What Vanderburgh County says about Youth First
I was talking to a 7-year old student about “safe places” and where to go if she is ever afraid. The little girl–her big brown eyes filled with emotion–said, “Miss Austin, if people can be safe places, you’re my safe place.”
You make my heart feel good.
I feel it is vitally important to have availability and access to Youth First Social Workers in all the schools and as many programs as possible. It literally saved my daughter’s life and provided me with a sounding board and a helping hand during the rough patches when I didn’t know where to turn.
When I was in high school, I was dealing with problems at home and I had no interest in school. I was struggling with anxiety, depression and anger. I was making bad decisions until I was referred to my school’s Youth First Mental Health Professional. I don’t think I would have graduated without her support.
“My child’s Youth First Mental Health Professional Tiffany Harper was like a second mother/best friend to her. She was able to tell her things she was afraid to tell me, because she didn’t want me to worry. Ms. Harper contacted me when things got very bad and I was able to get my daughter the intensive treatment she needed at that time. If Ms. Harper hadn’t been there, I can’t imagine what would have happened. I don’t want to imagine. I’m so thankful for Youth First!”
