About Us

The Families First community initiative began in April, 2004 when CAPS – Child And Parent Services invited representatives from a similar program in Hampton, VA to speak about their experiences launching a similar family support program.  Seventy community leaders from Elkhart County heard the presentation and many of them expressed support for exploring ways to replicate these efforts locally. 
 
In 2005 a grant opportunity was offered to the United Way of Elkhart County through the Indiana Association of United Ways (IAUW).  The intent of the grant was to provide additional resources for local communities who wanted to make their community a better place to live.  Families First was selected by representatives of a broad cross section of the community as the focus for the successful grant application, resulting in an grant award that was then matched by local dollars.  A Governance Council was formed, and CAPS was asked to provide administrative oversight.  In 2007 a second grant was received from IAUW, matched with local dollars.