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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
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 […]

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 […]

Honored as a 2026 Top Milspouse Employer

Recognized as a Top Employer for Military Spouses

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 […]

Honored as a 2026 VETS Indexes 4 Stat Employer

Honored as a 2026 VETS Indexes 4 Star Employer

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]