TRACK RECORD

Although FAR has only recently commenced operations, it is born of a 7-year old dream of strengthening families.
That dream is consistently gaining momentum nationally and in Texas.

FAR hopes to duplicate the success of community initiatives, such as First Things First (www.FirstThings.org ) of Chattanooga, that succeeded in dropping divorce rates and out-of-wedlock birth rates in Chattanooga by as much as 17% and 23% (respectively) in only four years.  (See Philanthropy Roundtable Magazine, April 2003 issue). Until First Things First proved them wrong, few people thought results of this magnitude were possible. However these results prove communities can and DO change when groups unite to provide education to all cultures and all socio-economic groups.

Meeting on Strengthening Marriage and Family Life
The Philanthropy Roundtable is planning a site visit to First Things First in Chattanooga later this
year to discuss how donors can help strengthen marriage and families in their own communities.
For more information, contact The Roundtable at 202.822.8333.
 

FAR draws from the blueprint and track record of First Things First and other similar,  successful community initiatives. FAR’s goal is to involve all sectors of the community in a total saturation campaign to provide solid relationship education and skills. FAR utilizes the technical assistance of the federal Administration for Children and Families and the assistance of First Things First’s executive director, Julie Baumgardner.

In Texas,  Kelly Simpson founded FAR and serves as consultant and advisor for FAR. As a licensed marriage and family therapist in private practice, Ms. Simpson has been active in the national marriage initiative for seven years and is a regular presenter and trainer at the national “Smart Marriages Conference.” Her professional history includes (i) being on the national speakers' list for the Department of Health and Human Services/Administration for Children and Families. (ii) serving as a faculty member for the American Bar Association’s Advanced Family Law Seminar in Texas, (iii) writing and producing Active Relationships skills programs for the United States Armed Forces and for state and local organizations, (iv) conducting international professional trainings for mental health professionals, military personnel, clergy and lay leaders as well as  (v) teaching Active Relationships classes in her home town of Dallas, Texas.

FAR's board of directors and advisors have learned much from pioneering initiatives, such as First Things First. FAR fosters close working relationships with other initiatives seeking to strengthen families in the U.S.