Youth First Mental Health Professional

student lives

were impacted by a

21,641

Last school year,

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With Access to Youth First Programs and Services

Students

52,500+

Partner Schools

126

Youth First Mental Health Professionals on Staff

100

Stories of Change

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Youth First’s mission is to strengthen youth and families by providing evidence-based programs that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and maximize student success.

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Our mission is to strengthen youth and families through evidence-based programs that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and maximize student success!

Learn More

Our mission is to strengthen youth and families through evidence-based programs that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and maximize student success.

Donate
Learn More

Stories of Change

See how your generosity transforms lives.

Read Now

Proven Programs

Youth First partners with schools churches businesses communities local agencies to provide
a menu of proven programs and strategies.

In It to Win It

Reconnecting Youth

LifeSkills Training

Family First Foundations

Family First

Youth First Mental Health Professionals

News

Youth First to Honor Carol Lynch as 2026 Dr. William Wooten Champion

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Long-time Youth First advocate Carol Lynch has been selected to receive the 2026 Dr. William Wooten Champion of Youth First Award. Lynch will be recognized at Youth First’s Annual Breakfast of Champions event, presented by German American Bank, on October 27, 2026, at Friedman Park Events Center in Newburgh. Named in honor […]

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How to Help Your Kids Make Good Decisions

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By Christine Weinzapfel-Hayden, MSW, LCSW – July 22, 2026 – Guiding children to make good decisions is one of a parent’s most important responsibilities. Children are constantly faced with choices, big and small, that shape their character, habits, and future. The ability to make sound decisions will serve them throughout life, from deciding how to […]

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Youth First Receives $40,000 Award from CenterPoint Energy Foundation

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EVANSVILLE, IN – Youth First is celebrating CenterPoint Energy Foundation for investing in Indiana youth. The organization recently awarded $40,000 to Youth First, Inc. to strengthen the mental health and well-being of students at 12 Youth First partner schools in Vanderburgh County. This significant gift from CenterPoint Energy Foundation, along with funding from other sources, […]

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Establishing a Smooth Transition from Home to School

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By Lisa Glahn, MSW, LCSW – July 15, 2026 – Returning to school after a break can be challenging for many children, especially after extended time away during summer or winter breaks. Typically, the longer students are out of their routine, the more challenging it can be to adjust to early mornings, structured schedules, and […]

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Promoting Patience in a Fast-Moving World

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By Emily Bernhardt, MSW, LCSW – July 8, 2026 – Patience is a virtue. Good things come to those who wait. There are so many phrases we have heard time and time again that emphasize the importance of patience. Yet, even if we agree that being patient is important, it can be so hard to […]

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Latest News

Upcoming Events

September 17
11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Youth First & Warrick County Cares Golf Scramble 2026

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What Youth First supporters say

“I feel it is vitally important to have availability and access to Youth First Mental Health Professionals in all the schools and in as many youth 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.”

“You make my heart feel good.”

“Today, our youth face so many more pressures. Add to that the rise in poverty, drugs, pressure to grow up too quickly, social media, family issues, and it should come as no surprise that many children need help. They need that trusted third party with whom they can converse, vent, and ask advice. They need Youth First.”

“Mrs. C., when I talk to you I feel brave.”

“Over the last twenty years, Youth First has taken a firm stance in our community on behalf of young people. They have demonstrated significant leadership in helping to improve many of the serious substance abuse issues in our city and region, all while enhancing our most important assets…young people and strong families. I believe we should all invest in their future through Youth First.”

“Mrs. A., if people can be safe places, you’re my safe place.”

“Vectren believes in Youth First’s mission because its progress should result in a healthier and safer community by addressing some of the most costly problems such as drug abuse and graduation rates. Their very successful focus on students’ success in school should also contribute to a higher quality workforce. We believe our contribution advances a very strong partnership between Youth First and the local schools.”

“Youth First’s multifaceted programming comprehensively addresses both youth and their families – among the most important targets for the Welborn Baptist Foundation. Through their school-based mental health professionals and other prevention and early intervention resources, Youth First is tackling risk factors like substance abuse and family conflicts, using evidence-based programming models and a deep understanding of our community.”

“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!”

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How You Can Support Local Youth

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A generous donor wants to ensure our future is bright with a matching gift opportunity. If we raise $100,000 each year for the next 10 years, it will be matched by this donor!