Newsletters

01.21.10 We're committed to sharing with our friends and partners how we are doing in our efforts to serve the children and families of Metro Atlanta. Please read our Annual Report to find out how we performed in fiscal year 2008-2009 and learn more about this important year of transition. Read Newsletter »

11.16.09 Did you know that approximately 60% of children placed into foster care are there because of neglect? Did you know that right now in Georgia there are over 9,000 children living in foster care? On October 14th the Casey Family Programs, Georgia Department of Human Services and 12 community partners, including Families First, launched Raise Me Up – a powerful, national multimedia campaign that calls on citizens to raise their hands to offer support to children in foster care. Read Newsletter »

08.25.09 Many thanks to all of our sponsors and volunteers who helped 304 families send almost 600 children back to school with all the necessary school supplies. Read Newsletter »

06.10.09 Don’t make your father pretend to love your gift -- this Father’s Day give him a gift he will truly love. Make a donation to Families First in his honor!Families First depends on the generosity of our supporters so that we may continue to meet the demands of those we serve in metro Atlanta. Read Newsletter »

05.06.09 May is National Foster Care Month. Did you know that there are over 13,000 children in the foster care system in Georgia? Thankfully, there are families across Georgia who are committed to caring for and protecting these vulnerable children and youth. Read Newsletter »

04.01.09 Even in a tough economy, hundreds of metro Atlantans made time to "dine for a difference" at the Intercontinental Buckhead on Wednesday, March 24th. Highlighting Families First’s I Am The Solution initiative, this year’s theme celebrated individual solutions and the increased need for solutions for Georgia’s children and families during this challenging season. Read Newsletter »

03.22.09 Sunday Paper: Dining for a Difference Read Newsletter »

03.12.09 On February 16th, Families First welcomed Kim Anderson as the new Executive Director of the agency. Kim’s appointment followed a thorough executive search process spearheaded by the Board of Directors; during this process her passion and expertise resonated among a list of impressive candidates who hailed from all over the country. Read Newsletter »

02.04.09 Families First—the largest non-profit family service agency in Georgia—has selected Kim Anderson as its new executive director. This decision follows President & CEO Pat Showell’s announcement last year that she will retire after 25 years of service to the organization. Read Newsletter »

01.08.09 Every year, millions of people make resolutions to improve their lives. What would happen if — in addition to losing weight, getting a better job or having a better love life—everyone made at least one resolution to help others? As many Georgians prepare to confront serious economic and social challenges in 2009, Families First recently launched the I Am The Solution initiative with this question in mind, and with a vision to put solutions back on the map. Read Newsletter »

03.08.10 The General Assembly will meet for the 21st day of the 40-day session on Monday, March 8th. Work continues on the budget, but it may not be resolved for some time. Read Newsletter »

03.01.10 Joint House-Senate Appropriations subcommittees met during the week on the FY 2011 budget. The General Assembly will remain in recess until March 8th for further work on the budget. Read Newsletter »

02.23.10 The General Assembly is in a recess until March 8th to work on budget issues. The Senate passed its version of the FY2010 Amended Budget. Read Newsletter »

02.15.10 The House passed its version of the FY 2010 amended budget. The General Assembly will be in session Tuesday-Thursday the week of 2/15 for the 18t – 20th legislative days. Read Newsletter »

02.12.10 The House may vote on the 2010 amended budget within the next few days.The General Assembly will be in session Monday-Thursday the week of 2/8. After that, it will be in session Tuesday-Thursday for the rest of the month. Read Newsletter »

02.02.10 Legislative subcommittees are examining the 2010 amended budget; new health insurance bills have been introduced; and DCH has a new Director of Public Health. Read Newsletter »

01.25.10 The General Assembly was in recess this week for initial budget meetings. The House and Senate Appropriations committees met jointly to hear from Gov. Perdue and agency heads. Read Newsletter »

01.19.10 The General Assembly began the second year of a 2-year term on Monday, January 11th. Gov. Perdue released his budget on Friday with proposals for deep cuts. Read Newsletter »

06.04.09 Legislative Roundup Read Newsletter »

04.08.09 Highlights: In sine die’n Friday night, the General Assembly left mixed results. Read Newsletter »

03.30.09 Only 3 legislative days remain. Sine Die is set for Friday, April 3rd, but that could change. The Senate put off acting on the budget until the week of March 30th. Many key bills still hang in the balance. Read Newsletter »

03.23.09 Only 6 legislative days remain. The House passed its version of the 2010 budget, as Gov. Perdue objects to some of the significant changes from his revised proposal. The Senate will act on the budget the week of March 23rd. Read Newsletter »

03.16.09 Highlights: Many key bills survived “crossover day” and may yet be passed, while others will wait until next year. Governor Perdue signed the FY 2009 Amended Budget agreed to by the House and Senate. The FY 2010 budget will now move forward. Read Newsletter »

03.06.09 Highlights: March 12th is the day by which a bill must have passed at least one chamber to be viable this year. A new Schedule shows the session final day on April 3. The House and Senate have adopted their versions of the SFY 2009 amended budget, Gov. Perdue has proposed additional cuts for SFY 2010, and several measures send mixed messages on taxes. Read Newsletter »

03.02.09 Highlights: The General Assembly has completed 24 legislative days. The House passed its version of the FY 2009 amended budget using federal stimulus funds to alleviate some cuts. Read Newsletter »

02.24.09 Highlights: The General Assembly has completed 21 legislative days, slightly over half of the session. Govenor Perdue has lowered revenue estimates and ordered more budget cuts. The federal stimulus funds could help restore these and other cuts. Read Newsletter »

02.18.09 Highlights: The General Assembly has completed 18 legislative days. Congress reached agreement on a stimulus package that promises needed relief to Georgia. Read Newsletter »

02.10.09 Highlights: The General Assembly has completed 15 legislative days and has set a new schedule for the rest of the session. President Obama signed the federal SCHIP legislation offering additional money and options for covering children under PeachCare. Read Newsletter »

02.02.09 Highlights: The General Assembly has completed 10 days of its 40 day session. Budget subcommittees have begun their reviews of agency proposals and may begin holding public hearings as early as the week of February 2. Read Newsletter »

01.26.09 Highlights: The General Assembly was in recess for Dr. King’s Birthday and President Obama’s inauguration, then held hearings on agency budgets. It reconvenes on Monday, January 26th. Read Newsletter »

01.20.09 Highlights: The General Assembly convened on January 12th. Gov. Perdue offered budget proposals that reflect the harsh economic conditions. Legislators will question agencies about their budgets the week of 1/19/09. Read Newsletter »

02.16.10 February, 2010 issue of V-news Read Newsletter »

07.17.09 July, 2009 issue of V-news Read Newsletter »

04.16.09 April, 2009 issue of V-news Read Newsletter »

01.22.09 January, 2009 issue of V-news Read Newsletter »