FamilyForward
FamilyForward is a Saint Louis-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing trauma-informed therapeutic, educational, and foster care services for children and families affected by abuse and neglect across the St. Louis region, funded primarily through donations, grants, and fundraising events.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2017
- HeadquartersSaint Louis, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What FamilyForward does
FamilyForward is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social services organization headquartered in Saint Louis, Missouri, that provides trauma-informed therapeutic and educational services for children and families affected by abuse, neglect, and developmental trauma. The organization was formed in 2017 through the merger of Children's Home Society of Missouri and Family Resource Center and operates as a registered charity (EIN 43-0652622) under the legal name Children's Home Society of Missouri, doing business as FamilyForward. As of 2024, FamilyForward served 5,546 children, families, and community members; delivered 6,285 hours of therapy, 520 trauma and psychological assessments, and 1,306 in-home visits; and reported that 99.9% of children receiving services live safely with their caregivers.
The service portfolio is integrated and delivered primarily through a 9.5-acre, 41,778 sq. ft. Developmental Trauma Campus in Saint Louis, supplemented by satellite offices in Creve Coeur, Hillsboro, and Potosi. Core offerings include trauma assessments and therapy (individual, family, and group), occupational therapy, a therapeutic preschool serving children ages 3-6, foster care case management, home visiting, kinship navigation, and caregiver education. The clinical model is anchored by the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT), in which FamilyForward was the first St. Louis-region agency to achieve site certification from the ChildTrauma Academy (2015), and by the Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment (SMART) Room introduced in 2023 — the first of its kind in the region. Therapists also hold certifications in Play Therapy, Theraplay, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, EMDR, TFCBT, Parent-Child Interactive Therapy, Attachment Regulation Competency, and Training on Adoption Competency.
FamilyForward's revenue model is donation-driven: services are delivered at no cost to eligible families, with funding sourced from individual and corporate donations, foundation grants (e.g., Boeing $130,000 in 2018, YouthBridge $100,000 in 2019), institutional partners (United Way of Greater St. Louis, Children's Service Fund), planned giving programs, in-kind donations via Charity Clothing Pickup, and fundraising events including an annual gala that raised over $600,000 in 2026. Client access is referral-based, driven primarily by Missouri Children's Division and other social service agencies, with co-located training and outreach channels including the "Out Front with FamilyForward" podcast, a Thinkific-powered online Learning Center for professionals, and a quarterly LifeLines newsletter. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors, led by CEO Karen E. Nolte, LCSW, and employs a 150-person team of licensed clinicians and program staff.
FamilyForward firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- FamilyForward
- Legal name
- Children's Home Society of Missouri
- Website
- https://familyforwardmo.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2017
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- FamilyForward is a Saint Louis-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing trauma-informed therapeutic, educational, and foster care services for children and families affected by abuse and neglect across the St. Louis region, funded primarily through donations, grants, and fundraising events.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
FamilyForward industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Child Welfare & Trauma-Informed Social Services
- NAICS
- Individual and Family Services (6241), Child and Youth Services (62411), Child Care Services (6244)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Family & Parenting Support Services (BPAGAEAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Family Coaching, Parent-Mediated & Home Visiting EI Services (EDACAFAJ), Family Advocacy, Parent Training & Support Services (EDAJAKAK)
Keywords
Where FamilyForward is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Saint Louis
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices5 records
Markets served
FamilyForward business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Individual and Corporate Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individuals and corporations support the organization's programs and services. FamilyForward is a registered 501(c)(3) organization with EIN number 43-0652622. Missouri tax credits are available for donations of $1,000 or more.
- Annual Fundraising Events: Major annual gala (Rocket Ball) raising over $600,000 in 2026, plus community events including pickleball tournaments, wine tastings, canvas painting nights, and trivia events.
- Planned Giving and Legacy Gifts: Planned giving programs allowing donors to include FamilyForward in estate plans, including donor-advised funds, beneficiary designations, and charitable bequests.
- In-Kind Donations: Clothing and household items donated through Clothing for a Cause program, with 100% of proceeds from Charity Clothing Pickup recycled sales going to FamilyForward.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Other | Therapeutic Preschool - No Cost for Eligible Families |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Grapes for Growth Wine & Beer Tasting Event |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Canvas for a Cause Sip & Paint Event |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | A Night of Nostalgia Trivia Event |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
FamilyForward product offering
Product offeringCore offering
FamilyForward is a nonprofit organization delivering trauma-informed therapeutic and educational services to children ages 3-19 and their families in the St. Louis region. Core services include trauma assessments, individual and family therapy, occupational therapy, a therapeutic preschool, foster care case management, home visiting, kinship navigation, and caregiver education. Most services are provided at no cost to eligible families and are funded through donations, grants, and community partnerships.
