ABOUT US

OUR HISTORY

In spring 2020, the merger between Rising STARS Mentoring and ReStore Single Moms, Inc. brought together 10 total years of mentoring, training, and education experience that has created lasting, positive impacts, not just for individual students, but for their families and the community at large. By uniting together, the combined organization – renamed Families United Training Center – goes above and beyond to offer strong transformational educational and training opportunities to those seeking a way to a better life. The goal is to increase people’s earning potential and reduce their dependency on welfare assistance and rental subsidies.

Families United Training Center (FUTC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering communities through education and resources. FUTC’s programs have continued to expand over the years as we seek to meet the immediate needs and promote well-being in the lives of those we serve. Our registered participant families live below the federally mandated poverty level. These families receive services through our Educational Classes, Workshops, Events, Clothing Outreach, and referral services. Additionally, we offer a Tutoring program, STEM projects, and services for the homeless and elderly population.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty. We achieve this by offering impactful educational and training opportunities for children and families from low-income backgrounds. We develop and deliver unique programs that provide exceptional quality service.

OUR VISION

Regardless of their background, everyone will have access to equal opportunities to embrace diversity.

CORE VALUES

Integrity

Diversity

Innovation

Collaboration

Passion

**Falana McDaniel**
Founding Director

Falana McDaniel is the founding director of Families United Training Center. For over a decade, Falana has provided guidance and support to disadvantaged communities and innovative training/specialized learning to the faculty, staff, and administrators in secondary and postsecondary education. Many years ago, Falana recognized her passion for youth development as a classroom teacher. This led Falana to start a youth mentoring program in 2014. The desire to transform the lives of disadvantaged youth led to the development of Families United Training Center.
Falana holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Belhaven University (Mississippi), a master’s degree in education from William Carey University (Mississippi), and a specialist degree in educational leadership from Mississippi College.

“Helping Children and Families Thrive”

Nonprofit Management Certification

`Excellence in Action (EIA) Mississippi Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy`

OUR STAFF

Program Director - Erica Stewart - estewart@familiesunitedtraining.org

Program Support Assistant - Faye Dennis

Program Support Assistant - Gloria Pray

Educational Coordinator - Toni Little

Board of Directors

LaTasha Fields- Chair

Shonda Lyons - Secretary

Estella Maxwell - Treasurer

Michael Collins - Member

Steven Keys - Member

Stephenesia Butler - Member

Megan Hamm-Nelson - Member