Families 1st Partnership
About Families 1st Partnership
Families 1st Partnership is the kind of organization you want in the room when life gets complicated fast. In Central and Southwest Nebraska, it helps people reach local support for housing, basic needs, coaching, and family stability through a system built to get them connected, not bounced around. For donors, the appeal is simple: this is practical help with a clear path to action.
What sets Families 1st Partnership apart is how local and how coordinated it is. Its Central Navigation approach, plus its 16-county network, is built to point people toward the right support quickly, especially when families are in crisis or young people are at risk. It also brings in direct assistance, coaching, and agency collaboration, so people are not left piecing everything together on their own.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Central Navigation
A centralized intake and referral hub that connects individuals in crisis with the most suitable community resources.
Community Response
A proactive initiative that provides timely, targeted support for families and individuals in crisis through coordination with local partners.
Essential Needs Fund
One-time in-kind assistance for essential household items that support safety, dignity, and housing stability when no other funding source is available.
Findhelp resource directory
An online resource directory for the 16-county region that helps connect people to local services.
Coaching and training
Educational support that includes budgeting classes, life skills resources, help with employment, positive parenting practices, and training for local agencies.
Straight Up Advocates
Peer support meetings for people who are system-involved, maintaining sobriety, or seeking support from a peer group.
Connected Youth Initiative
An initiative that supports current and former state wards and other at-risk youth.
Pregnancy Assistance Fund
A support initiative focused on teen pregnancies and individuals at risk of human trafficking.
Communities for Kids
A sponsored initiative that provided financial aid to childcare providers to improve the quality of services.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
Working together to empower every person to reach a positive future and foster a connected hope filled health community.
Who they serve
Individuals and families in Central and Southwest Nebraska, including families with dependent children, unconnected youth under 25, parents working toward reunification, and people facing crisis, homelessness, juvenile justice involvement, or other barriers to stability.
Their impact
- By 2022, Community Response services were being delivered to all 10 counties in Southwest Nebraska.
How your donation helps
- Rent and utilities assistance
- Vehicle repairs
- Driver's licenses
- Birth certificates
- Essential household items such as beds, bedding, furniture, cribs, and small appliances
- Emergency financial assistance for people who need help outside family-based eligibility
Our story
Families 1st Partnership started in 2012 with programs to train local therapists in Parent-Child Interactive Therapy and Child-Parent Psychotherapy. In 2014, it expanded with Community Response and Central Navigation. By November 2018, it became a nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status, with earlier grant programs managed through the West Central District Health Department as fiscal agent.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Families 1st Partnership’s services.
People who live in Arthur, Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Grant, Hayes, Hitchcock, Hooker, Keith, Lincoln, Logan, McPherson, Perkins, Red Willow, or Thomas counties can submit a general assistance application. Families with dependent children, unconnected youth under 25, and some eligible individuals without children may qualify, and completed applications are followed up within 48 hours. Once a referral is made to a coach, contact typically occurs within one week.
Events
Straight Up Advocates meetings
2nd and 4th Tuesdays, twice a monthPeer support meetings that include problem solving, discussion of challenges, snacks, and gas vouchers for participants.
Recognition & press
Press & mentions
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
Who can apply for support?
Families with dependent children in the home, unconnected youth under 25, and parents working toward reunification may qualify. Some assistance is also available to eligible individuals without children.
What types of assistance are available?
Support can include rent and utilities. In some cases, it can also include vehicle repairs, help with a driver’s license or birth certificate, and other emergency needs.
How quickly does the organization respond after an application is completed?
People are contacted within 48 hours after the application is complete. If they are referred to a coach, contact usually happens within one week.
What is Central Navigation?
Central Navigation is the intake and referral system that helps connect individuals and families with the right local resources and support.
What does the Essential Needs Fund provide?
The Essential Needs Fund provides one-time in-kind help for essential household items like beds, bedding, furniture, cribs, and small appliances when no other funding source is available.