Building strong family bonds and relationship skills.

Family First is a group program designed for parents and caregivers with their children and teens ages 3–6 or 7–17. Families build on improving family relationships, parenting skills, and youth social and life skills. The program is appropriate for single-parent, blended, or traditional families.

Trained facilitators lead the program and are present to create a relaxed environment and guide conversations. A family dinner is provided each night followed by fun and interactive parent, youth, and family sessions.

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Get in touch with Youth First staff for more information about this program.

Laura Wathen, Director of Programs

“I liked Family First because I think it made my family better.”

—Youth participant

What happens at Family First?

Each week the program begins with a family meal followed by separate parent and youth sessions. We end the evening by coming back together for family time. Parent breakouts include keeping and improving positive behavior, reducing stress, and other important topics. Youth and teen breakouts include communicating with parents and other adults, handling peer pressure, and other life skills. The family sessions include games and activities that help reinforce what was discussed earlier.

The program also provides child care and/or homework help for children younger or older than the program’s age range. Weekly and program completion incentives are offered. Assistance is also available for those who need transportation to and from the program.

Who benefits from Family First?

Family First is a program designed for EVERY family! Many people assume this is a program for families with “problems” or that attendance will label them as a “bad parent.” Family First is all about taking good families and making them better. In today’s society, raising children can be difficult, and finding quality time to spend as a family is challenging.

Family First gives you the opportunity to share your parenting successes and struggles with other parents who are experiencing the same thing. You will also be given new tools and strategies to try at home. Parents are encouraged to build on what they are already doing that works well for their family. Attendance also guarantees some quality family time.

Family Conflict
decrease

Coping Skills
increase

Mood Management
increase

Decision Making
increase

Communication
increase

Parenting Skills
increase

Testimonials

“It is a wonderful program. I can’t say enough positive things about this program. I tell others about it in hopes the word will spread.”

Parent participant3-5 year old group

“We liked the open, family-oriented atmosphere. Everyone was included and treated equally. There were many ideas to incorporate to make our family stronger.”

Parent participant6–9 year old group

“We had our first Family First Success session this evening and it was a success! We had six families attend this evening and four others have agreed to start next week. The evening started with a pizza dinner. Then, parents had the opportunity to learn some awesome information about the importance of spending quality time with their children. They also received a conversation jar to use during family meal time. This is such a wonderful program and I am thankful our families have the opportunity to participate.”

Windy McGowenPrincipal, Paul Hadley Middle School, Mooresville, IN

“I think we gained some knowledge and ideas that will help our family continue to grow.”

Parent participant10–14 year old group

“I felt many topics were beneficial in helping me understand my child.”

Parent participant3–5 year old group

“The program gave us an opportunity to discuss things together in a calm situation.”

Youth participant10–14 year old group

“This program is filled with helpful information to facilitate communication.”

Parent participant10–14 year old group

“Setting expectations was new to us. We are excited to see it working!”