For more than 20 years, FamiliesFirst Network has served children who have been abused or neglected in Northwest Florida. Each year:
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.
In December 2024, both Lisa and Deidre accepted a temporary reassignment from their regular roles to carry full child welfare caseloads amid rising needs. Despite the short notice, large caseloads and the demands of the holiday season, they each stepped outside their normal responsibilities with full ownership of their assigned children—ensuring safety, permanency and well-being. […]
Ashley Jackson, a member of FamiliesFirst Network’s Parent Advisory Council (PAC), received the Parent with Lived Experience Leadership Award from the Florida Coalition for Children. This prestigious honor celebrates parents who have faced and overcome significant life challenges and now use that strength to lead, inspire and transform their communities. Ashley’s journey has not been […]
For young people aging out of foster care, the future can often seem uncertain. Those who work with Child Welfare Case Manager Brandon Fernbach can feel more secure knowing they have a strong advocate in their corner. Brandon supports young adults aged 18 to 23 who have aged out of the foster care system and […]
At FamiliesFirst Network, our Young Adult Services Program serves as a vital resource for youth aging out of foster care. Leading the program is Melody Kohr, a dedicated child welfare professional with more than 20 years of service. Melody has spent her career supporting young people on their path to independence. Melody’s journey into child […]
Pam Smith walked into Lakeview Center 55 years ago not knowing she would help shape the organization into what it is today. What started as a role answering the crisis line turned into a decades-long journey of leadership, service and professional growth. This July, Pam transitions into retirement, closing one of the most impactful chapters […]
Brandy Dyer, records specialist in vital statistics, has been named FamiliesFirst Network Team Member of the Quarter! In just one year, she’s streamlined processes—building relationships with the local health department and Social Security Administration and advocating for language changes in shelter orders with Children’s Legal Services to speed up permanency for kids. Brandy’s solution-oriented approach […]
Pensacola, Fla. (May 21, 2025) – LifeView Group, parent company of FamiliesFirst Network, has been ranked No. 7 on The Women’s Edge’s 2025 list of the Top 100 Women-Led Businesses in Florida. The annual list recognizes both nonprofit and for-profit organizations led by prominent female executives across the state. This is the fourth consecutive year […]
When FamiliesFirst Network’s Hannah Cole began her career in child welfare, she didn’t realize how this field of work would shape her life. Starting with case management, Hannah spent more than 5 years working alongside families during some of their most difficult moments. Last year, an opportunity arose, transitioning Hannah to the position of adoption […]
On Tuesday, May 6th, FamiliesFirst Network proudly hosted its 20th Annual Child Welfare Conference! We are grateful to everyone who joined us for an informative and inspiring day where speakers discussed past accomplishments, present challenges and the future potential of child welfare. Thank you to our host, Gateway Church of Christ, and to all of […]
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