Dennis Lamey Named 2024 Champion of Youth First

, , ,

November 6, 2024

Youth First, Inc. honored community leader and long-time Youth First advocate Dennis Lamey at its 2024 Breakfast of Champions event, presented by German American, on Tuesday, October 29, at Friedman Park Event Center in Newburgh. Lamey received the Dr. William Wooten Champion of Youth First Award.

In addition to recognizing Lamey, the organization celebrated its donors, school partners, and volunteers with over 300 guests in attendance.

Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry proclaimed October 29, 2024, as “Dennis Lamey, Champion of Youth First Day.”

Lamey is an Evansville native and is a driving force behind Youth First’s growth and development, serving as a long-time advocate and Youth First Board Member. He has contributed to Youth First in every way imaginable over the years, from participating in the Family First program with his wife and sons to leading fundraising efforts, volunteering at events, and serving as Chair of the Youth First Board of Directors. Lamey retired from Norman Backues/CLA as Executive Vice President in 2016. Over the years, Lamey has also generously contributed his time, talent, and treasure to a wide range of philanthropic causes in Evansville. 

Lamey and his wife, Catherine, have been married for over 30 years and have two sons, Patrick and Robert, and a daughter-in-law, Becca.

Breakfast of Champions attendees enjoyed remarks from Ken Hall, Youth First Board Chair-Elect and Operations Readiness Manager, Major Projects, Kaiser Aluminum Warrick; Father Bernie Etienne, Pastor, Holy Rosary Catholic Church; Lindsay Botsch, Market President, German American; Jeff Happe, President, Happe & Sons Construction, Inc.; Charles Cameron, Senior Vice President Strategic Initiatives, First Southern Bank; Joe Suding, Retired Executive, United Fidelity; Mike Blake, Host of Midday with Mike, 14 News WFIE;  Dan Hoefling, Youth First Board Chair and Community Volunteer; Parri O. Black, Youth First President & CEO; Dr. William Wooten, Youth First Founder, as well as Lamey’s wife Catherine and sons, Patrick and Robert. 

B

/by

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

, , ,

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.

/by

Basin Material Handling Supports Youth First

, , , ,

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. 

/by

Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation Awards $10,000 to Youth First

, , , ,

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.

###

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.

/by

Hobson Auto Group Supports Youth First with 3-Year Gift

, , ,

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. 

/by

Benefit Auction Supports Kids and Features Exciting Adventures and Items

, , ,

h

Thursday, April 25, 5 – 9 pm CT, Bally’s Riverfront Pavilion, Evansville

Youth First impacts thousands of students each year, and the community is invited to help by supporting its benefit auction. The unique experiences and items available at Youth First’s 22nd Annual Passport to Adventure Auction will no doubt attract music, sports and travel enthusiasts to Evansville’s Bally’s Riverfront Event Center on Thursday evening. This in-person event features vacations, themed baskets, artwork, jewelry, designer bags, home décor, and gift certificates. The public and media are invited to attend.

This exciting evening will feature a meaningful program and a live and silent auction, along with an awards ceremony that honors youth, supporters, and educators who have benefitted from or advocated for Youth First. Admission is FREE and delicious hors d’oeuvres will be served. For those who cannot attend in person, mobile bidding is available.

Fans of unique experiences, sports, music, and more will enjoy:

  • Florida Vacation Stays – Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral and Orlando
  • Charlie Daniels autographed fiddle and memorabilia
  • Weekend Stays – Rough River and Lake Barkley
  • Pangea Kitchen Pizza Making Experience
  • Wilde Horticulture – Landscaping or Seasonal Decorating Package
  • Jayson Munoz Food Truck Party
  • Just Rennie’s 5-Course Dinner with Don & Lori Mattingly in the Tuscan Wine Room
  • Azzip Pizza for a Year PLUS a Lifetime Discount
  • Theme Park, Museum and Zoo Tickets and other Family Fun
  • Themed Baskets and Restaurant Gift Certificates
  • Kate Spade, Coach, and Michael Kors Designer Handbags, Sunglasses, Jewelry and much more for her!
  • Lainey Wilson Concert Tickets with Airbnb Stay
  • Signed Sports Memorabilia and Golf Packages
  • Artwork and Home Decor

The annual benefit auction, presented by Edward Jones, is Youth First’s largest fundraising event and directly supports Youth First’s mission of cared-for kids. Youth First offers evidence-based community programs and school-based mental health support free of charge. This school year, over 52,000 students in 125 partner schools across 14 Indiana counties have access to highly trained Youth First Mental Health Professionals, who equip young people with caring relationships, resilience, and readiness for success.

For more information about the Passport to Adventure Auction or to RSVP or place an online bid, please visit youthfirstinc.org/auction or call 812-421-8336.

/by

Kendrick Foundation Awards $100,000 to Youth First

, , , ,

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.

/by

Best-One Tire and Service Presents Check for $3,540 to Youth First

, , ,

Youth First Benefiting from the Best-One Employee Contribution Program   

Best-One Tire and Service will present a check for $3,540 to Youth First on Thursday, April 11, at 10:30 am. The presentation occurs at Best-One’s Evansville location at 1241 Tutor Lane just off Burkhardt Rd. Near Walmart East. Representatives from Best-One will present the check to representatives from Youth First.

