Tag Archive for: media release

Youth First to Honor Carol Lynch as 2026 Dr. William Wooten Champion

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Long-time Youth First advocate Carol Lynch has been selected to receive the 2026 Dr. William Wooten Champion of Youth First Award. Lynch will be recognized at Youth First’s Annual Breakfast of Champions event, presented by German American Bank, on October 27, 2026, at Friedman Park Events Center in Newburgh. Named in honor of Youth First’s founder Dr. William Wooten, the Champion of Youth First Award recognizes leading advocates whose generosity and commitment to Youth First’s mission have made a lasting impact on the organization and the lives of countless young people.
A former educator and founding board member, Carol Lynch has been a steadfast supporter of Youth First for 29 years, championing the organization’s efforts to expand access to free, effective prevention programming and mental health services. Through her dedication to helping young people elevate their potential by equipping them with coping skills, Lynch has advanced Youth First’s presence and impact in Southwest Indiana.
“Carol has been an extraordinary force throughout Youth First’s history,” said Youth First President & CEO Holli Sullivan, “Her belief in the power of the next generation of leaders inspires us to invest in opportunities that make a proven difference in young lives. We are honored to recognize Carol and are deeply grateful to German American Bank for serving as our presenting sponsor and investing in stronger futures for our communities.”
The Breakfast of Champions is a signature Youth First event that celebrates collaboration between community leaders, partners, and supporters. For information about attending or sponsoring the Breakfast of Champions, visit youthfirstinc.org/breakfastofchampions or contact Youth First Events & Volunteer Coordinator, Amanda Redenbaugh at aredenbaugh@youthfirstinc.org.
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Youth First Receives $40,000 Award from CenterPoint Energy Foundation

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EVANSVILLE, IN – Youth First is celebrating CenterPoint Energy Foundation for investing in Indiana youth. The organization recently awarded $40,000 to Youth First, Inc. to strengthen the mental health and well-being of students at 12 Youth First partner schools in Vanderburgh County.

This significant gift from CenterPoint Energy Foundation, along with funding from other sources, will enable Youth First to provide its school-based student assistance program and family and community prevention programs at Academy for Innovative Studies, Central High School, Daniel Wertz Elementary School, Dexter Elementary School, Fairlawn Elementary School, Harrison High School, McGary Middle School, New Tech Institute, North High School, FJ Reitz High School, Tekoppel Elementary School, and Washington Middle School.

Amanda Schmitt, CenterPoint Foundation Manager, says: “This gift is part of our commitment to seeing communities thrive and seeing students reach their potential. We are so honored to partner with organizations like Youth First to ensure the success of all our students — regardless of the challenges they may face.”

Youth First offers an array of prevention programs and mental health services to help with emotional, behavioral, and academic issues that youth, families, and communities may be experiencing in today’s world. The organization embeds highly trained mental health professionals in school buildings, partnering with 130 schools across 14 Indiana counties.

Youth First President & CEO Holli Sullivan shared, “Young people are navigating increasingly complex challenges in today’s world. That’s why accessible support and early prevention are more important than ever. Youth First provides core services and programs in schools and communities that elevate student potential and better prepare youth to face life’s challenges, lead productive lives, and be an active part of a thriving community. We are grateful for our partnership with CenterPoint Energy Foundation, allowing us to strengthen futures for kids and families.”
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About Youth First, Inc.:
Youth First, Inc. is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening youth and families. Youth First provides prevention programs and over 100 highly trained mental health professionals (primarily master’s level social workers), parent engagement coordinators, and bilingual support personnel who assess needs, develop and implement prevention plans, and connect students and their families to vital resources in 130 schools across 14 Indiana counties. Over 55,000 youth and families per year are served by Youth First’s school-based student assistance program and community programs that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and maximize student success. To learn more about Youth First, visit youthfirstinc.org or call 812-421-8336.

Pictured in photo (L to R):
Courtney Lander, Foundation Specialist, CenterPoint Energy
Amanda Schmitt, Manager, Foundation and Community Relations North, CenterPoint Energy
Christy Walker, Vice President of Development, Youth First, Inc.
Taylor Houchin, Director of Development, Youth First, Inc.

