YOUTH FIRST INC

Youth First's vision is to support communities raising healthy, safe and successful youth and families through a model of service that is measurably effective, financially sustainable, and replicable.

Now in more than 115 schools in Indiana, Youth First's 15 years of independently analyzed data show that this model of prevention and specialized mentoring is decreasing the risk of addiction, suicide, violent behavior and other dangers in Indiana youth. This means increased employability, happiness and health for our future adults.

Through a blended stream of funding with stakeholder buy-in from schools, private donors, and government revenue, Youth First aims for a balance of investment that holds steady over time.

Programmatically, these are our strategies:

1) Build coping skills using proven motivational and strengths-based programs and techniques
2) Connect students and families to local resources, functioning as the extra layer of support for our neediest youth
3) Be present, observing and listening with care.

These strategies adhere to the National Institute on Drug Abuse's prevention principles.

Organizationally, we support the mission by:

1) A steadfast commitment to high professional and moral standards.
2) The trustworthy care of our resources, especially the gifts, talents, and treasure provided by donors, partners, volunteers, and staff.
3) An adherence to evidence-based practices, strong oversight, well-documented results, and continuous quality improvement.
4) Careful and focused planning and decision-making to achieve lasting results.

Our staff of 87 Master's level social workers and 6 program staff facilitate specialized mentoring and prevention programs in over 115 schools across 13 counties. We have the additional support staff of approximately 25 nonprofit professionals who carry out fundraising, administrative and operational tasks. We have a strong board of directors and advisory council who provide key networking and organizational support in fundraising, programming, and administrative areas. Our programs and services are evaluated annually by an independent evaluation firm.

Programmatically, custom-built cloud-based data collection software allows Youth First Social Workers to spend the least amount of time reporting the most comprehensive data on interactions with youth and their families for the purpose of continuously measuring and improving outcomes. Clinical supervision and ongoing training offers Youth First Social Workers, who are embedded individually in schools, a team of support and encouragement that is not only a key factor in service fidelity but also makes Youth First a sought-after employer for social workers in the region.

Organizationally, Youth First's desire to sustain services in its expanding geographic footprint has led to the cultivation of advocacy networks in every county for highly effective "boots on the ground" fundraising.

One measure of our accomplishments is recognition given to the organization and our staff:
1) Featured in the Stanford Social Innovation Review for best practices and sustainability among nonprofits, 2018
2) Highlighted on the Bright Ideas Indiana website, which denotes promising practices by Indiana nonprofits –State of Indiana and Sagamore Institute for Policy Research, 2016
3) Non-Profit of the Year Award, SW Indiana Chamber of Commerce, 2013
4) Founder Dr. William Wooten-Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award, 2018
5) President & CEO Parri O. Black-Executive Journey Fellowship, IN Youth Leaders, 2017, Athena Award Recipient, Evansville, 2015, Association for Child and Youth Care Practice Lifetime Achievement Award, 2021


With a focus on strategic planning and revenue generation, Youth First successfully transitioned from the conclusion of several federal grants and the loss of our initial funder's long-term support (The Welborn Foundation). In the process, Youth First built more investment within each of the communities it serves, generating revenue through new fees paid by schools for a service they highly value, along with increased diversity in philanthropic efforts, and ongoing pursuit of government funding.

What's next? Not every school nor every student/family in our footprint has access to Youth First's Social Work services. We are growing every year, but we have more work to do to make this highly impactful service reach everyone. The State of Indiana has requested a proposal for replication of our model to urban areas as well as rural, resource-poor counties. Continuing passion for effective service to future adults is our goal.