First In Families

First In Families of Mecklenburg County (A Project of INREACH)

MISSION STATEMENT

FIFNC is a catalyst for individuals and families in North Carolina to meet self-determined wellness goals, by leveraging relationships and resources and encouraging reciprocity in their communities.

VISION

Individuals and families will have the wellness resources required to believe in their dreams, achieve their goals, connect in their communities and give back to others.

Eligibility

To be eligible for assistance, individuals/families must meet the following criteria:

Must provide proof of Mecklenburg County residency (i.e., photo ID or current utility bill or signed lease agreement).
Someone in the household must have an intellectual/developmental disability (i.e., Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, or Traumatic Brain Injury).
Place of residence must be a house or apartment, not a licensed setting.
Income eligibility is based on the household size and 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG).

We offer support to families and individuals according to their self-defined needs. Examples of support include computers, home furnishings or modifications, childcare or respite, or repairs to vehicles. Support can also connect individuals to vocational, social, and educational opportunities in the community. In addition, FIF can help families with linking sibling caregivers and help plan for the future by exploring alternatives to guardianship, special needs trusts, and personal networks of support. First In Families does not offer a “menu” of services because our philosophy instead is to ask questions and listen to families explain what supports they need to remain independent in their own home and active within the community.

Families who have received help from First In Families often wish to help another family in the future. Examples of this type of “circle of giving” include foreign language translations or donations of labor or needed items such as washers, dryers, stoves, refrigerators, school supplies, backpacks, computers, and new toys. Families also “give back” by volunteering for the Chapter, serving on the Board, or writing letters to funders.

How to Apply

First In Families operates on an application basis and has no restrictions on the types of goals that it can help a family achieve. Applications may be downloaded from the links below. Applicants may also call our office (704-536-6661) and request to have an application mailed or may come by our office to pick up an application.

Click on the links below to download in Adobe PDF format.(Note: In order to view or print these documents, you must have Adobe Reader or other PDF reader on your PC/Phone/Tablet. Click Here for Adobe Reader for PC, or go to the Android Play or Apple Store)

FIF Application in Adobe Reader format (English)
FIF Application in Adobe Reader format (Español)

Contact Keiba Young, the First In Families Director to learn more about the FIF Project

Office: 704-536-6661
Direct: 704-343-5205
Fax: 704-536-0074
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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INREACH