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Community Good Grants Awarded to Youth First, Inc.

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Grants to Provide Mental Health Support for Vanderburgh and Warrick County Students

June 10, 2026

(Evansville, IN) Youth First is celebrating a $10,000 Community Good Grant from the Vanderburgh Community Foundation and a $15,000 Community Good Grant from the Warrick County Community Foundation. This funding will strengthen the mental health and well-being of students in 32 Youth First partner schools in Vanderburgh County and 13 Youth First partner schools in Warrick County.

These grants will enable Youth First to provide its school-based student assistance program and family and community prevention programs to help students build valuable life skills and healthy mindsets as they grow into thriving adults and enter the workforce.

Youth First embeds highly trained mental health professionals in school buildings and partners with over 130 schools across 14 Indiana counties. Youth First Mental Health Professionals build caring relationships, promote healthy choices, foster readiness for positive change, and boost resiliency, along with other valuable life skills.

“Every grant we make is a testament to the power of local philanthropy,” said Alysia Rhinefort, Community Impact Director. Our donors make it possible for the Community Foundation to invest in organizations like Youth First that are improving lives and strengthening our community. We are honored to steward these resources and help turn generosity into meaningful impact.”

Youth First President & CEO Holli Sullivan shared, “Our kids and families are dealing with busier schedules, greater stress and more complex challenges than ever. That’s why it’s so important to have easy access to skilled mental health support and prevention programs in school buildings, where students, parents, and teachers can take full advantage of it. We are grateful for a partnership with the Community Foundation to build strong futures for kids.”

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About Youth First, Inc.:

Youth First, Inc. is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening youth and families. Youth First provides prevention programs and over 100 highly trained mental health professionals (primarily master’s level social workers), parent engagement coordinators, and bilingual support personnel who assess needs, develop and implement prevention plans, and connect students and their families to vital resources in 130 schools across 14 Indiana counties. Over 55,000 youth and families per year are served by Youth First’s school-based student assistance program and community programs that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and maximize student success. To learn more about Youth First, visit youthfirstinc.org or call 812-421-8336.

About the Community Foundation:

The Community Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to strengthen communities, today and for generations to come. Since its founding, the Foundation has directed nearly $80 million in grants to local nonprofits, supported scholarships for students, and invested in programs that make the region stronger, healthier, and more resilient. As a trusted convener and philanthropic leader, it works alongside donors, nonprofits, civic partners, and community members to address shared challenges and create lasting impact across Southwest Indiana.

 

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Ascension St. Vincent Evansville Awards $20,000 to Youth First

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Grant to Provide Mental Health Support and Substance Misuse Prevention for Youth in Evansville Catholic Diocese Schools

[Evansville, IN] Youth First, Inc. is celebrating a $20,000 grant award from Ascension St. Vincent Evansville for Youth First mental health services and prevention programs in partner schools throughout the Catholic Diocese of Evansville.  

The check presentation was hosted at Mater Dei High School to represent the 27 Youth First partner schools in the Catholic Diocese of Evansville. Youth First’s impactful work would not be possible without tremendous support from community partners like Ascension St. Vincent Evansville.

Ascension’s mission of delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to those most vulnerable, aligns with Youth First’s mission of strengthening youth and families by providing evidence-based programs that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and maximize student success.

Alex Chang, Ascension President, South Region, says, “Ascension St. Vincent’s collaboration with Youth First strengthens the safety net around students in the Evansville Catholic Diocese. By supporting Youth First’s mental health services within the parochial schools, this partnership ensures that young people have the guidance, resources, and encouragement they need to thrive—academically, emotionally, and spiritually.”  

The grant to Youth First will allow for continued mental health support for students in partner Catholic Diocese of Evansville schools. Across its service footprint, Youth First partners with 130 schools in 14 Indiana counties to embed substance misuse prevention programs and over 100 skilled mental health professionals (primarily master’s level social workers) in school buildings, where they provide caring mental health support for students and prevention coaching for parents and teachers. Youth First Mental Health Professionals build caring relationships, foster readiness for positive change, and boost resiliency, along with other valuable life skills.

