The First In Families local Chapters offer support to families and individuals according to their self-defined needs. Examples of supports include recreational items, home furnishings or modifications, childcare or respite, or repairs to vehicles. Support can also be the connecting of an individual to vocational, social, and educational opportunities in the community; whatever it takes - for people to live and participate fully in their community.
To respond to a particular need, First In Families partners with local businesses, citizens, and agencies. Sometimes we work to get the lowest possible price, or we might barter or exchange something. Other times we simply make a referral to an appropriate agency. As First In Families engages the community, relationships often develop. Through this process, the original need gets met, and the community becomes a richer place.
Families who have received help from FIF often wish to help another family in the future. Examples of this type of 'circle of giving' include foreign language translations, or donations of labor or needed items such as furniture, car seats, computers and toys.
First In Families values privacy, and individual family information is kept confidential.
For a listing of the counties served by local FIF Chapters, along with contact information, visit the Local FIF Chapters page of this Web site.
A First In Families Chapter can support any family in which one family member has a developmental disability or delay, or is at risk of the same. The family or individual must be living in their own rented or owned home, not in a group home. We do support people in finding an alternative to living in a group home if that is their desire.
First In Families of NC and the local Chapters define "family" very broadly. Any group of people who live together and consider themselves family, are family to us. Also, any eligible adult who lives on his/her own, with or without housemates, is considered a family for our purposes.
For more information about the areas we serve, along with local contact information, visit Local FIF Chapters.
If you live in an area that does not currently have a First In Families Chapter, we can help you get one started. Contact our Director, Betsy MacMichael, at 919-943-5757 for more information.
First In Families of NC can help a family design a safe and fulfilling life for and with their loved one with a disability. Please visit Lifetime Connections Program to learn more about this new program.
First In Families of North Carolina | 524 S. Duke Street | Durham, NC 27701
919-943-5757 | email