Tag Archive for: Morgan County

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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Hobson Auto Group Supports Youth First with 3-Year Gift

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Donation to Provide Mental Health Support and Substance Misuse Prevention for Lawrence and Morgan County Youth

“Let our family take care of your family” are words that ring very true for Hobson Auto Group Owner & President Jeff Hobson when it comes to caring about his community. That’s why he wanted to ensure years of support for Youth First, Inc. with a multi-year donation that supports the organization’s programs and services in local schools.

Hobson Auto Group has invested in the health and well-being of Lawrence and Morgan County youth and families by putting in place a $2,000 donation for the next three years. The total amount of $6,000 was celebrated at a check presentation held on June 12 at one of Hobson’s Bedford dealerships. The funds being donated to Youth First, Inc. provide mental health support and substance misuse prevention through their school-based student assistance program.  

Hobson says, “Youth First is a great fit for our community. The services and programs 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.”

Youth First partners with school districts across Indiana to embed mental health professionals in school buildings, where they become specialized mentors for students and prevention coaches for parents and teachers. Youth First Mental Health Professionals build caring relationships, foster readiness for positive change, and boost resiliency along with equipping students with valuable life skills. Their presence also contributes to a healthier and safer school environment.

Among the Hobson Auto Group stores are Hobson Chevrolet Buick GMC in Martinsville, Hobson Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Bedford, and Hobson Ford in Bedford. Hobson is committed to its foundation of strong family values and unparalleled customer service.

This gift demonstrates a thriving community partnership and highlights the vital need to equip young people with mental health supports and positive influences. 

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Kendrick Foundation Awards $100,000 to Youth First

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

The Kendrick Foundation continues to invest in the health and well-being of Morgan County youth and families. A grant award of $100,000 was recently presented to Youth First, Inc. to provide mental health support and substance misuse prevention.  

The Kendrick Foundation invests in conditions that support the physical and mental health of all Morgan County residents and is leading health initiatives to address mental health, substance misuse, physical activity and nutrition.

Keylee Wright, Executive Director of the Kendrick Foundation, states, “We are more committed than ever to providing additional mental health services, resources and supports to our communities, schools, families, and youth during this unprecedented time of need. Since 2018, the Kendrick Foundation has invested in Youth First programs, and we continue to see results. We are truly grateful for the work of Youth First and the support of our Morgan County schools to make these vital programs and services more accessible for our youth and families.”

The grant to Youth First will allow for continued mental health support for students in selected Martinsville and Mooresville schools. Youth First partners with 125 schools across 14 Indiana counties to embed prevention programs and over 90 skilled mental health professionals (primarily master’s level social workers) in school buildings, where they provide extra 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 supports for students.

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Kendrick Foundation Awards $61,476 to Youth First for Morgan County Youth

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Kendrick Foundation has awarded $61,476 to Youth First, Inc. to strengthen the mental health and well-being of students in Morgan County.

The grant will allow continued support for students at Bell Intermediate Academy in Martinsville and Paul Hadley Middle School in Mooresville. Youth First partners with 107 schools across 13 Indiana counties to embed skilled social workers in school buildings, where they become specialized mentors for students and prevention coaches for parents and teachers. Youth First Social Workers 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 supports for students.

“Since 2018, the Kendrick Foundation has invested in Youth First programs,” stated Keylee Wright, Kendrick Foundation Executive Director, “and we are seeing results. Last year, Youth First Social Workers managing caseloads in two Morgan County middle schools achieved 100% follow through on student referrals for outside mental health support, and the spring Strengthening Families program facilitated by Youth First saw seven families (26 participants) achieve 100% completion of the 10-week program.”

Youth First President & CEO Parri O. Black stated, “Our children are growing up in a complex and challenging world that puts them at greater risk for substance use, suicide, violence and harmful behaviors, and the stress of the pandemic will affect the mental health of our youth for years to come. The continued investment of the Kendrick Foundation is critical to achieving Youth First’s mission of cared-for kids. Working together, we can provide Morgan County youth with the support and coping tools needed to become thriving adults.”

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