FTF is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to strengthening families in Hamilton County, Tennessee through education, collaboration and mobilization.
 
FTF is a community resource that collaborates with and is supported by a broad cross-section of community organizations, groups and individuals.
 

When was FTF started?

A group of civic leaders came together in 1997 to form a community-wide initiative to rebuild, renew and revitalize our city, beginning with the family. These leaders recognized that the strength of our community and the future of our city lie in the health of the family.
 

What is the problem?

Chattanooga has a reputation for setting standards. But beneath the community’s growth, environmental health and booming economy lies the hidden fact that many families are in crisis. Divorce, absent fathers and out-of-wedlock births are compromising the future of Hamilton County’s children.
 
Most residents agree that the family is the main building block of society. Still we must face these startling facts:
 

• More than one in four (35%) Hamilton County adults has been divorced compared to 25% of adults nationwide.
• In 2002, Tennessee ranked 4th in the nation for divorce.
• Hamilton County Teenagers (ages 10-17) in 2002 accounted for 242 births.
• Of families with children under the age of 18 in Hamilton County, 26% are female-headed.
• 77% of dads in Chattanooga say that fathers should be more active in the lives of their children.

Our Vision
In an effort to reverse the trend of destructive relationships and to strengthen the infrastructure of our community FTF:
 

• Advocates for a strong, healthy, life-long marriage (between a man and a woman);
• Promotes the fact that it is imperative for both mothers and fathers to be active in the lives of their children; and
• Works to prevent out of wedlock pregnancies.

How can we strengthen our families?

FTF has three strategic goals to meet:

1. Reduce the number of divorces filed in Hamilton County.
2. Reduce out of wedlock pregnancies in Hamilton County.
3. Increase sufficient father involvement.

How will we accomplish this?
FTF emphasizes four strategic actions.

1. To use credible research to identify significant problems facing Hamilton County, emphasizing families and youth.
2. To identify solutions that are based on traditional values and principles; to measure the effectiveness of these solutions based on credible, empirical data; to evaluate the impact of these potential solutions.
3. To build broad public support for values-based solutions through advocacy, communication and collaboration rather than providing direct client services.
4. To empower and equip local leaders and professionals who work with families and who are also promoting values-based solutions, and to provide support that advances their effectiveness.