Families First in Cabarrus County Inc.

Overview

Families First in Cabarrus County Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Concord, North Carolina. The organization was co-founded by Spencer and Aurora Swain in July 2014 and is dedicated to nurturing children, empowering parents, and strengthening families to ensure their long-term success[1][2].

Mission

The mission of Families First is to foster an environment where families can flourish for generations by providing them with essential resources and support. This is achieved through a comprehensive range of services that address the unique challenges faced by at-risk families in Cabarrus County[2][4].

Programs

ParentChild+ Program

This program is part of a national network that offers home visiting services to support at-risk children and their families. It focuses on early childhood development by engaging parents in literacy programs designed to improve educational outcomes[2].

Celebrating Families Program

This 16-week trauma-informed program is designed for families and children recovering from substance abuse and addiction. It provides a supportive environment where families can heal together[2][4].

Cabarrus Bilingual Preschool

The preschool offers a high-quality bilingual learning experience for preschool-age children. It aims to enhance kindergarten readiness by removing language barriers and providing a multicultural setting conducive to academic and interpersonal growth. The preschool utilizes a Creative Curriculum that supports all areas of child development, including cognitive, social-emotional, mathematics, physical, science, technology, social studies, arts, and language skills[1][4].

ESL Classes & GED

In addition to its preschool programs, Families First offers English as a Second Language (ESL) classes in partnership with the Cabarrus Literacy Council. These classes support both children and adults seeking to improve their English proficiency[4].

Achievements

One of the notable achievements of Families First is the success of its Cabarrus Bilingual Preschool. The preschool was awarded a Five-Star Child Care License by the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education within its first six months of operation, reflecting the organization's commitment to providing a safe, healthy, and supportive educational environment[1].

Structure and Operations

Families First operates through a team of nearly 15 professionals who work closely with families both in their homes and at the organization's facilities. The nonprofit relies heavily on contributions, which account for the majority of its revenue, and is governed by a leadership team including key positions such as Executive Director, Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary[2][3].

Financial Operations

As a nonprofit, Families First relies primarily on charitable contributions for its funding. In recent years, contributions have comprised over 95% of its total revenue. The organization's expenses are largely directed towards salaries and wages, with a significant portion also allocated for executive compensation[3].

Impact

Families First plays a crucial role in supporting under-served communities in Cabarrus County, particularly immigrant families and those affected by substance abuse and other socio-economic challenges. By focusing on early childhood education and family empowerment, the organization contributes to building stronger, more resilient families within the community[1][2].