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Stories

For more than 20 years, FamiliesFirst Network has served children who have been abused or neglected in Northwest Florida. Each year:

  • Our team serves 2,700 children from Escambia to Walton County.
  • We provide 750+ children’s families with specialized in-home prevention services aimed at keeping kids and parents safely together, reducing the need for out-of-home placements.
  • Our case management services help 970+ children’s cases to be safely closed and 190+ children to be safely reunited with their families.
  • We help 100+ young adults aging out of foster care.

Our team members share our mission of “helping people” every day. Some of their stories are below.

All interview requests must be made through our Marketing and Communications department. For assistance, please call 850-503-8164.

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FFN logo with words, "Spring Fling" on a background with a bright blue sky and spring flowers.

Spring Fling Event

Get ready for the FamiliesFirst Network Spring Fling! This free, family-friendly event is packed with fun. Enjoy exciting Easter egg hunts, crafts, games and food. Easter Egg Hunt Schedule: Don’t forget to bring your own baskets. Happy Easter from FamiliesFirst Network! Want to donate in support of events like these? Give a gift online

Headshot of Jerry Maygarden

Meet Our Board: Jerry Maygarden

As a valued member of the board of directors for our parent company, LifeView Group, Jerry Maygarden brings both personal passion and decades of community leadership to our mission. His commitment to service began long before his distinguished public career Raised by banker parents, Jerry’s first full-time job was in the financial sector, where he gained valuable […]

Lynn Hare Team Member of the Year

Lynn Hare named LifeView Group Team Member of the Year

For three decades, Lynn Hare has been an essential part of our organization’s story. As the project manager in the Marketing Department, Lynn has become known not only for her professionalism and creativity, but also for the warmth, compassion, and genuine care she brings to every interaction across our family of companies. “I’ve been with […]

Lynne Whittington headshot

Professional Growth Journey: Lynne Whittington

For nearly 24 years, Lynne Whittington has been a constant source of leadership, stability and innovation within FamiliesFirst Network. Her journey reflects both the progression of Florida’s child protection system and her own unwavering commitment to strengthening services for vulnerable children and families. As the director of system improvement & supports, Lynne oversees many of […]

Headshot of Amberlynn

Amberlynn’s Journey: From Uncertainty to Empowerment

Amberlynn’s story is one of resilience, determination and inspiration. Originally from New York state, she grew up with her parents and younger brother. Throughout her childhood, her parents’ relationship was unstable—splitting and reconciling until they ultimately separated. Amberlynn relocated to Florida with her father, but his struggles with substance misuse led to a cycle of […]

LifeView Group designated a 2026 Military Friendly® Employer

LifeView Group designated a 2026 Military Friendly® Employer

Pensacola, Fla. (Dec. 17, 2025) – FamiliesFirst Network’s parent company, LifeView Group, has earned the 2026 Military Friendly® Employer designation, marking the organization’s fourth consecutive year receiving this honor. This recognition underscores LifeView Group’s ongoing commitment to supporting the military and veteran community through hiring, career advancement and comprehensive services. As a nonprofit family of […]

Scott headshot

Scott Sullivan named FamiliesFirst Network Team Member of the Quarter

When crises arise, Scott Sullivan, child welfare case manager, goes above and beyond. In a recent ICPC case, he acted immediately to secure temporary care for two children by transporting them to and from school, helping with meals and laundry, and even purchasing clothing— all to ensure they felt safe and supported. As his manager, […]

All-Staff Day 2025

Strengthening Connections: All-Staff Day 2025

On Tuesday, November 11, our team took a well-deserved break from the office to enjoy a day at the beautiful Island Resort in Fort Walton Beach for the All-Staff Conference. The day was filled with laughter, team bonding, and games that brought everyone closer together. This event was not only about having fun but also an opportunity to strengthen our relationships […]