ELLSWORTH — Families First Community Center proudly celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, marking a decade of empowering families experiencing homelessness across Hancock County. As we reflect on our journey, we also announce the resignation of one of our most dedicated champions, Terri Ouellette, from the board of directors effective May 19.
Ouellette has contributed over eight years of unwavering service to FFCC, helping bring the organization from a dream to a thriving community hub. She has worn nearly every hat imaginable — office manager, transportation driver, director, family support companion, grocery runner and more — often volunteering over 70 hours a week to ensure FFCC’s success. Her leadership and deep commitment have been integral to our foundation and growth.
While she is stepping away from her board role, Ouellette will continue to volunteer and serve on committees, offering her passion and wisdom in other ways as FFCC enters its next chapter.
Appropriately, Ouellette’s departure comes as FFCC adopts its new 2025–27 strategic plan — an exciting roadmap for the future of our programs and services. This strategic plan reflects the hard work of FFCC’s staff, volunteers, board members and supporters who, over the past decade, have transformed the organization into what it is today.
It is important to recognize that our ability to serve families in need was limited before the opening of our iconic Big Red House on North Street in February 2021. The road to owning and renovating the property took nearly five years of relentless fundraising and community collaboration. The opening of the Big Red House was a milestone that significantly expanded our capacity to serve families facing homelessness, and this anniversary celebrates not only the past 10 years but the bright future we continue to build.
We are also thrilled to announce the addition of three new members to the FFCC Board of Directors: Tom Griffin, Sally Daniels and Tashia Porter. These dynamic leaders are now poised to carry the torch forward, guiding FFCC’s work with fresh perspectives and energy.
This anniversary is a celebration of everyone who has helped FFCC become a place where families can grow, heal, and build toward lasting independence. We are deeply grateful to Ouellette, and to our visionary founders Dawn Coffin and Connie Jan Sears and the community for the support that has made it all possible.
As we look ahead, we invite others who share our mission to help families build brighter futures to visit our website at familiesfirstellsworth.org or reach out to FFCC to learn how they can make a difference. Whether through volunteering, donations, or becoming part of our growing network of supporters, your involvement helps us continue this important work.
