Programs & Services

The Family First Initiative (FFI) is a multi-agency collaboration between Easter Seals Goodwill Industries, The Boys and Girls Club, The Consultation Center, The Cortland Wilson Library and New Life Corporation. The project works with approximately thirty families from the Hill neighborhood of New Haven on matters related to their families’ overall financial well-being. The goal is to help families grow their household incomes and assets through employment, increased savings and other asset building measures.

Each FFI partnering agency utilizes its expertise to provide specific services to assist clientele. While each organization has a specific mission, partners share a common vision of improving the quality of life for disadvantaged Hill-based children and families through high quality, cost-effective services.

FFI’s program design offers a flexible array of accessible services that are strength-based and family-focused. By working closely with FFI staff, families build employment opportunities, enhance their financial literacy skills and increase their access to asset-building tools that will improve their finances. All services are neighborhood-based with staff working from the Cortland Wilson Library, located in the heart of the Hill neighborhood.