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Supporting Children Through Transitions

There has not been one universal way that the pandemic has affected parents. But every single parent has been affected by the pandemic. Over the past year, parents rallied. They were resilient. They were the superheroes that we always knew them to be. But at the same time, the pandemic took an enormous toll on…

Research Analysis Showcases Parenting Transformations

In partnership with Suffolk University’s Applied Developmental Psychology program, Families First launched a research study to more deeply assess the Power of Parenting™ program outcomes. This joint study furthers our goal of becoming an evidence-based model. This in-depth analysis focuses on the Identity Maps that parents draw as a reflection activity toward the end of…

Strengthening Our Data and Evidence Capacity with Project Evident

Four members of Families First’s staff—Ashlan Speck, Karen Osborne, Maureen O’Brien, and Aly Dion—are representing Families First in the program. Staff (middle) are pictured here with Sherra Lawrence, Senior Evidence Analyst (far left), Charles E. Carter, Jr., Senior Evidence Director (far right), and Erika Van Buren, Vice President of Evaluation, Learning and Strategic Impact at…

The Power of Parenting™ Program Launches in Chelsea with Great Success

Many communities outside of Boston are eager to host the Power of Parenting program. We’ve started our regional expansion in the City of Chelsea—and our first program had record-breaking attendance.   Not only did we take an important step into a new community, but it was one of our most successful Power of Parenting programs…

Families First Receives $10,000 Grant for Enriching Early Childhood Development

Families First Receives $10,000 Grant for Enriching Early Childhood Development Grant provided by Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation will help provide Families First’s Power of Parenting program to more than 250 parents with young children in eastern Massachusetts. September 18, 2019 – Families First, Boston’s leading provider of parenting education, announced today that it has received…

Families First’s New Brand Highlights the Power of Parents

Families First has some exciting news to share! We are rolling out a new brand and visual identity that together convey the power of the parents in our programs and the strength of the networks they build. A Refined Focus and a Refreshed Message WHY NOW? It was time to take a fresh look at…

16 Parents Graduate from the Power of Parenting in Mattapan

This month, 16 dedicated parents graduated from Families First’s Power of Parenting: Birth to Age Three program in Mattapan. Among those graduating were four fathers, including the father and son pictured here. One parent said: “Before the program, I felt like a plant without water. This program is the water, and [it] arose me.” This…

Families First Takes Home $20k from USA 500 Gala

Families First is thrilled to announce that we were awarded the top prize of $20,000 at USA 500 Clubs’ Gala on May 1, 2019. Families First was nominated by supporter Marc Freiberger, who said: When I attended Families First’s Breakfast Benefit, I was moved by the stories of the parents who spoke after participating in…

Parent Leader Mirella Cruz Joins Families First’s Board

Mirella Cruz is an extraordinary woman. As a single mother to two young girls, you can probably imagine the challenges Mirella faces as a parent every day. But she has never let her challenges define her path. Plus, things feel more manageable after she participated in Families First’s Power of Parenting program. She recalls: “The…

Birth to Age Three: Healthy Children, Supported Parents

Families First and Boston Basics are working together to ensure that young children have positive early childhood experiences and start life ready to succeed. We are teaming up with community health centers and childcare centers across Boston to equip staff, parents, and caregivers with the resources and skills they need to set children up for success. Check…