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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
Amy King

Professional Growth Journey: Amy King

Putting families first: After 20 years in the military, Amy King was ready for a new chapter, one that allowed her to continue making a difference in the lives of others. During her time in the military, she spent five years volunteering as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL), advocating for children and gaining firsthand insight […]

Donor Spotlight: T-Mobile

Donor Spotlight: T‑Mobile

T‑Mobile supports connection, care and community: Strong collaborations make it possible to deliver life‑changing services across our organization. One of those organizations is T‑Mobile, whose support reaches beyond technology to strengthen the work happening on the ground every day. Rooted in community As a sponsor of FamiliesFirst Network’s Child Welfare Conference, T‑Mobile has demonstrated a […]

Ja'Nyrah

From foster care to entrepreneur: Ja’Nyrah’s journey

Through FamiliesFirst Network’s Young Adult Services program, young people like Ja’Nyrah are building independent paths forward after foster care. At just 21 years old, Ja’Nyrah is already finding success on her own terms. A full‑time student at Pensacola State College, she recently earned her associate degree in business entrepreneurship and is preparing to transfer to […]

Russell Beaty

Meet Our Board: Russell Beaty

With a career rooted in fire rescue and emergency management, Russell Beaty has spent decades serving vulnerable populations. That experience—combined with church and community volunteering—sparked a lasting passion for accessible community mental health services and family support. Through his work with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Russell was assigned to serve on the board of […]

Stephanie Powell

Meet Our Board: Stephanie Powell

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 […]

Community Partner Spotlight: Jewelers Trade Shop

Jewelers Trade Shop shines in support of those in need

Legacy of giving For seven decades, Jewelers Trade Shop has been a trusted name in the Pensacola community—known not just for fine craftsmanship and beautiful jewelry, but for a commitment to giving back. Since opening its doors in 1956, the family-owned business has woven philanthropy into its identity, Today, Jewelers Trade Shop’s generosity continues to […]

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 […]

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 […]