The donation will serve programs in Vanderburgh County & Gibson County in Indiana and Henderson County in Kentucky. 

All members of the media are welcome. News coverage is requested.  

Youth First, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization based in Evansville, Indiana, and serves Indiana youth and families. Youth First exists to transform and strengthen the lives of young people and their families. It is the only organization that provides Masters-level social workers in area schools and prevention programs for youth and families. On-site, free-of-charge behavioral health services and programs prevent substance abuse, improve family relationships, and develop life skills.

Best-One Tire & Service now has locations throughout Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Kansas, and Missouri. Best-One has remained on the leading edge of the automotive industry while maintaining low prices. Best One’s Indiana stores are in Newburgh, Vincennes, Princeton, and Evansville. Illinois stores are in Breese, Harrisburg, and Robinson. Kentucky has locations in Owensboro, Madisonville, and Henderson. Missouri has a Best One store in St. Louis.

/by

Bob and Judy Griffin Named 2023 Champions of Youth First

, , ,

Youth First, Inc. honored community philanthropists Bob and Judy Griffin at its 2023 Breakfast of Champions event on Tuesday, October 24 at Friedman Park Event Center in Newburgh.

Bob and Judy received the Dr. William Wooten Champions of Youth First Award at the event, sponsored by German American. In addition to recognizing the Griffins, the organization celebrated its donors, school partners, and volunteers with approximately 300 guests in attendance. 2023 marks Youth First’s 25th anniversary which was highlighted at the event as well.

Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke proclaimed October 24, 2023 as “Bob and Judy Griffin, Champions of Youth First Day.”

These role models in business and philanthropy inspire others to invest in children, families, and the future workforce by serving as advocates of Youth First’s mission.

Bob and his business partners built Evansville-based Escalade, Inc. to become a leader in the manufacturing of sports equipment for archery, table tennis, billiards, and more. An Illinois native with degrees from Notre Dame and Northwestern Universities, Bob is also a strong supporter of local higher education institutions, the University of Southern Indiana, and the University of Evansville.

Judy is also devoted to serving others, especially children, so that they reach their full potential no matter their circumstances. An Evansville native, Judy is a graduate of Mater Dei High School and Indiana University and holds a Master’s degree in education from UE. In addition to teaching, she studied art and psychology, ran a popular Newburgh tearoom, and has served on several nonprofit Boards, including Youth First’s.

Bob and Judy are the proud parents of four and grandparents of eleven.  

Breakfast of Champions attendees enjoyed remarks from Dan Hoefling, Youth First Board Chair-Elect and President, KOCH Finishing Systems; Very Rev. Alex Zenthoefer, Diocese of Evansville Vicar General; Lindsay Botsch, German American Market President; David Bower, President, USI Foundation; Kevin Hammett, President & CEO, Regency Properties; Sr. Anne Catherine Burleigh, O.P., Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Vicaress General; Patrick Griffin, son and Vice President, Escalade, Inc., Lauren Kaiser, Youth First Board Chair and Chief Human Resource Officer, Tri-State Orthopaedics; Parri O. Black, Youth First President & CEO; Dr. William Wooten, Youth First Founder, as well as family and friends of the Griffins.

/by

Ascension St. Vincent Evansville Awards $17,000 to Strengthen Kids

, , ,

Grant to Support Youth First Services in Diocese of Evansville Catholic Schools

Ascension St. Vincent Evansville has awarded $17,000 to Youth First, Inc. for vital services and programs in Diocese of Evansville Catholic schools.

Youth First’s purpose is to strengthen the mental health and well-being of young people so they can live safe, healthy, and productive lives. This year 86 Youth First Social Workers and Mental Health Professionals, along with evidence-based prevention programs, are embedded in 119 schools across 12 Indiana counties and accessible to over 50,000 students, their parents and caregivers.

Ascension St. Vincent Evansville’s gift will help provide service to 24 Catholic schools across five counties, including 13 in Vanderburgh County.

The U.S. Surgeon General, American Academy of Pediatrics, and others have declared a national youth mental health crisis, as suicide rates and drug overdoses have soared in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Youth First’s data since the start of the pandemic mirrors the national concerns. Over the last several school years, Youth First’s caseload data reflected a 58 percent increase for suicide risk, an 84 percent increase in interventions for immediate behavioral concerns, and a 73 percent increase in teacher/staff consultations, with a growing number of educators seeking support for their own stress as well as their students’ needs.

Youth First embeds mental health professionals, primarily master’s level, licensed social workers, in schools to serve as specialized mentors for students and prevention coaches for parents and teachers. They also coordinate with community partners to connect students and families to resources and services. They 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 preventing addiction, suicide, violence, and similar outcomes for young people. The organization’s positive outcomes are driving growth, with more schools seeking Youth First’s help to address the mental health needs of students and best equip them for success. Youth First services are free for students and families thanks to funding partners like Ascension St. Vincent Evansville.  

/by