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 youth and adults living with disabilities.

Mission

The mission of Families First is to provide person-centered support for people living with disabilities so they can experience full and true lives. Our services promote independent living, enhance self-esteem, and cultivate community membership through caring and respectful relationships. People with disabilities are valued and respected as contributing members of the community.

Advocate Employment Program: Matches employers with adults living with disabilities. Our agency assists advocates with job retention, skill growth, and volunteer & educational opportunities.
In-house Crisis After Hours Team: Provides extra support to advocates & teams as needed.
Brattleboro Advocacy Group (BRAG): Run by our self-advocates. They sponsor classes and social events at Families First and connect with Statewide civil rights advocacy campaigns.
Direct Support & Programming: Our Direct Support Professionals assist our advocates on a weekly basis with Community, Home, and Employment supports. Our weekly programming offers advocates a opportunity to build life skills, experience new things, and make lasting connections.
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 Bennington County. In May 2025 we began leasing a 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, Dependent Care Account, Professional Development, Employee Assistance Program, Paid Sick and Vacation days, 12 paid holidays, Vehicle Maintenance Allowance and Mileage, and Wellness Reimbursements.
Never in my life have I worked for such a caring, understanding , honest, kind, and compassionate organization. I make a difference in someone's life and that’s an amazing feeling. Lots of incentives: sign on bonuses and gift cards! — A.H. Wilmington, VT
It’s the best. My DSP’s are awesome. — M.C. Brattleboro, 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

Hot air balloon rally on the Brattleboro property in 1979. Photo from the Brattleboro Historical Society.

Our agency serves individuals through the Medicaid Developmental Services Waiver, and follows the intake and service delivery guidelines from the Department of Aging and Independent Living (DAIL).

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

To apply for services and/or begin the intake and eligibility process, please contact the Public Consulting Group (PCG). The eligibility team can be reached at 1-833-426-5668 or by emailing VTDDSDIntake@pcgus.com. For more information, please review ddsd.vermont.gov/apply-dd-services

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, Richards Group, Edible Brattleboro, GMSA, Horseplay, Thomas Thompson Trust, and many more!