Youth First, Inc.

Many Americans in their 40s and 50s have the responsibility of taking care of both their elderly parents and their small children. Are you part of the "sandwich generation?" Find out what that means and what you need to do to prevent burnout and exhaustion in this week's column by Amber Russell, MSW, LCSW, Youth First Mental Health Professional. https://lnkd.in/gMu_UhjD #youthfirst2025 #youthfirstmentalhealthprofessionals #SandwichGeneration

Don't forget: The Youth First Benefit Auction is coming up in less than a month - Thursday, April 24 - at Bally's Riverfront Event Center. It's fun, family-friendly and FREE! Stop by after work, bring the family, and enjoy delicious appetizers while you browse fantastic auction packages. Your support means the world to the kids and families who benefit from our programs and services! Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/d5D3mWKr #youthfirst2025 #yfauction25

We are honored to be named D-Patrick Ford Lincoln's charity of the month as part of the D-Patrick Ford Cares program! Thanks for making March so special. This support helps us strengthen kids and families! #DPatrickFordLincoln #DPatrickFordCares #YouthFirst2025 #strongkids

"People are often intimidated by the topic of substance use and addiction, as it can be a scary topic to broach. However, it is crucial for parents to begin talking to their children about this as early as possible. Parents should have a strong relationship with their children early on to be able to address this heavy topic openly. It is beneficial to learn strategies to show them what to do instead of what they should not do." - Youth First Social Worker Niki Walls, MSW, LSW Niki addresses how to talk with your children about the dangers of substance misuse in this week's column: https://lnkd.in/gsPBrGjW #youthfirst2025 #youthfirstmentalhealthprofessionals #talkingwithyourteen #substancemisuseprevention #TalkTheyHearYou #TTHY

Please join us in congratulating Parri Black and America Contreras! Youth First is celebrating a huge night at Leadership Everyone's 30th Annual Celebration of Leadership event held March 18 in downtown Evansville, where Parri and America were honored along with over 100 nominees. Parri O. Black, Youth First's President & CEO, was nominated in the Health & Social Services category and won the Regional Impact Award! America Contreras, Youth First's Support Services Coordinator, was nominated in the Education category and won the LatinX Award! Congratulations, Parri and America! Thank you for being servant leaders in our community who empower students and inspire lasting change! #COL2025 #LeadershipEveryone #YouthFirst2025 #servantleadership

Youth First Social Worker Natasha Goodge, MSW, LSW, relays the following story about her six-year-old stating his opinion: "Any adult will tell you it is taboo to discuss religion or politics. This is easy enough, so long as you do not parent or educate children. I was unprepared when my six-year-old forcefully stated his personal political opinions in response to the television news playing in the crowded waiting room of his dentist’s office." Natasha gives some tips on teaching your child how to state their opinion in a thoughtful manner here: https://lnkd.in/gdaAz3Af #youthfirst2025 #youthfirstmentalhealthprofessionals #childstatingopinion

We hope you can join us at Leadership Everyone's Celebration of Leadership on Tuesday, March 18! Youth First's very own Parri Black and America Contreras are nominated for awards in the Health and Social Services category and the Education category, respectively. Congratulations, Parri and America! Tickets are still available: col.leadershipeveryone.org. #COL2025 #LeadershipEveryone #YouthFirst2025 #servantleadership

We are grateful to the City of Washington, IN, for their gift to support Youth First services and programs in Washington Community Schools and Washington Catholic Schools. Thank you for your partnership as we build stronger kids and families! Pictured (L to R): Kristen Murphy, Principal of Washington Primary School, Kevin Frank, Superintendent of Washington Community Schools, Jeremy Adams, Youth First Regional Development Officer, Dave Rhoads, Mayor of the City of Washington, Britney Wagler, Youth First Social Worker at Washington Catholic, and Krissy Melhiser, Youth First Social Worker at Washington Jr. High. #youthfirst2025 #daviesscounty #youthfirstmentalhealthprofessionals #communitypartnerships

Happy School Social Work Week! We asked some of our Youth First Mental Health Professionals what part of their job brings them the most joy: “Connecting with the kids, giving them the space to share, and the feeling that I can be a trusted adult for them to come to. Everyone needs at least one trusted adult in their lives!” – Jordan Nonte, MSW, LCSW, Youth First Social Worker #youthfirst2025 #youthfirstmentalhealthprofessionals #SSWWeek2025 #schoolsocialworker

There are many academic, social and emotional benefits to having a trusted adult (such as a Youth First Mental Health Professional) in the school building for children to talk with. Find out more from Youth First Social Worker December Stroud, MSW, LSW, here: https://lnkd.in/gY9bNEEp #youthfirst2025 #youthfirstmentalhealthprofessionals #SchoolSocialWorkWeek #trustedadult #schoolsocialworker