Youth First, Inc. was awarded a $5,000 grant from the Vanderburgh Community Foundation through its Community Good Grants Program to support social work services in Vanderburgh County schools. The grant will help fund Youth First Social Workers in local schools to help address the social and emotional needs of young people by building caring relationships, fostering a readiness for positive change, boosting resiliency and teaching valuable life skills to help prevent substance abuse and other risky behaviors. These specialized mentors will offer free-of-charge support to students, parents, families and teachers.
“Our children are growing up in a complex and challenging world that puts them at greater risk for substance use, suicide, violence and harmful behaviors,†said Parri O. Black, President & CEO of Youth First, Inc. “The Vanderburgh Community Foundation’s investment is critical to achieving Youth First’s mission. Working together, we can protect and heal the hearts of more young people and their families. As with all donations received in the 10 counties we serve, this award stays in the home area of the donation to support children in that county’s schools.â€
“We are incredibly pleased to help support this vital program that serves our community’s youth and admire the effort and dedication of Youth First social workers who make this program possible,†stated Melinda Waldroup, Director of Programs and Strategic Engagement at the Community Foundation Alliance.
A check presentation for the Vanderburgh Community Foundation grant will take place on Monday, July 16, 2018, at 3:00 pm at Youth First, 111 SE Third Street, Suite 405, Evansville, IN. Media is invited to attend.
