News

Stepping Out – A Families Free Clothing Event

On November 29th the Families Free team was excited to host Stepping Out, a private clothing event for our clients held at First Christian Church. We were so thankful to receive gently-used clothing donations from the Owl’s Nest, and through their generosity, our clients where able to take home a variety of outfits. Most importantly, the clothes not only represent new outfits – they also symbolize progress and new opportunities.

A delicious lunch was also made available through donations from Tim Burchfield of Chick-fil-A at Johnson City Crossings, Petite Sweets, and Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop. During this time, our clients were able to fellowship, share stories, and discuss their hopes for the future. Later we took part in a round of bingo, and the winner of our very special drawing was announced! One of our clients received a gift card to Austin Springs Spa & Salon, where she will have the opportunity to relax and renew.

Our team wants to once again recognize the hard work of our clients, and we thank the local businesses that took part in making this a special day for all involved. #LoveRestores

December 11, 2017 Meredith ,
MeredithStepping Out – A Families Free Clothing Event
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A Year At A Glance

It would be impossible to truly quantify the impact of one life, let alone a family, multiple families, and the members of a community. The totals you see above are something we are proud of, but they don’t take into account the connections made through group sessions, how our clients encourage those they work alongside and the people who feel inspired by the stories of the individuals and families we serve. Simply put, the effects go beyond almost six hundred families: these effects start a chain reaction that can’t be measured.

With our team’s dedication and insight into the needs of our community, we can only imagine the effects our programs will have in the coming year. Everyone at Families Free is truly humbled by the support we receive in our mission to offer assistance to those in need. Every day we see firsthand how #LoveRestores.

November 20, 2017 Meredith
MeredithA Year At A Glance
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Families Free Featured On WJHL

 

 

We are so grateful that our work with the community has been featured in the news once more! Local news station WJHL ran the story of one of our volunteers Myra Phipps and included information about our partnership with Bellafina Chocolates. Through Bellafina we make and distribute our gourmet chocolates and coffee, and this collaboration helps provide sustainable employment for women in our area. To read the full story follow this link or watch the video above.

 

October 3, 2017 Meredith ,
MeredithFamilies Free Featured On WJHL
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Our New Program – Nurturing Families Of Tennessee

Families Free is happy to announce that we have been awarded the Nurturing Families of Tennessee contract from the Department of Children’s Services for the Northeast region.

Family Specialists with Families Free will be providing 16 weeks of in-home services to families in our region that are at a moderate to high risk of their children entering the state’s custody. Clients will have to be referred through the Department of Children’s Services, but we wanted our community to know we are on the front line of intervention and response. We will be going into homes to sit down and present clients with this new opportunity, and this service will provide education using the evidence-based Nurturing Parenting curriculum. The goal of this program is to increase parental capacity to reduce both admissions and length of stay in the foster care system, as well as support family restoration. Families Free will begin receiving referrals for this new program on September 15, 2017. Nurturing Families of Tennessee is made possible by our partnership with kidcentraltn.com.

September 15, 2017 Meredith
MeredithOur New Program – Nurturing Families Of Tennessee
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WOVEN In The News – Part 2


(photo courtesy of the Bristol Herald Courier)

As part of their “Addicted at Birth Series,” Tammy Childress of the Bristol Herald Courier dives deeper into the personal stories of those affected by addiction in our region. In the follow up to the first piece, WOVEN Coordinator Rachel Adams and Families Free Executive Director Lisa Tipton discuss how our program provides vital treatment, tools, and support for mothers who have delivered, or are at risk for delivering, a drug-exposed infant. To read the full article, and learn more about the first-hand experiences of women who have taken part in WOVEN’s three-part program, follow the link here. #LoveRestores

 

 

September 11, 2017 Meredith
MeredithWOVEN In The News – Part 2
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WOVEN In The News

Writer Tammy Childress of the Bristol Herald Courier tells the story of Shawna Ramos, whose newborn son was born with NAS – neonatal abstinence syndrome.

Born exposed to the Subutex that his mother took throughout her pregnancy (as part of medical assisted treatment), Shawna’s son Ashton started receiving morphine every three to four hours to help ease the effects of withdrawal. “It’s been a wakeup call. Seeing him like this and knowing what he is going through makes me realize that I need to stop using,” Ramos said, looking at her son sleeping in her lap. “I know now that I need to even stop taking the Subutex because even though it helps me, it’s not worth this — I think seeing the pain he is in will help me to get clean.”

DCS was called when Ashton was diagnosed with NAS, and Ramos said they are handling things differently this time. “This time, the case worker that came to the hospital told me about a program in Johnson City called WOVEN,” she said. “They have support groups and other things that can help me come off drugs and stay clean. I’ve already talked to them twice, so I’m going to go there, and they can help me come off of everything.”

You can find the full article via the Bristol Herald Courier here. To learn more about our WOVEN program, please follow this link.

September 5, 2017 Meredith
MeredithWOVEN In The News
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Families Free Featured In VIPSeen Magazine

We are thrilled to be featured in the August issue of VIPSeen Magazine!

VIPSeen is a Tri-Cities publication that showcases not only local events, arts and entertainment, but the magazine also highlights non-profits and charitable organizations who are involved in making our community a better, more positive place to live. To read the full article, pick up this month’s issue or view our feature online.

August 16, 2017 Meredith
MeredithFamilies Free Featured In VIPSeen Magazine
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Best of a Bad Situation

Best of a Bad Situation

Tennessee’s recent law charging new mothers with babies born exposed to drugs is having unintended consequences. Some women are even avoiding prenatal care out of fear of prosecution. Click below to find out more about how Families Free is making the best out of this situation.

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July 12, 2016 Andrea McConnell
Andrea McConnellBest of a Bad Situation
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