Product overview
FamilyForward is a nonprofit social services organization offering a comprehensive suite of trauma-informed therapeutic and educational services for children and families in the St. Louis region. The organization operates as a single integrated platform of services including Assessments (trauma evaluation using Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics), Therapy (individual/family/group sessions with multiple therapeutic certifications), Therapeutic Preschool (Lesley Ann Waldheim Early Childhood Center for ages 3-6), Occupational Therapy (trauma-specific), Foster Care case management, Home Visiting, Kinship Navigator, and Caregiver Education. Additional offerings include the S.M.A.R.T. Room (Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment), a podcast (Out Front with FamilyForward), and an online Learning Center. Most services are delivered at their physical locations (Developmental Trauma Center, Early Childhood Center, and satellite offices in Hillsboro and Potosi), with some training available via their Thinkific-powered platform.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Assessments Trauma and psychological assessments for children ages 4-19 who have experienced abuse and/or neglect, using the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) approach and producing comprehensive evaluation reports with recommendations for home and school support.
- Therapy Individual and family therapy for children ages 4-19 who have experienced chronic abuse and/or neglect, including therapeutic youth groups, summer day camps, and caregiver support groups. Therapists hold certifications in Play Therapy, Theraplay, EMDR, TFCBT, and Attachment Regulation Competency (ARC).
- Therapeutic Preschool The Lesley Ann Waldheim Early Childhood Center provides therapeutic preschool for children ages 3-6 with developmental trauma, integrating individual play therapy, occupational therapy, group therapy, and caregiver engagement using the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics. Offered at no cost for eligible families.
- Occupational Therapy Trauma-specific occupational therapy that uses the strengths of the child and caregiving environment to help clients participate in meaningful activities, with emphasis on sensory regulation, executive functioning, and motor development.
- Foster Care Case management services working with the State of Missouri to support families navigating alternative care, collaborating with biological families toward reunification while ensuring child well-being. Supported 563 youth in 2024.
- Home Visiting Family coaching services provided in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Jefferson County, and St. Charles County to equip caregivers with personalized support and resources in their homes. Delivered 1,306 in-home visits in the most recent reporting period.
- Kinship Navigator Guides kinship caretakers through the ins and outs of kinship care, helping them navigate systems and connect with resources for legal, educational, and medical support.
- Caregiver Education Provides pre-service training for foster/adoption journeys, ongoing in-service training, home assessments for licensing, and parenting classes using the Nurturing Parenting curriculum for birth families and professionals.
- Learning Center Online learning platform (powered by Thinkific) offering courses and educational opportunities for professionals working with children and families impacted by trauma, including specialized training for organizations serving trauma-impacted populations.
- S.M.A.R.T. Room Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment room using specialized therapeutic equipment (weighted blankets, balance beams, swings, fitness balls, textured fabrics, large cushions) to help trauma-impacted children process traumatic experiences through full-body, interactive play such as climbing, swinging, and making music.
Quantifiable outcome
- 5,546 people served in 2024
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use FamilyForward
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
FamilyForward technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
FamilyForward partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.
- McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.corePott Child Advocacy Award recipient for nearly 20 years of partnership. Most recently helped create a sensory path at the Developmental Trauma Center through technical expertise and leadership. Contributed to the Rocket Ball as Silver Sponsor and Bronze Sponsor.
- Alberici ConstructorscorePott Child Advocacy Award recipient for nearly 20 years of partnership. Partnered to create a sensory path at the Developmental Trauma Center. Contributed as Gold Sponsor to Rocket Ball gala.
- Charity Clothing PickupcorePartner for Clothing for a Cause program - recycles donated items for sale with 100% of proceeds donated back to support FamilyForward programs.
- Washington University in St. LouismajorCopper Sponsor of 2026 Rocket Ball gala. Dr. Robert Lee Williams II was pivotal in developing the African and African American Studies program at Washington University.
- United Way of Greater St. LouiscoreFeatured by United Way highlighting FamilyForward's innovative approach to navigating effects of childhood trauma in the Therapeutic Preschool using Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics.
