“FFD changed my life. It has been so much more than college credits. It has been support, friendships, laughter, tears and determination.”
Designed for Parents & Children
FFD is a two generation college program designed for parents and their children. It’s unique because parents enroll in college preparation and college classes with a cohort of peers, and a coach to help guide them. At the same time, children enroll in high quality education programs. It’s called a 2Gen Program because the WHOLE FAMILY – parents and children – are working together to achieve their goals.
Helping Families Reach their Goals
The purpose of FFD is to help parents and families to reach their goals such as having the financial ability to pay bills, find good jobs, get a college degree, and help their children become successful.
APPLICATION FAQ
Who is eligible to enroll in FFD?
Parents who have at least one child under the age of 18 and live in Washington County. Students must be 225% below the federal poverty level.
What is the application process?
- Complete the short application.
- Have a conversation with FFD staff about your goals and circumstances.
- Our admissions committee will review your application and conditionally accept you into FFD or offer other recommendations and resources.
- Once conditionally accepted into FFD, the FFD staff with work with the parent to complete the college application, apply for financial assistance and complete the intake process. We’re with you each step of the way!
How much will it cost?
There is no cost to participate in FFD. FFD will assist you in applying for financial aid to pay for classes and materials. If the financial aid awarded does not cover the cost FFD will assist the family in paying. Early childhood education and youth supports are provided to the children registered with FFD at no cost to the family.
Testimonials
What Students are Saying
“Family Futures Downeast opened up a whole new world, not just for me but also for my children. Paul was 2 when I started, and Ethan was born during my first semester. I loved watching Paul toddle down the college halls, knowing all the turns to take to go visit my family coach Jess. Both of my boys talk about going to “Mama’s school” and assure me that they are going to go to college also! They watch me doing homework and ask to do theirs as well. It means so much to me to know that not only has FFD changed my life but also set my children on a brand new path!”
“I stumbled across a post…where a friend mentioned she had been accepted into a program that would help support her as she went back to school. I was at a point in my life where I was flailing, trying to grasp onto something that would help me feel that I was actually doing something to propel myself and my family forward rather than sitting stagnant. I applied on a whim, and I got in. FFD changed my life. It has been so much more than college credits. It has been support, friendships, laughter, tears and determination. It has been an outlet, a sounding board, and a shoulder. It has been so much more than I set out to achieve.”
“Looking back, I can tell you with 100 percent certainty that some of the greatest things I have gotten out of life have come from my darkest times. These failures have strengthened me and softened me. They have caused me to be determined and headstrong in the face of adversity. They have shown me how to be empathetic and caring to people around me. But perhaps most importantly they have pushed me to figure out who I am and to love that person with all her talents and many, many faults. It is this mindset, this relationship you have with yourself that allows you to succeed even if you have failed.”
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Our Mission
THE FFD Approach
Family Futures Downeast, a two generation program designed to improve economic outcomes for low-income families, accesses post-secondary education for parents delivered in a cohort model at the same time their children access high-quality early-childhood education to improve school readiness. Through intensive family coaching, college preparation and tutoring, workforce supports and barrier removal, FFD seeks to reduce poverty in Washington County.
Our Collaborative
FFD is a collaborative partnership between six organizations and agencies created to promote post-secondary education for parents and early childhood education for their children as a means to reduce poverty, create employment opportunities and improve stability in Washington County, Maine families.
