Tag Archive for: news release

Hype Hop Dance Fitness Hosts Movin’ for Mental Health on June 28

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EVANSVILLE, IN – The community is invited on Saturday, June 28 to Movin’ for Mental Health, a one-hour group exercise class presented by Hype Hop Dance Fitness. This high-energy, interactive, calorie-scorching dance party takes place at Bosse Field, and proceeds will benefit Youth First’s mission to transform lives and improve communities by strengthening youth and families.

Registration on-site begins at 10 am CT, and the event runs from 10:30-11:30 am CT. Cost is $10 for adults; kids are free (18 and under). Registration includes the Hype Hop class and a Youth First t-shirt. Vendor booths and concessions will be on-site.

Hype Hop Dance Fitness is celebrating its one-year anniversary with this spectacular community event in collaboration with Youth First. Promotions for the event kicked off in May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month. Together, Hype Hop and Youth First want to raise awareness of mental health issues and reduce the stigma of seeking help. The event is family-friendly and open to the public.

Hype Hop Creator & CEO Makenzie Hart says, “We are excited to be celebrating our one-year anniversary and raising awareness for mental health. Physical health and mental health go hand in hand. Youth First is committed to helping students and families build healthy mindsets, and Hype Hop is committed to people being confident in their skin and having an absolute blast while moving their bodies. With this collaboration, we hope to see the entire community getting hype together!”

To learn more and register in advance, go to: https://www.hypehopdancefitness.com/specialevents.

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City of Boonville Awards $50,000 to Youth First

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Youth First is celebrating the City of Boonville for investing in Warrick County youth. The city recently awarded $50,000 to Youth First, Inc. to strengthen the mental health and well-being of students in Youth First partner schools Loge Elementary and Oakdale Elementary in Boonville, IN.

This significant gift, approved from opioid settlement funds, 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, partnering with 126 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.

Ashley Underwood, Youth First Mental Health Professional at Loge Elementary, stated: “It means so much to me that the City of Boonville values the programs and services Youth First is providing for students at Loge Elementary School. I see the difference mental health support makes for kids every day. It truly is something that every school needs. I’m so happy I can be there for our students, celebrating their wins on good days and helping them overcome obstacles on bad days.”

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 in school buildings, where students, parents and teachers can take full advantage of it. We are grateful for a partnership with the City of Boonville to build strong futures for Warrick County kids.”

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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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City of Washington Awards $10,000 to Youth First

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March 7, 2025 –

Gift to Provide Mental Health Support for Students at Washington Community Schools and Washington Catholic Schools

Youth First is celebrating the City of Washington for investing in Daviess County youth. The city recently awarded $10,000 to Youth First, Inc. to strengthen the mental health and well-being of students in Youth First partner schools in the Washington Community School Corporation and Washington Catholic Schools.

This significant gift from the City of Washington, along with funding from other sources, 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. 

Kevin Frank, Superintendent of Washington Community Schools, stated: “On behalf of our schools, I sincerely thank Mayor Rhoads and the City of Washington town council for its generous financial support to help fund our Youth First Social Workers. This investment in our students’ well-being will make a lasting impact, ensuring they receive the social and emotional support they need to thrive.”

Youth First embeds highly trained mental health professionals in school buildings, partnering with 126 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.

“It is very important to have Youth First in our schools and to be able to provide assistance to students, which is truly valuable to both the student and the community. The City of Washington is glad to invest in our students’ future success,” said David Rhoads, Mayor, City of Washington.

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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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Gribbins Specialty Group Awards $15,000 to Youth First

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

Gribbins Specialty Group has awarded $15,000 to Youth First, Inc. to invest in the health and well-being of youth and families. The award will provide mental health support and substance misuse prevention through student support services and prevention programs in area schools.

Megan Knoll, Gribbins Specialty Group’s Vice President of Operations, states: “In addition to the importance of mental health support for students in our area schools, Youth First is dedicated to providing important messaging for parents and caregivers to have crucial conversations with their children. Through our team’s support of Youth First, we are helping create stronger young people who will someday become part of our workforce and community.”

Youth First partners with 125 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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United Way of Daviess County Awards $16,000 to Youth First

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Gift to Provide Mental Health Support and Substance Misuse Prevention for Daviess County Youth

United Way of Daviess County is investing in K-12 youth with a $16,000 grant awardpresented to Youth First, Inc. “United Way of Daviess County’s investment in Youth First helps fulfill both our visions of strong, healthy communities,” says Youth First Regional Development Officer Jeremy Adams.

The grant will allow for mental health supports through Youth First’s student assistance services and prevention programs available to approximately 3,352 students in Daviess County partner schools, including Barr-Reeve Elementary School, Barr-Reeve Middle/High School, North Daviess Junior/Senior High School, Washington Catholic Elementary School, Washington Catholic Middle/High School, Washington High School, Washington Junior High School, and Washington Primary School. 

