Hoosier Uplands awards $38,000 to Youth First Gift to provide mental health supports for Lawrence and Orange County youth

INDIANA – Hoosier Uplands Economic Development Corporation is investing in Indiana youth. The organization recently awarded $38,000 to Youth First, Inc. to strengthen the mental health and well-being of students in Lawrence and Orange counties.

This significant gift from Hoosier Uplands, along with funding from other sources, has enabled Youth First to launch school-based social work services and prevention programs at Mitchell High School, Mitchell Jr. High, Burris Elementary, and Hatfield Elementary in Lawrence County. The gift will also allow continued support for students at several schools in the Orange County communities of Orleans, Paoli, and Springs Valley. 

Since 2018, with financial awards totaling $89,000, Hoosier Uplands has been a pillar of support to bring Youth First’s school-based social work services and prevention programs to Orange and Lawrence counties.

David Miller

According to Chief Executive Officer David Miller, “Hoosier Uplands is committed to a partnership with Youth First because providing young people with mental health supports and social services is needed now more than ever. Together, we are helping youth and families face current challenges and emerge with resilient mindsets and hope for the future. We are proud to make this donation so that Lawrence County and Orange County K-12 students benefit from Youth First’s programs and services for years to come.”

Dr. Brent Comer

Dr. Brent Comer, Superintendent of Mitchell Community Schools, says: “The partnership MCS now shares with Youth First allows us to meet specific needs of our students on an entirely different level. The support for this initiative, shown by the MCS Board of School Trustees and Hoosier Uplands, has been key to the formation of this amazing new partnership. This partnership has made the future of some of our students much brighter.”

About Youth First, Inc.:

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 110 schools across 12 Indiana counties to provide 83 Master’s level social workers who assess needs, develop and implement prevention plans, and connect students and their families to vital resources. Youth First also offers community programs involving parents and caregivers to strengthen families across 13 Indiana counties. For more information about Youth First, please visit youthfirstinc.org.