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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Deaconess Health System Awards $17,500 to Youth First

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EVANSVILLE, IN – Youth First is celebrating Deaconess Health System for investing in Indiana youth. The organization recently awarded $17,500 to Youth First, Inc. to strengthen the mental health and well-being of students in Youth First partner schools across Gibson, Posey, Vanderburgh and Warrick counties.

This significant gift from Deaconess, 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.  

“Deaconess Health System believes in making a positive difference in the lives of our patients, families, employees and community. We support Youth First because positive outcomes show their mental health professionals and prevention programs are truly building more healthy, resilient kids,” stated Jackie Stinson-Smith, Deaconess Health System’s Chief Administrative Officer and Behavioral Health Center of Excellence Systems Director.

Youth First embeds highly trained mental health professionals in school buildings, partnering with 125 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.

Youth First President & CEO Parri Black 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 continued partnership with Deaconess Health System to build strong futures for Indiana kids.”

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D-Patrick Ford/Lincoln presents a $2,500 donation check to Youth First

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“D-Patrick Ford Cares” continues its support of local charities and positive causes.

D-Patrick Ford/Lincoln presented a check for $2,500 to Youth First on Friday, March 21, at 3 pm. The presentation was at the D-Patrick Ford/Lincoln dealership, located at 1100 Walnut Street just south of the Highway 41/Lloyd Expressway Interchange. General Manager Peter O’Daniel and General Sales Manager Cody Staffelbach from D-Patrick Ford/Lincoln were present the check to representatives from Youth First.

Each month, as a part of its ongoing ‘D-Patrick Ford Cares’ program, D-Patrick Ford/Lincoln selects a local charity or community enhancement organization to support. It then awards $2,500 to the organization in support of its programs.

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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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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

Ascension St. Vincent Evansville has awarded $20,000 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 social work services and prevention programs in over 20 Catholic Diocese of Evansville schools.

Ascension St. Vincent Evansville is dedicated to advancing compassionate, patient-centered care within their statewide ministries. Charitable contributions from supporters fund programs and projects focused on holistic care that extends beyond traditional healthcare services, allowing new ways to improve outcomes and create positive experiences for those served.

Alex Chang, Ascension President, South Region, states: “We recognize the vital importance of mental health support for students in the Evansville Diocese, particularly at school, where our youth spend so much of their time. Through our support of Youth First, we are not only addressing the immediate needs of these young individuals but also helping to foster a community of compassion, resilience, and understanding.”

The grant to Youth First will allow for continued mental health support for students in selected Catholic Diocese of Evansville 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 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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CenterPoint Energy Foundation to Award $100,000 to Youth First, Inc.

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Gift to Provide Mental Health Support for Students at Youth First Partner Schools in Vanderburgh, Posey, and Gibson Counties

Youth First is celebrating CenterPoint Energy Foundation for investing in Indiana youth. The organization will award $100,000 to Youth First, Inc. to strengthen the mental health and well-being of students in eight Youth First partner schools across Gibson, Posey, and Vanderburgh counties.

In attendance will be EVSC Superintendent Dr. David Smith, Washington Middle School Principal DeVon Simon, EVSC Youth First Social Worker Molly Johnson, MSW, LSW, CenterPoint Foundation President Amanda Schmitt, CenterPoint Senior Community Engagement Specialist Patricia Jackson, and Youth First President & CEO Parri Black, along with others.

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 Washington Middle School and McGary Middle School (Vanderburgh County), North Elementary School and West Elementary School (Posey County), and Wood Memorial High School, Wood Memorial Middle School, Wood Memorial Intermediate School, and Wood Memorial Primary School (Gibson County).

Youth First embeds highly trained mental health professionals in school buildings, partnering with 125 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.

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