Data from 2024 County Health Rankings shows that young people in Daviess County are faced with county-level concerns that put them at a higher risk for substance misuse and other risky behaviors. For example, 17% of adults report excessive drinking, there is a drug overdose rate of 34 per 100,000 residents, and there is a suicide rate of 10 per 100,000 people. Data also indicates a Mental Health Provider shortage in Daviess County, with one provider to 1,150 residents (per 100,000), which is double the state average of one to 500.


Youth First addresses these issues by placing highly trained mental health professionals, primarily master’s-level social workers, in Daviess County schools, at no cost to students or their families, where they are equipped with evidence-based strategies to help young people navigate life’s challenges without turning to risky behaviors or self-harm.

Youth First Mental Health Professionals build caring relationships, foster readiness for positive change, and boost resiliency along with other valuable life skills. They also coordinate with community partners to connect students and families to resources and services.

Zella Taylor, CEO & Executive Director of United Way of Daviess County, says: “We are thankful for organizations like Youth First. Our youth have limited access to mental health resources, and Youth First helps bridge that gap by working alongside school staff, the students and their parents to prepare for a successful life by building resiliency and positive coping skills. Youth First is unique in their approach to meeting students where they are and serving them in their time of need.”

If you would like to know more about Youth First’s work in Daviess County, please contact Jeremy Adams, Regional Development Officer, at jadams@youthfirstinc.org or 812-887-0587, or visit our website at youthfirstinc.org/daviess.

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Basin Material Handling Supports Youth First

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

Basin Material Handling has invested in the health and well-being of Lawrence County youth and families by donating $1,000 to Youth First, Inc. A check presentation held on June 10 at the company’s Mitchell, Indiana facility celebrated the gift. The funds help provide mental health support and substance misuse prevention through Youth First’s school-based student assistance program.  

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.

Mark Suvac, President of Basin Material Handling, states, “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.”

Formed in 2015 through the merger of Steeltech Partners and VCI, Basin Material Handling has become a recognized leader in providing innovative racking and fabrication solutions to automotive and industrial customers. This charitable support 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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Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation Awards $10,000 to Youth First

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Grant to Provide Mental Health Support and Substance Misuse Prevention for Daviess and Martin County Youth

The Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation continues to invest in the health and well-being of Daviess and Martin County youth and families. A grant award of $10,000 was recently presented to Youth First, Inc. to provide mental health support and substance misuse prevention through their school-based student assistance program.   

The Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation, the charitable giving partner of Perdue Farms, awards grants to 501(c)(3) organizations that benefit communities where large numbers of their associates live and work and focuses on strengthening communities in the following areas: agriculture and the environment, education, fighting hunger and poverty, health and social services, and public safety.

The grant is part of Perdue Farms’ Delivering Hope To Our Neighbors® outreach focused on improving quality of life and building strong communities.

“At Perdue, we are committed to enhancing the communities where our associates live and work,” said Sara Norfolk, complex human resource manager for Perdue Farms in Washington. “We are proud to continue to invest in Youth First’s program to make sure no child falls through the cracks when it comes to mental health care.”

The grant to Youth First will allow for continued mental health support for approximately 4,350 students in 11 Daviess and Martin County 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), bilingual support personnel, and parent engagement coordinators in school buildings, where they provide extra mental health support for students and prevention coaching for parents and teachers.

Youth First Founder Dr. Bill Wooten was present at the check presentation and shared why he started the organization: “It was important to me that all children receive this type of support so they remain healthy, hopeful and focused on school.”

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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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, to 126 schools across 14 Indiana counties. Over 52,000 youth and families per year are served by Youth First’s school-based student assistance 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 Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation
The Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation, the charitable giving arm of Perdue Farms, was established in 1957 by company founder Arthur W. Perdue and is funded through the estates of Arthur W. Perdue and Frank Perdue. As part of our belief in supporting the communities where and with whom we do business, the Foundation provides grants on behalf of Perdue Farms in communities where large numbers of our associates live and work. At Perdue Farms, we believe in responsible food and agriculture®.

About Perdue Farms
We’re a fourth-generation, family-owned, U.S. food and agriculture company. Through our belief in responsible food and agriculture, we are empowering consumers, customers, and farmers through trusted choices in products and services.

The premium protein portfolio within our Perdue Foods business, including our flagship PERDUE® brand, Niman Ranch®, Coleman Natural®, and Yummy®, as well as our pet brands, Spot Farms® and Full Moon®, is available through various channels including retail, foodservice, club stores and our direct-to-consumer website, PerdueFarms.com. 

Perdue AgriBusiness is an international agricultural products and services company.  

Now in our company’s second century, our path forward is about getting better, not just bigger. We never use drugs for growth promotion in raising poultry and livestock, and we are actively advancing our animal welfare programs. Our brands are leaders in no-antibiotics-ever chicken, turkey, pork, beef, and lamb, and in USDA-certified organic chicken and beef. Learn more at Corporate.PerdueFarms.com.

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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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