When Stephanie Powell became a board member for FamiliesFirst Network – more than a decade ago – she was going through another major life transition. Becoming a mom to two daughters, born 2012 and 2016, shaped her passion for this nonprofit, which provides child protective services and case management in Northwest Florida.
“I couldn’t imagine not having my children with me. I couldn’t imagine our family being apart,” she said. “That was really something that was a passion of mine. That was a driving force.”
Something clicked immediately for Stephanie.
“I fell in love with FamiliesFirst Network,” she said. “I really like advocating for and supporting these children as they try to get their family life stable.”
FamiliesFirst Network works to keep families safely together whenever possible and supports safe reunification when foster care is needed. Specialized team members also help young adults transitioning out of care build independent, successful lives.
Why serve
More than a decade since her journey began, Stephanie has served on multiple board committees and contributed her expertise to FamiliesFirst Network.
With a career focused in graphic communication, media design and business management, Stephanie has experience in a variety of industries, including banking, healthcare and tourism. In 2020 she launched Metrics + Message to support small businesses hit by COVID‑19. Today she balances running her firm with serving full time as marketing director for Premier Island Management Group.
Stephanie has supported other children’s organizations through volunteerism, but she said FamiliesFirst Network stands out because of its people.
“I would go to bat for any of the employees here,” she said. “I’ve just never seen people that dote on their employees so much… making sure the team has the things that they need and really goes out of the way to recognize those extra efforts.”
FamiliesFirst Network’s celebrations—reunifications, adoptions and success stories—are the moments she treasures most. “Every board meeting,” she said. “Every mission moment is just amazing. There is such a high level of care and concern for every single child in our care.”
She describes FamiliesFirst Network as “a gem… just so special. It’s in the name ‘FamiliesFirst.’ That message is one that’s very important to me.”
Getting involved
For anyone considering getting involved—through giving, volunteering or community partnership—Stephanie has simple guidance.
“If you feel it in your heart to start, just start,” she said. “There are so many ways to get involved with organizations like ours. You can never truly calculate or quantify the value of any kind gesture. Don’t withhold giving a little if you think you don’t have a lot. Those little steps stack up.”
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