Founded in 1996 by 3 parents, Families First is a (501) non-profit organization committed to building meaningful lives for youth and adults living with developmental disabilities.

Mission & Vision

Families First provides 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.

Goals

To provide a wide range of services that include the voices of the self-advocate, their family members, and those that offer support & companionship. To have direct care professionals develop caring and respectful relationships with the people they are working with.

Families First is committed to providing access to Service Coordinators and our Director(s) in ways that encourage confidence rather than hierarchy.

Our philosophy is to focus on true inclusion and community engagement. We are dedicated to finding ways that people living with disabilities can be experienced as friends, neighbors and co-workers by their communities.

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.
FFAR, or the Families First Anti-Racism committee meets monthly to discuss our commitment to being an anti-racist organization.
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 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)
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

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.

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