Youth First, Inc.

08/06/2026

Our weather patterns in Indiana can certainly be unpredictable. As a result, Youth First Mental Health Professionals are seeing more students with storm anxiety.

Missy Johnson, MSW, LCSW, writes: "As weather patterns become more unpredictable, damaging tornadoes and other severe storms are an increasing concern in Indiana. According to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and the National Weather Service, Indiana averages about 22 tornadoes each year and has recorded over 1,500 tornadoes since 1950, resulting in thousands of injuries and many lives lost. This can increase anxiety for youth and their families."

Read more about how you can help your child remain calm when severe weather strikes: https://youthfirstinc.org/you-can-help-students-feel-safe-during-unpredictable-weather/

08/06/2026

We're proud to share that Youth First's footprint now reaches 𝟭𝟱 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 across Indiana for the 2026–2027 school year! 💙

As we continue to deepen our reach within our current footprint, and also begin expanding into new counties, more students and families will have access to caring Mental Health Professionals and life-changing services and programs. Together, we're expanding hope, strengthening communities, and helping more Indiana kids.

➡To learn more about programs and services in your community visit our website youthfirstinc.org

08/05/2026

This week, the entire Youth First team came together for our Back-to-School Gathering! We are excited to welcome new faces and reconnect with our returning team members. The day was filled with preparing for the year ahead, strengthening connections, and getting energized for another impactful school year. We can’t wait to see what this year has in store! 🥳

08/05/2026

Youth First is ready for the 2026–2027 school year! 📚💙

This year, 𝟭𝟬𝟬 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀 will serve students in 𝟭𝟯𝟴 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀, providing 𝟱𝟲,𝟲𝟮𝟱 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 with access to free, in school mental health services and programs.

As a new school year begins, we want to wish all students, teachers, and school staff the very best. We hope this year is filled with learning, growth, and meaningful connections. Thank you to our supporters for making this work possible. 💙

07/29/2026

What safeguards should you put in place around your child's screen time? At what age should they be allowed to have social media accounts?

These questions and more are discussed in this week's blog about supervising your child's screen time by Youth First Mental Health Professional Shannon Loehrlein, LCSW: https://youthfirstinc.org/supervising-your-childs-screen-time/

07/23/2026

Youth First is delighted to announce this year’s Dr. William Wooten Champion of Youth First, longtime advocate and founding Youth First Board Member, Carol Lynch! 🧡

We are inspired by Carol's commitment and dedication to supporting the next generation of leaders, which has left a lasting impact on countless young lives. We are honored to recognize Carol and all of our Youth First donors and supporters at our annual Breakfast of Champions event on October 27, 2026.

For more information about attending or sponsoring the Youth First Breakfast of Champions, visit our website at https://youthfirstinc.org/breakfastofchampions/.

07/22/2026

"Guiding children to make good decisions is one of a parent’s most important responsibilities. Children are constantly faced with choices, big and small, that shape their character, habits, and future. The ability to make sound decisions will serve them throughout life, from deciding how to spend their free time to choosing friends and handling peer pressure. While children must learn through their own experiences, parents play a crucial role in teaching them the skills and values that enable them to make wise choices."

Learn more about how to guide your child to make good decisions from Youth First Mental Health Professional Christine Weinzapfel-Hayden, LCSW, in this week's blog: https://youthfirstinc.org/how-to-help-your-kids-make-good-decisions/

07/16/2026

The start of the school year will be here before you know it! How do you ensure that your child has the smoothest transition from summer break to a structured school day?

Youth First Mental Health Professional Lisa Glahn, LCSW, writes: "Typically, the longer students are out of their routine, the more challenging it can be to adjust to early mornings, structured schedules, and classroom expectations. Fortunately, there are several simple strategies parents and guardians can use to make this transition smoother and create a more positive start to each school day."

Read more on our website blog: https://youthfirstinc.org/establishing-a-smooth-transition-from-home-to-school-2/

07/16/2026

Youth First is celebrating CenterPoint Energy Foundation for investing in Indiana youth. The organization recently awarded $40,000 to Youth First, Inc. to strengthen students' mental health and well-being at 12 Youth First partner schools in Vanderburgh County.

This significant gift, 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 Academy for Innovative Studies, Central High School, Daniel Wertz Elementary School, Dexter Elementary School, Fairlawn Elementary School, Harrison High School, McGary Middle School, New Tech Institute, North High School, FJ Reitz High School, Tekoppel Elementary School, and Washington Middle School.

Thank you, CenterPoint Energy Foundation, for your continued support of students and families in Vanderburgh County!

07/15/2026

Thank you for helping us strengthen kids and families, Orange County Community Foundation!

The Orange County Community Foundation Inc. is proud to present a $5,000 grant to Youth First, Inc. to help support licensed Mental Health Professionals serving students in Orange County schools through the Youth First Student Assistance Program.

Youth First's Mental Health Professionals provide prevention, early intervention, and individualized support to students and families, helping connect them with the resources they need to succeed. Students can be referred by teachers, school administrators, parents, caregivers, peers, or they can even refer themselves.

Research shows that the presence of just one caring adult can make a lasting difference in a child's life. Through their dedicated Mental Health Professionals, Youth First provides that trusted support, helping students overcome challenges, build resilience, and thrive both in the classroom and beyond.

A heartfelt thank you to the generous donors who contribute to the Orange County Community Foundation's unrestricted funds. Your support makes grants like this possible and allows us to invest in programs that strengthen the health and well-being of Orange County students, families, and our entire community.