First Things First

“Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” - Warren Buffet Imagine you were rich, successful, and had everything you ever wanted … but had no one to share it with. Would you feel fulfilled? Probably not. In fact, according to the world’s longest scientific study, the key to a meaningful existence is: strong, healthy relationships. However, for those struggling with poverty and experiencing trauma, it’s not that simple. The stress they experience in their relationships is much higher due to those very factors and they have more barriers to accessing needed resources. Plus, if you were never given a model of a healthy relationship, dysfunction could look and feel normal to you. That’s why it’s our mission to empower and guide individuals, couples, and parents to overcome those barriers, strengthen their relationships and in turn, create positive generational impact. We do this by following the research-backed Domains of Family Practice Model: a strategic system of integrating Relationship Education, Therapy, and Case Management. By combining these resources,, studies show that individuals and families have an increased improvement in their lives as a whole. We’re located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, just above the state line between Alabama and Georgia. The population in our area is approaching one million people, with over 32,000 who are suffering from poverty and the difficulties that come with it. Collectively, our team of 13 diverse and highly talented people represents 12 marriages, 30 kids, 14 college degrees, and a total of 175 combined years of experience. Through strategic partnerships within our community, we offer a variety of free relationship and parenting programs, coaching, and access to therapy. Our case managers assess needs and guide individuals to available resources within the community. By meeting basic needs first, we are cultivating the soil, ensuring proper conditions are in place for the seeds of healthy relationship skills to grow and be passed on. We know this work is changing the trajectory of an entire future generation, ultimately breaking negative relational cycles and creating lasting positive change. Looking ahead, someone’s child or grandchild will get to sit in the shade of the mighty tree we’ve planted together. #education #coaching #family

The Family Based Justice Center, coordinated by the NYU Marron Institute of Urban Management at NYU, hosted a "Researcher Convening on Alternatives to Incarceration for Parents and Caregivers" at First Things First. Professionals from all parts of the country with diverse disciplines and experiences came together for rich discussion on the mitigation of harmful impacts of incarceration on families. First Things First, along with three other OJJDP grantees, presented on the evaluation methods of their programs. Many wonderful connections were made and new ideas generated for what heals and strengthens children and families affected by incarceration. 

We had the most amazing time at our annual Signature Event at The Signal last Tuesday evening! We were honored to hear from Grammy award-winning artist, Lecrae Moore, and enjoy his performance. We also awarded Christopher Cooper as the second recipient of our Generational Impact Award. This award recognizes an individual who has not only set up their family for future success, but has also worked diligently to help those in their community get set up for future success. Thank you to everyone who attended and a special thank you to everyone who gave. Learn more about First Things First by clicking the link below and check out some of our favorite photos from the evening. We are looking forward to next year! Learn more about FTF here: https://lnkd.in/eWQCKW9c Photographer: Clay Terrell

We’re so honored to join in the work of Seth Kaplan's initiative of building more resilient neighborhoods through investing in relationships!

First Things First has been evaluated by Charity Navigator, the world’s largest and most trusted nonprofit evaluator, and earned the highest possible ranking, 4 stars! Charity Navigator’s third-party accreditation validates our organization’s operational excellence. Thanks to all who have been part of our family as contributors, funders, and volunteers. Your trust and support helps us make a difference for the families we serve.

It was "Paint, Play, Passion" date night for our RESET participants (a marriage program for Firefighters created by Brad and Lydia Freeman)! Couples had dinner while Chris Ownby taught about why play is vital in relationships. Afterwards, Anna Reeves McCutcheon led the couples through their painting activity: Portraits of one another! There was a ton of laughing. We love our RESET couples!

So grateful for our partners! These individuals help our organization provide tangible needs to our local families such as food and furniture. We had representatives from Hope for the Inner City, Rock Point Church, Nurture The Next, East Ridge Church of Christ, and Hickory Valley Christian Church to our office for lunch and an engaging get-to-know-you game that Reggie Madison conducted (ask him about "Lily Pads" when you see him). We're excited to continue growing these relationships!

So thankful to be partnered with Chattanooga Lookouts to serve our families!

We are so proud of the mothers who graduated last night from our first class of MEND (Mothers Embracing a New Direction). MEND is a non-custodial mothers program that provides education and access to resources for moms facing child support non-compliance and who want to regain time with their children. Each of our four graduates worked diligently to better understand the court system, care for their own mental health, and learn how to connect more deeply with their children. A special thank you to our program facilitator, Jackie Wolfe for her hard work.

A recent 50-year study completed by The Gottman Institute found that the single most important phrase couples can use in their relationship is “thank you.” After observing 40,000 couples during therapy sessions, Drs. John and Julie Gottman found relationships with an “enthusiastic culture of appreciation” were more likely to be successful for a lifetime than those who don’t regularly practice gratitude. The importance of practicing gratitude in our relationships cannot be overstated.