About Us

Families First Core Values: 

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 youth and adults living with developmental disabilities.

Our agency was founded in 1996 by 3 families. We are a a (501) non-profit organization committed to providing meaningful services throughout Southern Vermont.

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.

Our goal is to provide a wide range of services that include the voices of the self-advocate, their family members, and those that offer support & companionship. We aim to have direct care professionals develop caring and respectful relationships with those they work with.

  • 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.

  • We have recently moved to our forever home at 11 University Way in Brattleboro, Vermont. With over 40 acres, we are hoping to explore and grow into our new space.

    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

Map 5.2025 (1).png
Back of Main Building
Our main building & silo
20240306_080339.jpg
20250610_080526.jpg
20250610_080653.jpg
20250610_080621.jpg
Main Entrance & Accessible Parking
The land
Famolare farm plaque
Garden plots
Greenhouse
Garden club planting

Intake Process

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.

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!