Families First Center

Keeping Families Safely Connected

Families First Center is a nonprofit serving St. Joseph County through supervised visitation, parent education, and family-preservation services—providing welcoming spaces where families can reconnect and begin again.

Our Programs

Everything we do is designed for difficult moments—protecting connection and building skills that help families grow stronger over time.
Home-Based Casework

Support delivered in families’ homes, helping parents build routines, coping skills, and stability where daily life—and change—actually happens.

Parent Education

Evidence-based parenting classes that build practical skills, confidence, and communication—supporting healthier relationships and long-term stability.

Supervised Visitation

Structured, supportive visits where children and parents reconnect safely in welcoming spaces, guided by trained staff during challenging transitions.

A Steady Presence for Families

About us

For over 50 years, Families First Center has provided children and families in St. Joseph County with consistent, respectful, and trauma-informed support. We ground our work in trust, accountability, and a deep belief in the strength of families.

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Our Partners

"Everything good can happen here"

– Andrew A.

Make a Difference

What your support makes possible

Protect Dignity

Your support ensures families are treated with respect, privacy, and care—without judgment or assumptions.

Meet Families Where They Are

Your gift brings care into homes and visitation spaces—where real life happens and progress begins.

Create Consistency

Your generosity helps provide steady, reliable support children and parents can count on through change.

Strengthen Families

Your support focuses on skills, growth, and capability—helping families move forward with confidence.

What We've Learned

Fifty years of working with families, written down — practical guidance on trauma, body safety, parenting, and what to expect from the family court process.

Trauma Doesn’t Always Look Like Trauma

We picture a traumatized child as quiet and sad. Many are angry, defiant, or restless instead — which means they get the least patience. Written for teachers and caregivers.

Talking to Children About Body Safety Without Creating Fear

Most parents put this conversation off because they're afraid of frightening their child. Taught well, body safety does the opposite — and it's built from ordinary habits, not one serious…

Supervised Visitation: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and Why It Matters

One of the most misunderstood services in family court. What supervised visitation actually is, what it isn't, why a neutral third party matters, and what to expect if you're facing…

Questions? Ask!

Fill in your information and we will get back to you —or just give us a call:
(574) 287-4375