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 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 […]
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 […]
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
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 […]
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 […]
Scott is known throughout FamiliesFirst Network for always showing up fully, consistently and with a smile. His steady dedication to children, families and colleagues is a key reason why he was selected as the 2025 Team Member of the Year. Those who work with him describe him as the person you can count on in […]
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 […]
Thank you for your interest in FamiliesFirst Network! If you'd like to receive our monthly e-newsletter with inspiring stories of impact from our team members and those we serve, please subscribe here.
