Frequently Asked Questions
General Organizational Facts
What does Families First do?
Families First is Georgia's largest non-profit family service agency. We ensure the success of children in jeopardy by empowering families through intervention, education and advocacy. Families First responds to pressing community needs and issues such as homelessness, abused, neglected and abandoned children, teen pregnancy, domestic violence and broken families. Our agency offers a complete set of services that are inter-connected and relate to many issues and problems people are faced with today. We provide skilled professional counseling and supportive services to families, couples, children and individuals such parenting education, foster care, adoption, and homelessness prevention. As Georgia's largest family service agency, Families First strives to lead the way with innovative offerings that meet the demands of our communities. Our history is full of firsts of which we are proud:
- First adoption agency in Georgia
- First foster care agency in Georgia
- First family counseling agency in Georgia
What about the cost of administration and fundraising?
Families First is able to return an impressive 80 cents of each dollar it receives to the community. Less than 21 cents out each dollar goes toward administrative costs, which includes fundraising costs. This figure is well below the Better Business Bureau guideline of 35 percent for charities. Giving to Families First is a smart investment.
Is Families First affiliated or partnered with other agencies or organizations?
Families First deeply values its partnerships with many state, faith-based and philanthropic organizations. Families First is an agency of the United Way of Metro Atlanta, and receives over $2,000,000 each year from contributions to the United Way. We are also a member of the Alliance for Children and Families, a national organization of family service agencies. Many of our clients are referred to Families First by Georgia's Department for Family and Children Services, and we recently partnered with the Jesse Parker Williams Foundation to create a counseling clinic specifically for children and adolescents enrolled in Medicaid.
Programs and Services
How many individuals do you serve each year?
In 2006-2007, Families First served a total of 44,760 individuals. Our goal in 2007-2008 is to strengthen 100,000 children and families.
Can anyone come to Families First for counseling?
Yes. We offer individual and family counseling for any child or adult who requires support and guidance from one of our highly qualified professional counselors.
What services do you provide for young fathers or unmarried/divorced couples?
Families First offers individual, marital and couples counseling, child access and visitation services for fathers and unmarried/divorced couples. Transparenting and Children Cope with Divorce programs are both court-mandated programs required for all divorcing parents.
I know someone who could benefit from your services. How do they get in touch with you?
Contact our main office for more information or to schedule an appointment at 404-853-2844.
Getting Involved
How can I get involved?
Families First relies on the generosity of our community through donations of time, energy and money. There are many ways to get involved, from event planning or sponsorship, to hands-on volunteer work or sponsoring a family in need. Contributions to our Annual Fund supports children and families in our communities. Make your donation online at www.familiesfirst.org or by mail to our main office at 1105 West Peachtree Street, NE, P.O. Box 7948, Station C, Atlanta, GA 30357-0948. For volunteer opportunities, call our Volunteer Services office at 404-853-2857 or visit www.familiesfirst.org/volunteer.
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