The goal of First In Families of North Carolina is to support people with developmental disabilities and their families to create the lives they want now and in the future.
We promote and practice customer leadership.
Since we believe that people with disabilities are the experts in what they need, our statewide and local boards are comprised of a majority of people with disabilities and their family members. We call this customer leadership.
We believe that people with disabilities and their families are very knowledgeable, and have much to contribute to society. However, they are often viewed by society as needy and sad.
We have seen that often a small amount of the right support makes the difference between a satisfying and self-determined life or one of mere survival.
We oversee thirteen regional FIF Chapters across North Carolina.
To learn more about the FIF regional Chapters, please visit the Local Chapters section of this Web site. To view the principles which guide them, please visit our Guiding Principles.
We believe in collaborative partnerships with local organizations, individuals, and elected officials.
To learn more about other organizations we consider to be helpful, and about advocacy tools you may sometimes need, please visit the Resources section of this Web site.
We believe in the power and potential of human relationships.
There is no disability so severe that relationships with others are not possible. We believe that a network of personal relationships can be the most important source of support in our communities. Visit the Lifetime Connections section of this Web site to find out about our newest program based upon the power of personal relationships.
First In Families of North Carolina and the local FIF Chapters are supported by grants, NC state dollars, and leveraged community resources.
Between July 1, 2010, and June 30, 2011, of 2,477 requests for help made to our local Chapters, 23 percent were to help families provide school supplies, computers, therapy, prescriptions, summer programs, and health and wellness activities. The average income of these families was $16,883, 83 percent of the federal poverty level for 2011 for the average family size of 3.5.
To learn more about First In Families of North Carolina, please visit any of the following:
Email us to request an alternate format.
First In Families of North Carolina | 3109 University Drive | Durham, NC 27707
919-251-8368 | email