- ChildTrauma AcademycoreFamilyForward was the first agency in St. Louis region to become site certified in Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) by the ChildTrauma Academy in 2015. Dr. Bruce Perry, founder, has been associated with the organization.
Scale indicators14 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
FamilyForward competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Boys Town: Boys Town is a national nonprofit providing child and family services, including in-home family support, foster care, residential care, and behavioral health. Directly comparable to FamilyForward in mission, service mix (foster care, therapy, family support), and trauma-informed approach to youth and families.
- Pressley Ridge: Pressley Ridge provides therapeutic foster care, residential services, and community-based programs for children and families affected by trauma. Highly comparable to FamilyForward's mix of therapy, foster care, kinship support, and caregiver education under a trauma-informed lens.
- Children's Home Society of California: Children's Home Society of California is a nonprofit providing foster care, adoption, mental health, and early childhood services. Comparable to FamilyForward as a sibling organization under the broader Children's Home Society network, with overlapping service lines in foster care, adoption, and family therapy.
- Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health: Devereux is one of the largest nonprofit providers of behavioral health services for children and adolescents, including trauma-informed therapy, foster care, and family services. Comparable to FamilyForward in therapeutic modalities, certification-driven clinical model, and nonprofit delivery structure.
- Children's Home & Aid: Children's Home & Aid is a Midwest-rooted nonprofit delivering child welfare, foster care, adoption, early childhood, and family support services. Comparable to FamilyForward in legacy nonprofit structure, regional scope, and integrated family-services portfolio.
- KVC Health Systems: KVC Health Systems is a nonprofit child welfare and behavioral health organization offering foster care, adoption, in-home family services, and residential treatment across multiple states. Closely comparable to FamilyForward's foster care, adoption, and family support service lines for at-risk children.
- Maryville Academy: Maryville Academy provides foster care, residential, therapeutic day school, and family support services for abused and neglected children. Comparable to FamilyForward in trauma-focused service mix, foster care emphasis, and nonprofit operating model.
Broad incumbents
- Lutheran Services in America: Lutheran Services in America is a national network of 300+ Lutheran social service organizations delivering foster care, adoption, behavioral health, and family support. Comparable to FamilyForward in faith-rooted nonprofit service mix and child welfare focus, though operating at much larger scale.
- Casey Family Programs: Casey Family Programs is a national operating foundation focused on safely reducing the need for foster care and improving child welfare systems. Comparable to FamilyForward's child welfare and foster care work, but operates as a philanthropy/field builder rather than direct service provider.
- Childhelp: Childhelp is a national nonprofit addressing child abuse through prevention, intervention, treatment, and advocacy. Comparable to FamilyForward's trauma-informed mission, but more focused on awareness/advocacy and residential treatment than the integrated regional service-delivery model.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
FamilyForward social profiles
Digital presenceFamilyForward compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
FamilyForward financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
FamilyForward leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
FamilyForward funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
FamilyForward M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about FamilyForward
What does FamilyForward do?
FamilyForward is a nonprofit organization delivering trauma-informed therapeutic and educational services to children ages 3-19 and their families in the St. Louis region. Core services include trauma assessments, individual and family therapy, occupational therapy, a therapeutic preschool, foster care case management, home visiting, kinship navigation, and caregiver education. Most services are provided at no cost to eligible families and are funded through donations, grants, and community partnerships.
Is FamilyForward a public or private company?
FamilyForward is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was FamilyForward founded?
FamilyForward was founded in 2017. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is FamilyForward based?
FamilyForward is headquartered in Saint Louis, United States, in the North America region.
How does FamilyForward make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Individual and Corporate Donations are the primary driver. The others are annual Fundraising Events, planned Giving and Legacy Gifts and in-Kind Donations.
Who are FamilyForward's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Boys Town, Pressley Ridge, Children's Home Society of California, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, Children's Home & Aid, KVC Health Systems and Maryville Academy. Broad incumbents are Lutheran Services in America, Casey Family Programs and Childhelp.
Does FamilyForward have an API?
No public API is recorded for FamilyForward.
What industry is FamilyForward in?
FamilyForward's product category is Child Welfare & Trauma-Informed Social Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAEAC, Family & Parenting Support Services, with a secondary code of EDACAFAJ, Family Coaching, Parent-Mediated & Home Visiting EI Services. Its NAICS code is 6241 and its SIC code is 8300.