Antonia Sumrall began her career with FamiliesFirst Network in 2004 as a family support worker. With a background in childcare, she had already seen the complexities of the foster care system and developed a deep respect for the work of those supporting children and families.
Once she joined FamiliesFirst Network, Antonia quickly discovered her passion for building one‑on‑one relationships with children and parents. She found purpose in connecting with families, supporting their goals and walking alongside them through challenging seasons.
“I’m glad that I was able to have the opportunity to become a case manager. I’m happy with my job. I love it. You just know when you’re in the right place.”
In this role, Antonia guides families through complex child welfare processes—balancing urgent needs, court-driven timelines and the long-term goal of safety and stability.
She explains that the challenges make successes even more meaningful.
“The best part is when they get it—when we see the accomplishments from it. It’s what makes me happy and lets me know that I’m in the right place,” she says.
What motivates her most is witnessing the progress families make over time, the successful outcomes families work so hard for
Antonia also credits FamiliesFirst Network’s team culture as a key source of support in such demanding work. She describes her colleagues and leaders as approachable and dependable.
Her advice to new team members is simple but heartfelt:
“Take it one day at a time. Always ask for help when you need it. If you feel overwhelmed, ask because everybody here is willing to help you.”
Team members like Antonia do inspiring work every day, supporting parents and children in need. But we can’t do this alone.
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