History
Children First, Inc. Counseling Center was organized as Family Outreach in 1977 in response to a deep concern from the community and its leaders that children were not being treated for child abuse. Family Outreach was primarily a volunteer organization that performed case management for abused children referred from the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services, Child Protective Services (CPS). From 1981 through 1985, Family Outreach received funding from CPS.
In 1985, Family Outreach changed its name to Children First, Inc., Inc., d.b.a. Children First, Inc. Counseling Center. In 1988 Children First, Inc. became a United Way affiliate agency. Over the years, Children First, Inc. has expanded its services to include individual and group counseling, family, and couples counseling, play therapy, anger management, psycho-educational groups for adolescents, and curriculum-based groups for batterers. Services are provided by licensed masters degreed counselors.
Vision: A society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Mission Focus: Children First, Inc. is dedicated to providing hope and healing through comprehensive counseling and education services for individuals of all ages.
Holistic Approach: The organization places a strong emphasis on preventing and recovering from both physical and emotional abuse, recognizing the interconnected nature of these challenges.
Inclusive Support: Children First, Inc. extends its services to people of all age groups, ensuring a broad and inclusive approach to mental health and well-being.
Prevention as Priority: By prioritizing prevention, the organization actively works to create a safer environment, aiming to break the cycle of abuse before it begins.
Empowerment through Education: Through education initiatives, Children First, Inc. empowers individuals to build resilience, equipping them with the tools needed to overcome adversity and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Agency Programs:
General Counseling Program: provides an array of services including individual and family counseling, play therapy, art therapy, EMDR and couples counseling to clients aged three through adult. Seventy six percent of those we serve are persons who have been abused, neglected, or victimized in some other way. Our goal is to provide an emotionally safe and supportive environment in which to facilitate growth through education, and healing for those we serve.
Adolescent Services Program: provides psycho-educational groups for youth 12 to 17. Areas covered include anger management, power and control, social relationships, communications, assertiveness, peer pressure, self-esteem, and respect. The goal is to increase individual and family empowerment to bring about a reduction in disruptive behavior and deter further involvement in the Juvenile Justice system.
