First in Families

Mission and Principles

First In Families of Durham is part of a state-wide initiative that seeks to help people with developmental disabilities and their families live as active members of their communities. The local project is housed at The Arc of Durham County.

By calling First In Families, you will join a community of people who will listen, understand and do whatever it takes to help you get what you need. Families tell us what they need through requests ranging from help with household needs to equipment to sky diving or horseback riding lessons.

We can:

• Support you in finding and using existing community resources.
• Advocate with you for services and changes.
• Help you build relationships in your community to create natural supports.
• Support you with financial assistance, in some cases

FIF GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The guiding principles of First In Families are “non-negotiable”. They are at the heart of everything we do.

• People with disabilities and/or their families are the experts regarding their own life choices. Providers are respectful of and responsive to the direction given them by people with disabilities and/or their families.
• People with disabilities and/or their families have the same rights, responsibilities and opportunities to contribute and participate in their communities as all other citizens.
• Communities have a responsibility to support the needs of people with disabilities and/or their families.
• People with disabilities and/or their families, professionals, and business leaders and the general public need to work together in order to provide for a coordinated, effective resource base for people with disabilities and/or their families.

First In Families of NC and the local Projects define "family" very broadly. Any group of people who live together and consider themselves family, are family to us. Also, any eligible adult who lives on his/her own, with or without housemates, is considered a family for our purposes
The Management Team

First In Families of Durham is guided by a Management Team of parents, consumer representatives and community members. Management Team members advise project staff on family applications and access resources in the community. They also organize special events, including a semi-annual Diaper Drive through local churches and a Family Fall Festival.

The 2007-2008 Management Team

Keisha Barber, Co-chair
Paula Bell
Albert Cagle
Stacey Cunningham
Kathleen Hatley
Ashley Hodge
Bernadette Labriola
Betsy MacMichael
Heidi O’Neil, Co-chair
Sheri Starks
Myra Williams

Eligibility and Guidelines

To be eligible for First In Families assistance, you must meet the following criteria:

• Durham County resident
• Have a family member living in your home with a developmental disability (or developmental delay/”at risk” if the child is under the age of 6). Residents of group homes are not eligible for cash assistance.

A Note for Professionals Assisting Families:
First In Families emphasizes the importance of empowering and equipping families to identify and express their needs. While professionals can contribute their expertise and training to support families of children with special needs, it is imperative that this relationship be led by the families at all times.

At the heart of every request we meet is the belief that families know best what their needs are. By involving parents and other loved ones in the process of finding resources, we also remind them of the contributions they can make in creating enduring links to the community around them.

In light of this, here are some guidelines to keep in mind when supporting a family that is applying for First In Families assistance:

• Professionals should work with families to identify a need and fill out an application. Professionals should NEVER submit an application without the family’s involvement.
• A parent/guardian or adult MUST sign an application before it will be accepted.
• A signed Disclosure Authorization Form should be included with the application.
• If professionals plan to assist families with making purchases, they should be directed by the family, providing input but not calling the shots.
• All forms are available in Spanish.
• First In Families is not an emergency assistance agency. Please keep this in mind when referring Durham residents to us for help.
• Encourage families to call us directly!! First In Families is about building relationships!

For a copy of our informational packet for professionals or to find out more about First In Families, please contact Jane Johnson-Chavis or Karon Johnson.

Application Materials
Please click on each link to download the proper forms for the application. A total of four forms for each application (Spanish and English) should be downloaded. You may return them via email to Karon Johnson at karonjohnson@verizon.net, fax them to 919-489-3434 or mail them to us. Please call 919-493-8141 and ask to speak with Karon for information regarding the application process or the application itself.

Initial Application

Disclosure Authorization

Privacy Practices

Notice of Receipt of Privacy Practices

Subsequent Application

Initial Application (Spanish)

Disclosure Authorization (Spanish)

Privacy Practices (Spanish)

Notice of Receipt of Privacy Practices (Spanish)

 

Family Wish Lists

Requests for assistance by families that we support often include clothing and household items. First In Families of Durham welcomes your donations, especially:

• Groceries (non-perishable) or grocery gift cards
• Gas gift cards
• Diapers (infant and adult)
• Clothing of all sizes
• Computers/technology in usable condition
• Furniture (especially beds and mattresses)
• Fans and A/C units; Portable heaters
• Lamps

Our storage space is extremely limited; please call ahead if you have large items!