Award Will Support Mission to Strengthen Youth and Families
Indianapolis – First Lady Karen Pence hosted the second award reception for grant recipients of the Indiana First Lady’s Charitable Foundation at the Governor’s residence on Wednesday, where she awarded $15,000 to 19 organizations and charities that serve Hoosier families and children across the state. Youth First, Inc. was represented by President & CEO Parri O. Black and Carol Lynch, Youth First supporter and board member, who were on hand to receive the award.
“When Mike was elected Governor, I was overwhelmed with requests from so many worthy organizations to get involved in their efforts. However, it quickly became clear that I couldn’t be at every event nor could I champion every cause. That is why I, along with a team of dedicated board members, started the Indiana First Lady’s Charitable Foundation as a way to shine a light on the organizations across Indiana who lift up our communities and make our state strong,†First Lady Karen Pence continued.
“Youth First is one of those organizations that is doing great work for our Hoosier children and families, and it is an honor to recognize them today,†said First Lady Karen Pence.
First Lady Karen Pence started Indiana First Lady’s Charitable Foundation in August of 2013 as a way to recognize organizations and charities across the state. At the inaugural First Lady’s Luncheon held in April 2014, the Foundation awarded its first major grant of $100,000 to the Art Therapy Program at Riley Hospital for Children. Throughout the year, the Foundation will recognize organizations with smaller grants.
“These grants are a first step toward making a big impact in recognizing these deserving organizations. We hope it can help give them a boost and bring more interest to their causes,†said First Lady Karen Pence. “These organizations are the backbone and the heart of our communities. Youth First represents the very best of what it means to be a Hoosier, and we thank them for their service.â€
Youth First’s mission is to strengthen youth and families through evidence-based programs that prevent substance abuse, promote healthy behaviors, and maximize student success. Youth First partners with 50 schools across southwestern Indiana to provide 34 social workers who assess needs, develop and implement prevention plans, and connect students and their families to community resources. Youth First also offers afterschool programs involving parents and caregivers to strengthen families.
Parri Black, Youth First’s President & CEO, shared her appreciation. “We are extremely grateful for the recognition and support given to us by the Indiana First Lady’s Charitable Foundation. We would like to sincerely thank First Lady Karen Pence for the opportunity to use this gift to reach more youth and families in our community.â€
First Lady Karen Pence presented a check to each organization ranging from $500 to $1,000 in grant money from the Indiana First Lady’s Charitable Foundation, including:
– Center for Early Childhood Education
– Camp Rave www.casyonline.org
– Deaconess Jacobsville Playhouse www.deaconess.com/foundation
– Indiana Parenting Institute ipi@indianaparentinginstitutue.org
– Youth First, Inc. www.youthfirstinc.org
– Leadership Hendricks County www.leadershiphendricks.org
– Stair Steps to Success, Inc. www.stairsteptosuccess.com
– Legacy House www.Legacy-House.org
– Ft. Wayne Children’s Choir www.fwchoir.org
– Kids Dance Outreach www.kidsdanceoutreach.org
– Booker T. Boosters of Evansville
– VSA Indiana www.vsai.org
– Indy Honor Flight www.indyhonorflight.org
– Fortune Academy www.thefortuneacademy.org
– Middle Way House www.middlewayhouse.org
– St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf-Indpls www.sjid.org
– Fischoff Natl. Chamber Music Assoc. www.fischoff.org
– Buttermilk Mountain, Inc.
– Joe’s Kids www.joes-kids.org
Wednesday’s reception is the second reception this year. An additional reception is scheduled for March of 2015 with next year’s luncheon scheduled April 23, 2015.
The Indiana First Lady’s Charitable Foundation is a 501 ( c ) (3). The First Lady receives no compensation. Donations are tax deductible. Learn more about how to make a donation or request a grant or monetary award on the Foundation’s website at: www.IndianaFirstLadysCharitableFoundation.org
