History

We’ve been helping kids since you were a kid

Our timeline

It’s amazing to think that the very first children we served are now in their 30s and having families of their own.

The journey Family Futures has charted in that time is just as amazing. We opened our doors in 1985—known as Kent County Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse with the focus on preventing child abuse and neglect.

In 2011, we revised our name to Family Futures to more closely align with our vision of preparing families and their children for a positive future, rather than fixing, conquering, and addressing problems after they already happened.

Thirty years have gone by quickly. Family Futures has had the privilege of crossing paths with thousands of incredible individuals along the way; parents, children, teens, donors, volunteers and so many more. It has been an amazing journey because in each family, every child has a unique and incredible story to share. These are the stories that shape our community, our work, our mission, and inspire our hope for the future.

1985

The Kent County Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect is formed

1995

 Name is changed to Child and Family Resource Council; Healthy Families program is implemented

2003

Connections program starts to
help parents track their child’s development

2011

Name changes to Family Futures

2015

The 100,000th Ages and Stages Questionnaire is processed

2018

Kent County voters pass the Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage

2019 – 2021

Service capacity grows with the support of the Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage

2022

Awarded Promise Neighborhoods Grant to help families in Southeast Grand Rapids