Member; Jim Back, Edward Jones Financial Planner; and Parri Black, Youth First President & CEO. The Southwest Indiana Chamber marked the occasion with an anniversary ribbon cutting and light refreshments were served.

The organization will highlight the Edward Jones Emerald Gala celebrating Youth First’s 20th anniversary on April 21, 2018, at Tropicana’s Riverfront Pavilion. Limited sponsorships and tickets are available. The gala features an anniversary edition of Youth First’s Passport to Adventure auction as well as a formal dinner, dancing, and other entertainment. This event commemorates Youth First’s 20th anniversary by honoring all of the supporters who continue to protect and heal the hearts of youth and families.

Prior to the gala, Youth First will host an auction preview and awards reception presented by Romain Cross Pointe Auto Park on April 19, 2018, at Tropicana’s Riverfront Pavilion. All are welcome to preview auction items at this reception which will also honor young people who have benefitted from Youth First’s programs and services. This event is open to the public and free to attend. The winners of the Don Mattingly Youth Award and the Carol Lynch Advocate of Youth First Award will be named.

About Youth First, Inc.: Youth First’s mission is to strengthen youth and families through evidence-based programs that prevent substance abuse, promote healthy behaviors, and maximize student success. Youth First partners with 59 schools across 7 counties to provide 39 Master’s level social workers who assess needs, develop and implement prevention plans, and connect students and their families to community resources. Youth First also offers afterschool programs involving parents and caregivers to strengthen families. For more information about Youth First, please visit www.youthfirstinc.org or call 812-421-8336.

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Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch Named 2017 Champion of Youth First

Youth First, Inc. honored Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch at its 10th Annual Breakfast of Champions event on Tuesday, October 17th at St. Vincent Manor in Evansville. Crouch received the Dr. William Wooten Champion of Youth First Award at the event, sponsored by German American. With over 300 attendees, the organization celebrated its hundreds of donors, supporters and volunteers in addition to recognizing Crouch. 

Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke proclaimed October 17, 2017, as “Suzanne Crouch, Champion of Youth First, Day.” 

Through her public service career and personal pursuits, Lt. Governor Crouch has focused on improving opportunities for Hoosiers. Having witnessed Youth First’s continued success strengthening youth and families, Suzanne became a champion for expanding the organization’s evidence-based prevention model. 

Breakfast of Champions attendees enjoyed remarks from Gov. Eric Holcomb, Youth First President & CEO Parri O. Black and Founder Dr. William Wooten, as well as friends and family of Lt. Gov. Crouch. 

“It’s all about investing in our future, and our young people are our future. They’re our greatest asset here in the state of Indiana, and Governor Holcomb and I want to work alongside Youth First to ensure that we are protecting and helping our young people so we can take Indiana to the next level,” said Crouch. 

About Youth First, Inc.:
Youth First’s mission is to strengthen youth and families through evidence-based programs that prevent substance abuse, promote healthy behaviors, and maximize student success. Youth First partners with 59 schools across 7 counties to provide 39 Master’s level social workers who assess needs, develop and implement prevention plans, and connect students and their families to community resources. Youth First also offers afterschool programs involving parents and caregivers to strengthen families. For more information about Youth First, please visit www.youthfirstinc.org or call 812-421-8336.

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