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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.

Family taking selfie
Thomas Williams

Professional Growth Journey: Thomas Williams

When someone arrives on campus, the situation is often stressful – from adults and children seeking mental health treatment to families receiving case management services. As campus ambassador for our main campus in downtown Pensacola, Thomas Williams spends his days walking the grounds, building relationships and stepping in when situations escalate. “I need to be […]

Deauna "Dee" Moorer

Dee Moorer named Team Member of the Quarter

Deauna “Dee” Moorer has been named FamiliesFirst Network’s Team Member of the Quarter! Based in Crestview, Dee is known as an encouraging, supportive presence for both her teammates and the families she works with. She demonstrates a strong commitment to growth, continually seeking opportunities to learn and expand her skills so she can better serve […]

Antonia Sumrall

Professional Growth Journey: Antonia Sumrall

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 […]

Autumn Cherry

Professional Growth Journey: Autumn Cherry

In 2007, Autumn Cherry started at FamiliesFirst Network, her first professional role after earning her degree in social work. At the time, she didn’t realize she was stepping into a calling that would shape her personally and professionally. Nearly two decades later, Autumn serves as team manager of quality, fidelity and practice improvements, guiding the […]

Brian Coleman named Team Member of the Quarter

Brian Coleman named Team Member of the Quarter

Brian Coleman has been named FamiliesFirst Network’s Team Member of the Quarter! Brian serves as young adult services child welfare case manager. Brian has gone above and beyond by helping young adults aging out of foster care personalize and furnish their homes, even going to estate sales, yard sales and furniture stores, while advocating for […]

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 […]

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, […]