Youth First & Hangers Win $25,000 Grants from State Farm Neighborhood Assist®
Nationwide over 3 million votes were cast in support of favorite causes through the State Farm Neighborhood Assist® program, a crowd-sourced philanthropic process that empowers communities to address issues in their neighborhoods. Thanks to the many supporters who voted, Youth First and Hangers both finished among the Top 40 vote-getters nationwide, with each organization receiving a $25,000 grant.
Youth First will use their grant toward embedding Youth First Social Workers and prevention programs in 12 additional Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC) schools. Youth First partners with 105 schools across 12 Indiana counties to provide skilled social work support and prevention programs that build resiliency and strengthen the mental health of youth.
Hangers serves 3,000 EVSC students annually with clothing and basic hygiene products. Specifically, the organization will use this grant to fund coats, shoes, and uniform clothing for 250 students. This level of funding will have a ripple effect, leaving a positive impact on student families, school educators, and staff.
“State Farm is excited to see two incredible nonprofit organizations in our community receiving this tremendous support. The voting was nationwide, yet Youth First and Hangers supporters made it happen for Evansville and the surrounding region! We are blessed to secure a total of $50,000 in funding that ultimately supports our community’s kids,” said Amy Higgs, State Farm Agent.
State Farm accepted 2,000 cause submissions and selected 200 finalists for the public voting that determined the Top 40. Over ten years, more than 380 causes have received a total of $10 million to enact change in their communities.
“We are thrilled to receive this grant from State Farm to boost the mental health and well-being of the students, parents, and educators at these additional EVSC schools,” said Parri O. Black, Youth First’s President & CEO. “This funding allows us to reach more students and families, and we invite the community’s continued support to make sure these vital services remain in place for years to come.”
Dave Schutte, Director of Hangers, says, “Many students face hardships as they work towards an education, and the need for clothing is present at all times. We are grateful for the State Farm Neighborhood Assist® grant that will help us provide clothing for 250 additional EVSC students. We are also grateful to our many supporters who voted each day.”
