First In Families of North Carolina

10/09/2026

Mental health matters for every member of a family, not just the person who is struggling. That is the idea behind World Mental Health Day on October 10.

We help individuals with severe and persistent mental illness find their footing again.

If you or someone you love could use support, reach out through fifnc.org

10/07/2026

First In Families of North Carolina is a proud charity partner of NC State Employees Combined Campaign !

10/02/2026

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and at FIFNC, that means celebrating the individuals and families we walk alongside every day across North Carolina.

Support looks different for every family: sometimes it is help planning for the future, sometimes it is connecting with other parents who understand the journey, and sometimes it is simply having someone in your corner who will not let you navigate the system alone.

This month, join us in recognizing the strength and joy that inclusion brings to our communities. Learn more about who we serve at fifnc.org/about-us.

09/19/2026

On Thursday, September 17th and Friday, September 18th, First In Families of North Carolina connected across the state for our 2026 annual Summit. This year we celebrated the power of community. Together we are rooted in relationships and united in purpose.

We want to give a huge thank-you to this year's sponsors:
-Apollo Net
-Unity Home Care, Inc.
-Aspen Accounting & Advisory

And a special shoutout to our partners in action:
-Handle Life Together (Akalaka)
-The Bill Crabtree Foundation
-Inclusion Seekers
-T&T Creative Group

Our work would not be possible without you all!



SongCredit: "Upbeat Indie" By Yourtunes

09/16/2026

We will be gathering with chapters and staff from across the state this week at our annual Summit, so our office team may be a little slower to respond than usual.

We are still here for you. If something comes up while we are away from our desks, your local chapter is a great first stop for support. Find yours at fifnc.org/find-help.

09/14/2026

🌟Chapter Highlight 🌟

Check out this wonderful donation given to the Five County First In Families! Thank you Maria Parham Franklin, Vaya Health, and everyone who participated in the Stomp the Stigma 5k for your commitment to supporting Franklin County Community Members!

Yesterday, Maria Parham Health had the honor of presenting a $10,000 donation to First in Families of North Carolina, alongside our premier sponsor, Vaya Health. The funds were raised through our annual Stomp the Stigma 5K, held this past May.

This donation will go directly toward supporting Franklin County community members in need of mental and behavioral health assistance, helping connect individuals and families with important resources and support.

First in Families of North Carolina helps people with disabilities and their families believe in their dreams, achieve their goals and give back to others. We are proud to partner with an organization that is committed to strengthening families and communities.

A huge thank-you to Elliot Clark of Vaya Health, Dennis Morgan of First in Families and Debby Wells of First in Families for joining us for this special presentation!

And, of course, thank you to everyone who participated in our Stomp the Stigma 5K, volunteered, sponsored or helped spread the word. Your support made this donation possible!

We can't wait to Stomp the Stigma with you again next year!

09/14/2026

Join Inclusion Seekers (powered by Starfire) and First In Families of North Carolina tomorrow, September 15th at 1pm-2:30pm for the "Inclusion Seekers: Building Community" series. Registration is required! Please register here: https://starfirecouncil-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/1KWGEXp4RAybgJfD-ae3ag #/registration

09/10/2026

What does it look like when families, volunteers, and chapters from across North Carolina show up in the same room? That is what FIFNC's Summit is all about.

Over September 17-18, our statewide network gathers for shared meals, working sessions, and time to celebrate a year of progress. It is a reminder that the strength of our programs lies not just in funding or paperwork. It is the people who keep showing up for each other, county by county.

Curious what FIFNC does the other 363 days of the year? Take a look at fifnc.org.

09/09/2026

Join Inclusion Seekers (powered by Starfire) and First In Families of North Carolina next Tuesday, September 15th at 1pm-2:30pm for the "Inclusion Seekers: Building Community" series. This four-part series will cover many topics centered on helping you build community. Register today at https://starfirecouncil-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/1KWGEXp4RAybgJfD-ae3ag #/registration

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day from FIFNC!