Expanding Programming to Western MA
The true sign of a strong program is the desire of others to bring that program into their own communities.
Families First is excited to announce that we will be expanding our reach and launching our programs in the Springfield, MA area in 2022!
Where Are We Heading?
The Western MA region is home to many leading innovators in early childhood, active collaboratives, and potential program partners. The community embraces collective action and 2-Generation approaches—concepts that are central to Families First’s vision.
Within this robust early childhood landscape, Families First’s parenting education and parent leadership programming will fill a gap by adding capacity to family-serving organizations and providing pathways for parents to get involved and have their voices heard.
Who Is Leading the Charge?
The project is led locally by Jill Brevik. Jill is serving in the position of Regional Director, Western MA after working with Families First in a variety of capacities since 2014. Currently, we are also actively seeking a Program Manager for the Western MA region, and Parenting Educators to work closely with families and facilitate program sessions.
Who Is Making This Work Possible?
We are grateful to have received anchor funding from the LEGO Foundation, who has been an active partner and connector during the exploratory phase of this project. And we are able to effectively hit the ground running thanks to local funders including: the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, and PeoplesBank.
Thank You!
While Families First has been exploring regional expansion for many years, this is a big and exciting step for the organization. It is possible because of our strong community, including our dedicated staff, Parenting Educators, and Parent Ambassadors, our hard-working Board of Directors, our donors and funding partners, and all of the strategic advisors and community members who helped guide our thinking and planning.
In addition, many wonderful leaders from organizations based in Western MA have generously offered their time to meet with our team to help us understand where our programs will fit within the existing landscape. If you have any connections with early childhood education organizations in the area, feel free to reach out to Jill Brevik at jbrevik@families-first.org.
Thank you to everyone who has provided support, knowledge, and guidance as we begin this new chapter.
