Community Support

We are helping to build a stronger community through programs that deepen connections for all walks of life.

THROUGH 100% DONOR-FUNDED PROGRAMS, WE ARE ABLE TO REACH COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO WOULDN’T OTHERWISE HAVE ACCESS TO HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP SKILLS.

Dads Making a Difference

Dads Making a Difference is an educational and mentoring experience for fathers who are behind on child support (and facing jail time for non-payment). Over the course of 13 weeks, dads gain a deeper understanding of:

The importance of being involved in their children’s lives and how their positive presence impacts future success;
Co-parenting, communication and conflict-resolution skills to improve their relationship with the child’s mother; and
Healthy relationship skills which allow them to be a better parent and employee.

In addition, several judges and attorneys help them navigate the court system, Operation Hope provides financial literacy insights, and the American Job Center assists with employment and interview issues like felony charges or prior incarceration.

Dads Making a Difference has proven to increase the number of dads who contribute emotionally and financially to their children. It also helps them successfully overcome any choices or challenges that landed them in front of a judge.

For more information or to register, please click the button below to get in contact FTF Program Director, Reggie Madison.

Muffins for Mom / Donuts for Dad / Donuts for Grownups

Schools within our community open their doors to parents (or parental figures) to enjoy a delicious free breakfast with their child at Muffins for Mom, Donuts for Dad and Donuts for Grownups. These fun events are a great opportunity to encourage healthy relationship dynamics within families, as well as build a sense of community. We partner with local schools to provide a quick interactive experience that focuses on building parent-child relationships. These special experiences:

• Foster quality time between parent and child

• Teach effective communication skills

• Build stronger relationships through positive interactions

For more information or if you are interested in inviting us to be a part of your school’s program, contact contact FTF Program Director, Reggie Madison.

Maclellan Shelter for Families

The Maclellan Shelter for Homeless Families in Chattanooga, TN allows families to stay for up to 120 days. During their stay, First Things First provides an interactive experience that teaches healthy relationship skills every Monday night. Here is what one employee from Maclellan Shelter has to say about our outreach:

I’m the one on duty when the First Things First staff comes to the Maclellan Shelter for Families to do relationship classes. I just want to say that I love this class and what it provides for families. I sit back and nod my head in wonder at the task that First Things First has on its shoulders.

To hone in on a more specific moment, one night I sat at the desk watching one of your staff members interact with four of the children. The value of what was going on in that moment froze me for a few minutes. One of the unfortunate side effects of poverty is that social development can be stunted by the lack of positive social interaction. When I saw this positive interaction, it struck me that the kids experiencing your program will never be able to duplicate such a positive time again unless they are able to create one when they are older.

Seeing your program foster such a positive, unique environment for children is something that cannot be appreciated enough. PLUS, add the fact that young mothers are getting the chance to hear life skills from a seasoned veteran of motherhood has a worth that everyone should appreciate, even if they don’t get to see it.

Thank you, First Things First, for having a valuable program available. It is a pleasure to experience it.

Aaron Quinn
Maclellan Shelter for Families Employee

Relatable in High Schools

In these classes, teens learn all about healthy relationships. Plus, they discover how to identify unhealthy ones. Through fun games and role play scenarios, students explore:

Effective communication and conflict resolution skills
Hidden issues behind emotions
Red flags in relationships
Self-awareness

I had the privilege of having Reggie and Anovia speak to my classes over the past couple of weeks at East Hamilton High School. I wanted to let you know what a wonderful job they did and how good I think the program is. This is my first year at East Hamilton as I just recently moved from Arlington High School which is located just outside of Memphis. I told them both that I wished this program could have been done at Arlington. It could be very good for the Memphis area schools. Reggie and Anovia both did a wonderful job, I was very impressed with how well they presented and kept the kids interested the entire time. Thank you for allowing this program to take place at East Hamilton. I am so glad I got to see this and look forward to having them return next year.

Thank You,

Hunter Gremore
Head Girls Basketball Coach, East Hamilton

For more information or if you are interested in inviting us to be a part of your school’s program, contact contact FTF Program Director, Reggie Madison.