On March 27, 2025, Families First, the first licensed adoption agency in the state of Georgia, held its annual gala “Loving the Legacy: Healthy Homes, Resilient Families” to celebrate over 130 years of creating homes and building families. The organization was founded in 1890 on what is now Spelman College’s campus.
At the gala, Families First celebrated its commitment to providing empowering solutions for Atlanta’s most vulnerable populations. In the past year, the organization assisted over 19,000 people with life-changing support and achieved a 94% success rate in completed programs. Spelman Provost and Honorary Families First Co-Chair Dr. Pamela Scott-Johnson, C'82, was invited to give remarks at the gala to honor the shared connection between Spelman and Families First.
“The intertwined histories of our organizations speak to a shared legacy of empowerment, education, and community—values that continue to shape both Spelman and Families First today,” said Dr. Scott-Johnson. “Tonight, we celebrate resilience: the strength to withstand, adapt, and grow through life’s challenges. And sometimes, there are many! But since 1890, Families First has been a cornerstone of resilience in our community.”
Families First offers a variety of services to support families, including counseling services, health and wellness education for pregnant teens, life skills for youth in foster care, parenting classes, supportive housing, adoption facilitation and placement and more.
“In a world where the ties that connect us feel so fragile, Families First stands as a beacon of neighborly care, combined with evidence-based programs,” said Dr. Scott-Johnson. “Thanks to the dedication of their hardworking staff—and the support of friends like you—the families we serve don’t have to navigate their challenges alone.”