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.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
FamiliesFirst Network and our parent company LifeView Group have been recognized as a 2026 Top MilSpouse Employer by U.S. Veterans Magazine. This award highlights our ongoing commitment to recruiting, supporting and retaining military spouses by offering meaningful career pathways, flexibility and long-term professional growth. “Our mission-driven work, serving individuals and families in need, deeply resonates […]
FamiliesFirst Network and our parent company LifeView Group have been recognized as a 4 Star Employer in the 2026 VETS Indexes Employer Awards. This prestigious accolade highlights our strong commitment to recruiting, hiring, retaining, developing and supporting veterans and the military-connected community. FamiliesFirst Network supports veterans and their families by providing case management services, working closely […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
Bree Padgett has been selected to serve as FamiliesFirst Network’s team manager for judicial case management in Okaloosa and Walton Counties. Bree brings more than 10 years of dedicated child welfare experience to her role. She joined FamiliesFirst Network in 2015 as a family services counselor, now known as a child welfare case manager. In […]
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