Youth First’s positive work and strategies are driving growth, with more schools seeking their valuable expertise to address the growing need for mental health support for students. As Mater Dei High School Principal Darin Knight says, “For the past 25 years, Mater Dei has been truly blessed by the support Youth First has provided our students. Valorie Dassel, LCSW, LCAC, has faithfully served as our Youth First Mental Health Professional, positively impacting hundreds—if not thousands—of students through her expertise and compassion. From mental health challenges to family struggles and substance abuse, she helps our students navigate real-world issues and develop the values and resilience they need for adulthood. We are deeply grateful to community partners like Ascension for recognizing the importance of these programs in our Catholic schools and continuing to support Youth First.”

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Community Foundation of Morgan County Awards $10,000 to Youth First

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Grant to Provide Mental Health Support for Morgan County Students

Youth First is celebrating the Community Foundation of Morgan County (CFMC) for investing in Morgan County youth and families. CFMC recently awarded $10,000 to Youth First, Inc. to strengthen the mental health and well-being of students in Youth First partner schools Bell Intermediate Academy, Martinsville High School, Paul Hadley Middle School, and Mooresville High School.   

This grant will enable Youth First to provide its school-based student assistance program and family and community prevention programs to help students build valuable life skills and healthy mindsets as they grow into thriving adults.  

Youth First embeds highly trained mental health professionals in school buildings and partners with 130 schools across 14 Indiana counties. Youth First Mental Health Professionals build caring relationships, promote healthy choices, foster readiness for positive change, and boost resiliency, along with other valuable life skills.

Kim Cole, President of the Community Foundation of Morgan County, stated: “Community Foundation of Morgan County is proud to support Youth First and their mission of helping our youth. Now more than ever, we need these front-line mental health professionals in our schools. We know the grant dollars will be put to great use. Thank you, Youth First, for your commitment to Morgan County!” Youth First President & CEO Holli Sullivan shared, “Our kids and families are dealing with busier schedules, greater stress and more complex challenges than ever. That’s why it’s so important to have easy access to skilled mental health support and prevention programs in school buildings, where students, parents, and teachers can take full advantage of it. We are grateful for a partnership with the Community Foundation of Morgan County to build strong futures for Morgan County kids.”

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Tim Hollander Named 2025 Champion of Youth First

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EVANSVILLE, IN – Youth First honored long-time advocate Tim Hollander at its 2025 Breakfast of Champions, presented by Toyota Indiana, on Tuesday, October 21, at Friedman Park Event Center in Newburgh. Hollander received the Dr. William Wooten Champion of Youth First Award. Hollander’s tireless passion for helping young people recognize their full potential has made him a distinguished community leader who values education, a strong workforce, and thriving families.

Hollander, an Evansville native, currently serves as President of Toyota Canada. Before assuming this position, he was President of Toyota Indiana and General Manager of Toyota West Virginia. He is a former Youth First Board Member and currently serves on the Youth First Advisory Council.

“Tim’s passion for Youth First is both evident and infectious. Youth First cares for people; they empathize with others and their perspectives to act with kindness and compassion and improve their well-being. At Toyota, we call that the Toyota way. Respect for people and continuous improvement are the foundation of Toyota and are at the core of all we do…These principles that are so intrinsic for Toyota can be seen in the values of Youth First,” said Jason Puckett, President, Toyota Indiana. 

In 2023, Tim was instrumental in championing Youth First as a partner in the Driving Possibilities initiative with Toyota USA Foundation, deepening Youth First services in Gibson and Vanderburgh County schools.

In addition to recognizing Hollander, the organization celebrated its donors, school partners, and volunteers, with over 300 guests in attendance. Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry proclaimed October 21, 2025, as “Tim Hollander, Champion of Youth First Day.”

