WE ACCOMPLISH OUR VISION THROUGH THE DOMAINS OF FAMILY PRACTICE MODEL:
*Measurables are set on an annual basis. We keep track of who uses our resources and survey their relational health, skillset and choices accordingly.
OUR HOLISTIC ECOSYSTEM
Based on the research-based model of the Domains of Family Practice, entering the FTF ecosystem provides our participants with access to the tools they need to move forward for good.
QUICK FACTS
Born and raised in Chattanooga
Southern Adventist University Alumna
Director of Marketing for FTF in 2015
Became CEO of FTF in 2021
Husband named Daniel
Has 2 kids (1 boy and 1 girl)
Has a rescue pup named Ida Mae
Our goal is to strengthen families by providing free relationship education and resources for couples and parents to create positive generational impact.
One way we do this is through our local programs. Each program is designed to support an individual or couple in a specific way so they can strengthen their relationships and live better lives.
Your generous gift tonight will help cover the cost of research-based relationship resources to families in Chattanooga and beyond. Every gift tonight will go toward meeting people where they are to provide stability and walk with them to thrive.
Thank you for your support!
Is FTF faith-based?
FTF is research-based and faith-friendly. We use evidence-based curricula and practices to provide families with the skills and resources they need to thrive. We also recognize the important role faith plays in maintaining values, building connections, and identifying purpose. We encourage individuals, couples, and parents to incorporate faith as part of a healthy lifestyle, but we do not share our personal faith journeys or beliefs through our programming.
Who do you serve?
We serve economically disadvantaged and at-risk families in Hamilton County, Tennessee. Our programs are targeted and designed to meet the needs and experiences of those who live at or near the poverty level, or who are at high risk of developing relational trauma and disconnection due to living and/or working environments. Through our free, online resources and classes, we reach hundreds of thousands of families across the globe.
How is FTF funded?
FTF is funded through diverse revenue streams. As of July 2024, revenue streams are broken down into these categories: 31% individual gifts, 2% churches/faith-based organizations, 10% corporate sponsorships, 41% foundational grants, and 16% government grants.
How much do FTF programs cost participants?
All FTF programs, services and resources are free or minimal cost. As we target economically disadvantaged and at-risk families, we never want cost to be a barrier. We’re committed to ensuring unhindered access to relationship education, case management, coaching and mental health services for our participants.
Is FTF research-based?
FTF is research-based and evidence-informed. At its core, FTF follows an adapted form of the Domains of Family Practice Model, research-backed and established by the National Council on Family Relations. Our staff is trained on nationally registered and recognized research-based curricula, including: Family Wellness, Active Parenting, 24/7 Dad, PREP, MindMatters, and Prepare/Enrich. FTF’s staff has also completed professionally led training to further develop our efforts, including DEI analysis and understanding, trauma-informed care, and frameworks for understanding poverty.
Who are FTF’s partners?
FTF uses a variety of partners to provide resources and services to our families. Our partner list currently includes:
Recruitment:
- Chattanooga City Court
- Chattanooga Housing Authority
- Family Justice Center
- Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center
- Hamilton County Juvenile Court Systems
- Hamilton County Schools
- House of Refuge
- Maclellan Shelter for Families/CHATT Foundation
- Partnership for Families, Children, and Adults
- Signal Centers
- The Bethlehem Center
- Veritas Health and Human Services
- CADAS-Family Way
- Department of Children Services
- TN Department of Human Services (not sure where they should be, but they are a partner)
Employment or Education Services:
- The American Job Center
- Project Return
- Chattanooga State Workforce and Economic Development
- Northside Neighborhood House
- Southern Champion Tray
Mental Health Services:
- Clinica Medicos
- Elbow Tree Christian Counseling
- Journey Mental Health
- Rachel Westbrooks, LPC-MHSP
- Roots Counseling Center
- Silverdale Academy
- Stronger Families
- The Transformation and Lighthouse Counseling Center
Financial Services:
- Operation Hope
- Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union
Substance Abuse Services:
- Friend’s House Ministries
- Council for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services & Family Way
Legal Services:
- Advice Law Firm
- Chris Stiles Law Firm
- Karen McGuffee, attorney and criminal justice professor at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga
- Mattingly Law Office
- Private Dispute Resolution Services
Schools, Churches, and Community Centers:
- Bethlehem Center
- Calvin Donaldson Environmental Science Academy
- East Lake Elementary School
- Chattanooga Housing Authority
- the Villages at Alton Park apartments
- St. Elmo Missionary Baptist Church
- East Ridge Church of Christ
- Rock Point Church
How do I get involved?
To become involved with FTF’s mission, you can volunteer, donate, and/or become a healthy relationship advocate. Volunteers can give their time and talent through helping with community events and other needed tasks to support families in our programs and beyond. Interested in volunteering? Email us at [email protected] and we’ll notify you when opportunities become available.
We are also looking for donors, who want to empower and encourage healthy families in low-income communities, to support our programming and wrap around services.
Last but not least, our community needs healthy relationship advocates. You can encourage families and healthy relationships by following FTF on social media, sharing our content, and modeling these skills in your own life!
How do you evaluate your programs?
FTF uses a mixed methodology and consistent evaluation process to measure impact. We believe in stewarding every dollar and every effort to its fullest potential. That’s why we have a full-time program evaluator and research coordinator on staff. We also have an Internal Review Board through the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and a contracted third-party/macro evaluator, Dr. Lindsay Whetter.
