Local Edward Jones Financial Advisors donated $10,000 benefiting Youth First Social Work and Program services in Vanderburgh, Warrick and Posey public and private schools. David Anderson and Mike Barker of Newburgh, Jim Back, James Beard, Brittany Dennis, Chris Fleck, Melissa Nicholson, Don Patton, Jr., John Lee Smith, Tyler Vieke, Ben Waits and Jack Young of Evansville, John Ubelhor of Boonville and Steven Harding and Drew Heckert of Mt. Vernon combined efforts to meet the growing need for effective mental health and drug prevention services in schools.
“Youth First social workers play a vital role in our schools,” said Jim Back. “The kids in our community have many more distractions and challenges than they did just 10 years ago. We’re proud to support Youth First social workers who are removing the barriers to learning.”
“We have many community partners,” says Parri Black, Youth First President and CEO. “I’m glad the Financial Advisors at Edward Jones recognize the important role that Youth First Social Workers play in our community’s schools. We appreciate their donation.”
Each year, Youth First hosts its Passport to Adventure auction to help raise critical funds to support its mission—to strengthen youth and families through evidence-based programs that prevent substance abuse, promote healthy behaviors and maximize student success. The dollars raised from this event are critical to ensure the continuation of Youth First’s free programs and services and to provide the support to youth, families and the community when needed most.
Thompkins Principal Nichole Alcorn states, “I don’t even want to ever think about not having Katie Omohundro at Thompkins or not having Youth First in our building. Without Youth First we would not be able to reach the lives of the kids at the level that we are. We’d be putting band-aids on our children’s issues.â€
