CenterPoint Energy Foundation Awards $100,000 to Youth First, Inc.
Gift to Provide Mental Health Support for Students at Youth First Partner Schools in Vanderburgh, Posey, and Gibson Counties
EVANSVILLE, IN – Youth First is celebrating CenterPoint Energy Foundation for investing in Indiana youth. The organization recently awarded $100,000 to Youth First, Inc. to strengthen the mental health and well-being of students in eight Youth First partner schools across Gibson, Posey, and Vanderburgh counties.
This significant gift from CenterPoint Energy Foundation, along with funding from other sources, will enable Youth First to provide its school-based student assistance program and family and community prevention programs at Washington Middle School and McGary Middle School (Vanderburgh County), North Elementary School and West Elementary School (Posey County), and Wood Memorial High School, Wood Memorial Middle School, Wood Memorial Intermediate School, and Wood Memorial Primary School (Gibson County).
Amanda Schmitt, CenterPoint Foundation Manager, says: “This gift is part of our commitment to seeing communities thrive and seeing students reach their potential. We are so honored to partner with organizations like Youth First to ensure the success of all our students — regardless of the challenges they may face.”
Youth First embeds highly trained mental health professionals in school buildings, partnering with 125 schools across 14 Indiana counties. Youth First Mental Health Professionals build caring relationships, promote healthy choices, foster readiness for positive change, and boost resiliency along with other valuable life skills.
Youth First President & CEO Parri Black shared, “Our kids and families are dealing with greater stress and more challenges than ever. That’s why it’s so important to have easily accessed, skilled mental health support in school buildings, where students, parents and teachers can take full advantage of it. We are grateful for a continued partnership with CenterPoint Energy Foundation to build strong futures for kids.”
