History of Families First
In May of 1986, Families First opened its doors to children and families. Abused children were brought here at any time of the day or night. Caring staff and volunteers were ready to heal the hurt.
Although Families First officially opened in May 1986, the planning began two years earlier. It all began with a contest and one person's dream to protect children. Firstel, a local corporation, held a contest among employees to design a community project that would develop into a public/private partnership. It was Firstel's way of "paying community rent." Donna Adrain-Falzone wanted to make a difference. She entered the contest with a vision of a haven for abused and neglected children. Donna won... well really the children won.
From 1984-1986, a lot of work had to be done. Bunny Nicholson, Cassie Spencer, Kittie Arnold, and Donna Mediema were busy developing the program, finding just the right location, getting a board together, applying for non-profit status, hiring staff, and of course raising money. Volunteers were eager to become a part of Families First all because of Donna's dream and the power of one common vision.
Our founders believed that preventing child abuse and neglect was more than a social service problem, it was the community's problem and it required community involvement. They adhered to the following rules strictly:
- The Children's Center must be clean, warm, and welcoming.
- Use volunteers whenever possible.
- Don't spend money if you can get it donated.
- Make all decisions "in the best interest of children."
- Keep administrative and fundraising costs as low as possible.
Joanne R. Blum
Executive Director
