Ascension St. Vincent Evansville Awards $20,000 to Youth First

Grant to Provide Mental Health Support and Substance Misuse Prevention
for Youth in Evansville Catholic Diocese Schools

Ascension St. Vincent Evansville has awarded $20,000 to Youth First, Inc., to invest in the health and well-being of youth and families. The award will provide mental health support and substance misuse prevention through social work services and prevention programs in over 20 Catholic Diocese of Evansville schools.

Ascension St. Vincent Evansville is dedicated to advancing compassionate, patient-centered care within their statewide ministries. Charitable contributions from supporters fund programs and projects focused on holistic care that extends beyond traditional healthcare services, allowing new ways to improve outcomes and create positive experiences for those served.

Alex Chang, Ascension President, South Region, states: “We recognize the vital importance of mental health support for students in the Evansville Diocese, particularly at school, where our youth spend so much of their time. Through our support of Youth First, we are not only addressing the immediate needs of these young individuals but also helping to foster a community of compassion, resilience, and understanding.”

The grant to Youth First will allow for continued mental health support for students in selected Catholic Diocese of Evansville schools. Youth First partners with 125 schools across 14 Indiana counties to embed prevention programs and over 90 skilled mental health professionals (primarily master’s level social workers) in school buildings, where they provide caring mental health support for students and prevention coaching for parents and teachers. Youth First Mental Health Professionals build caring relationships, foster readiness for positive change, and boost resiliency, along with other valuable life skills.

Research shows these protective factors are the keys to effective prevention of negative outcomes for young people. The organization’s positive work and strategies are driving growth, with more schools seeking Youth First’s help to address the growing need for mental health support for students.