Welcome to Youth Count!

Youth today face a challenging and complex world.  While some of our youth are doing extremely well, other young people are in serious trouble, whether that be with school performance, alcohol and/or substance abuse, violence and bullying, and early sexual activity. 

Why do some young people succeed in life, excel in school, and stay away from trouble, while others struggle and feel disengaged?  Research shows the greater the number of developmental assets children and youth possess, the greater their chances for success.  The 40 Developmental Assets are the array of experiences, attitudes and behaviors that help young people make good choices.

Asset building is powerful; based on common wisdom, does not cost anything, and makes a community a more caring place.

• Everyone can build assets in our children and youth.
• Young people can develop their own personal assets as well as build them for peers.

Youth Count is a community-wide initiative for Floyd County in Southern Indiana.  Our focus is to engage youth and adults in relationships that

...create a community where youth are valued, investments are made in their well-being,
and all youth have the opportunity to succeed.

YOU are needed on the team to make this happen!  So what can YOU do our young people develop the strengths, skills, and life qualities they need in order to make positive decisions and choose positive paths which will allow them to meet and manage life’s challenges?

As an individual …

• Connect with the children and youth in your life; learn their names and interests.
• Smile at children in your neighborhood them. 
• Get involved in activities with young people.
• Share Asset Building with friends and family.

As an organization …

• Invite a speaker to talk about the value of asset building at one of your meetings. Encourage staff, volunteers, or members to build assets.
• Affirm asset builders in your organization
• Identify ways your organization builds assets and how you can strengthen those efforts.

As a business …

• Share the 40 Assets with employees and customers.
• Encourage employees to participate in community youth mentoring programs.
• Invite youth to job shadow.
• Create an environment where youth feel welcome and valued as a customer.

Read more About Us