Youth First Mental Health Professional

student lives

were impacted by a

26,716

Last school year,

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With Access to Youth First Programs and Services

Students

56,625

Partner Schools

138

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 Foundations

Family First

Youth First Mental Health Professionals

News

Supporting Families Affected by Addiction

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By Ashlee Bowman – November 11, 2026 – When a family member struggles with substance use or addiction, much of the attention naturally focuses on that individual and getting them the help they need. While treatment and recovery should be a priority, it is equally important to recognize the impact addiction has on the entire […]

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Youth First Honors Carol Lynch as 2026 Dr. William Wooten Champion

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Long-time Youth First advocate Carol Lynch was honored with the 2026 Dr. William Wooten Champion of Youth First Award 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 of Youth First’s founder Dr. William […]

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Self-Care: Why Helpers Need to Take Care of Themselves Too

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By Aaron Ledford, MSW, LCSW – November 5, 2026 – Self-care is an essential part of working in any helping profession. Whether you are a mental health professional, medical provider, or someone who serves the public, taking care of yourself is just as important as caring for others. Self-care can be defined as intentional, healthy […]

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When Halloween Feels Scary: Helping Children Navigate Fear and the Unknown

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  When Halloween Feels Scary: Helping Children Navigate Fear and the Unknown By Laura Keys, Vice President of Programs and Services, Youth First, Inc. For many children, Halloween is exciting—a chance to dress up, collect candy, and enjoy a little make-believe. But for some children, especially younger ones, Halloween can also bring very real feelings […]

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Encouraging Your Child to Take Healthy Risks

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By Vicki Kirkman, MSW, LCSW, LCAC – October 28, 2026 – As a parent, the idea of children taking risks might bring to mind concerns about drug use, reckless driving, or negative peer influences. These behaviors can be dangerous and lead to serious consequences. However, not all risks are harmful. Healthy risks encourage children to […]

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Latest News

Upcoming Events

November 22
2:30 pm

Evansville’s Christmas Parade

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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!