Since his arrival back in Evansville just over a year ago, University of Evansville head volleyball coach Manolo Concepcion has done a great job of getting out in the community. That effort took a large step forward earlier this month when he was named to the Board of Directors for Youth First.
“This is a great opportunity to first and foremost serve the community, represent the University of Evansville in their efforts to promote social involvement, and become an ambassador of UE Athletics in this project,” Concepcion said. “It is a testimony of how much the Volleyball Program has invested in building strong relationships in the community since our arrival last year.”
Concepcion joined the Board of Directors this summer, along with Jeff Deig, a University of Evansville alum and the President of PCI Skanska, and Christy Gillenwater, President & CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana.
“We look forward to continue to create awareness for our team and the University with our commitment to serve our town,” Concepcion continued.
Youth First, Inc. is a homegrown non-profit organization working to transform and strengthen the lives of kids and families in Southwest Indiana. Youth First’s evidence-based programs prevent substance abuse, promote healthy behaviors, and maximize student success.
Most significantly, Youth First places 34 Master’s level social workers in 50 schools across a five county region. Youth First Social Workers handle the social and emotional concerns that often interfere with learning, including anxiety, bullying, depression, divorce, drug use, family conflict, grief, and violence.
Parri Black, the President and CEO of Youth First, welcomes Concepcion to the board and is excited to have him a part of the organization.
“Manolo brings a lot of expertise and enthusiasm to Youth First’s Board. His experience in organizational leadership, youth development, and coaching are great skills to have on any volunteer board,” Black said. “Plus he has a personal passion for Youth First’s cause, which is essential to advocating for the organization. We are also pleased to have the University of Evansville represented on Youth First’s Board of Directors.”
Youth First’s prevention specialists assist students one-on-one, address crises and immediate needs, provide support for parents and teachers, deliver prevention programs for small groups or classrooms, offer educational presentations, and make referrals to community resources.
Youth First also provides evening programs that involve parents/caregivers. Family Foundations is for expectant parents, and Strengthening Families targets families with children ages 3 to 14.
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