About Us

Families First was incorporated in 1995.

At the time there was no domestic violence or sexual assault services in this area, yet the need for these services was urgent and documented by a variety of agencies and professionals throughout the county. A group of concerned citizens gathered at Oak Village Apartments in January that year to work toward a solution. Initial funding came from Columbus County Commissioners and the Victim of Crime Act.

By December, Families First began direct services. By early 1996, Columbus County Commissioners approved leasing a county building for use as a shelter.

The Families Values thrift store in Whiteville was opened in 1999; the Tabor City store, Families Values Too!, opened in 2002. These stores bring in essential funding for the services Families First provides but also acts as an outreach site in the community.

In 2002, Families First began to serve Bladen County and opened an office in Elizabethtown for victims of domestic violence.

Funding and support comes from individuals and the community of Columbus and Bladen counties through donations and sales at the thrift stores, the government of Columbus County, Governor's Crime Commission, and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.