Along with his service to Youth First, Tim has served on numerous boards while at Toyota Indiana. Most recently, he served on the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership, Evansville Regional Business Council, Southwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, University of Southern Indiana Board of Trustees, and Signature School Foundation.

Youth First partners with school districts across Indiana, embedding licensed master’s level mental health professionals in school buildings and providing family programs in communities. Youth First’s presence contributes to healthier, safer, and more vibrant schools and communities.

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Franciscan Health Foundation Awards $10,000 to Youth First

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Grant to Provide Expanded Mental Health Support and Substance Misuse Prevention
for Morgan County Youth

March 18, 2025 –

Franciscan Health Foundation, through their Social Impact Partnership Program (SIPP), has awarded $10,000 to Youth First, Inc., to invest in the health and well-being of Morgan County youth and families. The award will provide mental health support and substance misuse prevention through social work services and prevention programs at Mooresville High School and Paul Hadley Middle School.   

The Social Impact Partnership Program seeks to partner with community organizations in an effort to improve health and well-being. By working towards meaningful and sustainable change, community residents will be empowered to take better care of themselves and their families.

Danielle Crowder, Director, Franciscan Health Community Health Improvement, states:
“Franciscan Health is eager to partner with Youth First, Inc. for our Ministry’s 2024-2025 Social Impact Partnership (SIPP) cycle. Aligning Morgan County youth and families with mental wellness protective factors to reduce and heal generational trauma is one of our Ministry’s top priorities. We look forward to collaborating with Youth First, Inc. to create a healthier Morgan County for years to come.”  

The grant to Youth First will allow for continued mental health support for students in selected Martinsville and Mooresville schools. Youth First partners with 126 schools across 14 Indiana counties to embed prevention programs and over 100 skilled mental health professionals (primarily master’s level social workers) in school buildings, where they provide caring mental health support for students and prevention coaching for parents and teachers. Youth First Mental Health Professionals 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 effective prevention of negative outcomes for young people. The organization’s positive work and strategies are driving growth, with more schools seeking Youth First’s help to address the growing need for mental health support for students.

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Youth First Announces Holli Sullivan as New President & CEO

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February 24, 2025 –

The Board of Directors of Youth First, Inc. has named Holli Sullivan as the new President & CEO. Following an extensive search process, Sullivan will assume her new role beginning May 12 and succeed Parri Black, who retires from Youth First in May after 21 years of leadership.

Sullivan’s qualifications and skillset, along with her passion for Youth First’s mission, will be an asset to the agency. Sullivan is a dynamic and visionary leader with diverse experience in both the public and private sectors. Sullivan joined the Youth First Board of Directors in 2023 and has been an advocate of Youth First’s work for over a decade, championing for the agency’s student assistance program and mental health services at the state level.  

Sullivan joins a thriving organization; Youth First has experienced tremendous growth since 1998. Founder Dr. Bill Wooten’s dream was to strengthen youth and families, and today Youth First has grown into one of Indiana’s largest nonprofits with a mission of promoting mental health, preventing substance misuse, and maximizing school success. The agency has over 130 employees and is dedicated to caring for students, building strong families, and transforming communities. Youth First’s programs and services are available to over 53,000 students in 126 partner schools across 14 Indiana counties.

Sullivan will be charged with leading Youth First in fulfilling its mission, collaborating with its Board of Directors to set strategic direction and ensure effective operations, while building and leading a high-performing, mission-focused team.

With a background in engineering, Sullivan has led manufacturing teams, implemented quality standards, and fostered continuous improvement and operational excellence at General Motors Corporation and Toyota Motor Manufacturing. Sullivan served as Indiana State Representative from 2014-2021 and Indiana Secretary of State from 2021-2022. Additionally, Sullivan is an entrepreneur, consulting in communications and public affairs to lead clients in strategic planning, board collaboration, fundraising, and building sustainable partnerships.

“We are thrilled to welcome Holli as Youth First’s new President & CEO. She is passionate about public service and committed to the care and support Youth First provides to kids and families. She will ensure our employees, donors, and community partners are aligned as we look ahead to the next 25 years,” says Board of Directors Chair Dan Hoefling.

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