About Us

Families First Core Values:

Families First is a (501)c non-profit organization committed to building meaningful lives for youth and adults living with developmental disabilities in Southern Vermont. Our agency was founded in 1996 by 3 families looking to create better disability services for their children as they grew. Much of our philosophy has not changed. We are dedicated to finding ways that people living with disabilities can be experienced as friends, neighbors and co-workers by their communities.

Unconditional positive regard, honesty, integrity, and innovation are the guiding principles of our agency. This foundation allows us to provide true inclusion and community engagement services for our self-advocates living with disabilities.

Mission

We offer person-centered support for people living with disabilities so they can experience full & true lives. Our vision is to create an environment where people living with disabilities are valued and respected as contributing members of the community.

We aim to provide a wide range of services that include the voices of the self-advocate, their family members, and those that offer support & companionship. Direct care professionals are an integral part in developing caring and respectful relationships with those we serve.

We have an Employment Program that matches employers with adults with disabilities. We assist with job retention, skill growth, and education opportunities.
We have an in-house Crisis Team that provides extra support to individuals & teams when requested.
In 2022, we began a residential program for youth with disabilities in DCF custody called Banyan House. There we aim to create stability & hope for adolescents navigating adulthood.
Our officers through the Brattleboro Advocacy Group (BRAG) sponsor classes and social events at Families First and connect with Statewide civil rights advocacy campaigns.
Nestled on a renovated late 1800s dairy farm in Southern Vermont, Bordertown Farm is now the new home of Families First. This 47-acre property features a historic barn, farmhouse, and outbuildings, converted to serve our individuals best. This location has also been known to many as the Vermont Agricultural Business Center.
See more in the Brattleboro Reformer (Click Here)
Our agency has also recently expanded to serve Bennington County. In May 2025 we began leasing a fully accessible space at the Historic Mill in Bennington, VT. We hope to grow this location to match our main site in Brattleboro.
Families First offers Full-time hourly staff a competitive benefits package. This is for staff who work 30+ hours a week.
This includes, but is not limited to, Medical and Dental insurance, a Health Reimbursement Account, a Dependent Care Account, Professional Development, Employee Assistance Program, Paid Sick and Vacation days, 12 paid holidays, a Vehicle Maintenance Allowance, and Wellness Reimbursements.
Never in my life have I worked for such a caring, understanding , honest, kind, compassionate and giving organization. I make a difference in someone's life and that is an amazing feeling. Lots of incentives: sign on bonuses and gift cards! — A.H. Wilmington, VT
I have been a home provider with Families First for a year. I am constantly amazed at the level of care and commitment the staff has for the clients and those who support them. I have never held a job in which I am frequently acknowledged for the work I am doing to provide a safe and supportive home for my client. — D.H. Dummerston, VT
I've really enjoyed working here. The work culture is fantastic, there's loads of support for the staff, pronouns are respected from the get go, and it's good, meaningful work that is immensely fulfilling. — A.S. Hinsdale, NH

Brattleboro Main Entrance & Accessible Parking

We serve people through the Medicaid Developmental Services Waiver and follow the intake and service delivery guidelines from the Department of Aging and Independent Living (DAIL).

Eligibility criteria for the DS waiver require that the person is a resident of Vermont, be found eligible for Medicaid and have a clinical diagnosis of having a developmental disability.

More information can be found at the DAIL website at ddsd.vermont.gov and from Green Mountain Self-Advocates at gmsavt.org.

Thank you!

We would like to thank our grantors, financial sponsors, and community partners for their unwavering support.

We are grateful to Vermont Parks Forever, Vermont Community Foundation, Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council, Price Chopper's Golub Foundation, Richards Group, Edible Brattleboro, GMSA, Horseplay, Thomas Thompson Trust, Jasmine Healing Arts, and many more!