Families First

A Message From The Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer, Julie Swindler, L C S W

The core philosophy of Families First is that the quality of our lives is linked to the quality of our communities, which, in turn, is determined by how well we sustain all our citizens. Our mission and our work are founded on this philosophy which we call the “Circle of Success”.

THE CIRCLE OF SUCCESS

THE SPIRIT OF GENEROSITY 

The spirit of generosity involves the community remaining responsible for itself by focusing on the welfare of others. This will determine the extent to which children, youth, family and community thrives.

THE SPIRIT OF HOPE 

Hope springs from many sources; being loved, cared for, encouraged and respected; sense of belonging and purpose, and the belief in something greater than self.

THE SPIRIT OF MASTERY 

When the child and /or adult experiences a sense of competence; internal discipline and normal development can flourish; and with that increased resilience, self-reliance, ability to succeed and take control of one’s destiny.

THE SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENCE 

A child’s sense of self comes from positive nurturing and external discipline that does not involve the imposing of ones will on another. Communities that extend the spirit of generosity will support a sense of belonging, mastery and independence. This will create and sustain the healthy development of children, youth, adults, families and community.

On October 2, 2008, Families First lost a long-time Board Member, Harriet Goldstein. The past sixty-four years of Harriet’s career lived out these principles which we call the “Circle of Success”. She dedicated her life to education; teaching at numerous social work schools, sitting on many boards, providing clinical oversight and direction as a supervisor; and producing a repertoire of numerous social workers.

Ms. Goldstein embraced the Families First mission to create opportunities with families to embrace their hope, strength and potential for change and Its vision of stronger families – stronger communities. Families First philosophy is grounded in the belief that all parents have the ability to love their children, and we feel privileged that parents allow staff into their homes and communities to partner with them in the parenting process. The majority of Families First work is with pregnant women and families with newborn infants. There is scientific research that supports the importance of intervening in the lives of families during the first two years. During this period of time, there is massive brain development, critical periods of attachment and bonding take place, and personalities are developed. Our work of early intervention assists parents in learning how to communicate with their child, learn the mother-child-dance, and understand various points of development. This is a critical period in assisting the child in his and her learning and being ultimately ready for school at age 5.

All programs work with healthy births and child development; parent-child bonding; creating a safe and nurturing family environment; promote healthy family functioning; achieve school readiness and academic success; and assisting families in becoming self-sufficient and off public assistance. One of our programs even focuses on achieving home ownership and off public housing assistance. (38 families have achieved this American Dream).

This is why Ms. Goldstein valued her work with Families First so much. Her love for education is a resounding theme throughout all the programs and truly recognizes the family, their needs, their hopes, and their ability to make positive changes to benefit the children and their communities.

Ms. Goldstein also introduced Families First to a group in her community.   These men and women come together to crochet, knit blankets, booties, hats, etc. This was a great connection for the Agency. The families receive homemade gifts that they cherish. One mother who was having difficulty soothing her child and was feeling frustrated used the blanket to sooth herself and felt that if it worked for her, maybe it will work for her child, which it did.

Ms. Goldstein is also credited with the creation of our Kin Support Project which provides social services and legal assistance for Relative Caregivers who are taking care of relatives because the biological parent is unable to do so due to death, incarceration, drug addiction, abandonment, to name a few. 

Ms. Goldstein left her mark on numerous people, through her humor, compassion, feistiness, impatience, zest for life, and above all her wisdom. She has helped to make Families First a vibrant organization, true to its mission, ethically run, accountable for every dollar and the outcomes it produces. 

In honor to Ms. Goldstein, Families First will continue the legacy of her strong commitment to providing the highest quality of service to this community.