Current Events

Families First in Southern Vermont is a nonprofit organization that supports approximately one hundred youth and adults living with developmental disabilities. We aim to promote self-advocate independence and exploration. We currently serve self-advocates throughout Windham County.

Families First recently moved locations, into the historic Famolare Farm in Brattleboro. This new campus holds our programming, service coordinators, nurses, administrative offices, as well as residential & respite spaces. We are excited to embrace new growth opportunities!

Vice president of our self-advocacy group, Mike Curtis, began receiving services from Families First 11 years ago, and shares that his quality of life has greatly improved since then. 

"I believe Families First is one of the greatest agencies in the state of Vermont," he said, speaking highly of his case manager and support staff. "I want them to continue to support me in my journey as an individual living with a disability. With this new building, we now have our own space to grow. Hopefully, new advocates will be seeing the quality services that I do." 

Unfortunately, our main building flooded shortly after we moved in. This has damaged our programming space, offices, and has displaced many of us for months. We're currently finishing repairs and finding unforeseen issues. We discovered the need to upgrade our heating and cooling system and replace damaged furniture and appliances. To help with these costs and support our ongoing programming needs, we're holding a Giving Tuesday Auction Fundraiser that will end on December 3rd, 2024. 

Please consider donating today. Your-tax deductible contribution will directly support programming and resources that will transform the lives of everyone we serve.

Thank you for your support! A donation link is included below.

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.

Our Intake Coordinator/Clinical Director is Joshua Kussius. If you would like to learn more about the Families First community please email him at joshua@familiesfirstvt.org.