What is First Things First?

FTF is a not-for-profit organization “dedicated to strengthening families through education, collaboration and mobilization.”

FTF is a community resource that collaborates with and is supported by a broad cross-section of community organizations, groups and individuals. We are modeled after a similar partnership forged in Chattanooga, Tennessee, since 1997.

“Building Marriages and Strengthening Families"

How did FTF get started?

FTF was founded in 1997 in Hamilton County (Chattanooga), Tennessee. Since that time, Hamilton County has seen a 27.2 % drop in divorce filings and 23% decrease in teen out-of-wedlock pregnancies. Chattanooga has very similar population and social demographics to Richmond…they even have a river running through it.

“First Things First brings proven programs to our community."
-Chattanooga Magazine

Here in Richmond in 1998, a broadly ecumenical group of religious leaders began Marriage Builders Alliance, a local coalition, to promote effective marriage preparation and enrichment through education and marriage mentoring.

In an effort to reach the broader community, they voted to create our own community affiliate of the Tennessee group in 2004, First Things First of Greater Richmond. First Things First of Greater Richmond reaches out to an even wider network of concerned people from government, business, civic groups, and education, and across racial, ethnic, and religious lines.

By establishing First Things First of Greater Richmond and using their already proven “best practices,” we will reduce the trend toward destructive relationships and strengthen the infrastructure of our community!

 These programs/information have received financial support from the Dominion foundation, Parker Foundation, Equity Concepts, Ukrop's Supermarkets, First Market Bank, SunTrust, Trinity United Methodist Church, Third and St Giles Presbyterian Church, First Baptist Endowement, Episcopal Diocese of Va, Catholic Diocese of Richmond Respect Life, First Shiloh Baptist Church, and other businesses, congregations, and individuals.

To Find out more about this organization go to their website at www.firstthingsrichmond.org