Foster Families Assistance Network: Supporting Foster, Kinship, and Adoptive Families in Hendersonville
The Foster Families Assistance Network (FFAN), established in 2016 by Anthony Poteet, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Hendersonville, Tennessee. FFAN is dedicated to supporting foster, kinship, and adoptive families by providing essential resources to ensure successful child placements.
In 2022, the Foster Families Assistance Network (FFAN) achieved a significant milestone by opening "The FFAN Shop" at 313 West Main Street in Hendersonville, Tennessee.
The FFAN Shop operates similarly to a retail thrift store, offering a variety of items such as clothing, personal care products, undergarments, and toys. Foster, kinship, and adoptive families are invited to shop for these necessities without any financial burden, ensuring they have access to the resources needed for successful child placements. The shop is open to the public, by purchasing items or donating to the FFAN shop you can help support their mission.
Supporting the Mission
To sustain its operations and continue providing free resources to families, FFAN accepts financial contributions through PayPal at ffanunited@gmail.com, as well as cash or checks mailed or delivered to 313 West Main Street, Hendersonville, TN 37075.
Additionally, the organization welcomes donations of gently used items. Community members interested in contributing can contact FFAN through Facebook Messenger or email to arrange item donations.
By supporting The FFAN Shop, donors play a crucial role in assisting foster, kinship, and adoptive families, helping to create stable and nurturing environments for children in need.
Mission and Services
FFAN's mission is to supply necessary items such as clothing, personal care products, undergarments, and toys to foster, kinship, and adoptive families. The organization operates a resource center at 313 West Main Street in Hendersonville, where families can select needed items at no cost.
Utilizing social media, FFAN quickly mobilizes community support to meet urgent needs. When a family or agency contacts FFAN with a request, the organization posts the need on its Facebook page and in various groups, often gathering necessary items within hours. This rapid response is crucial, as foster placements frequently occur with little notice, and children may arrive with only the clothes they are wearing.
Founder's Background
In 2015, Anthony and his family fostered and later adopted children from the foster care system. Inspired by that journey, he created FFAN to support foster families, ensuring children have the essentials they need for a stable placement. Since its inception, FFAN has helped over 2,000 children receive much-needed resources.
A devoted husband and father, Anthony has been married to his wife, Laura, since 2005. Together, they have four children, along with two dogs and two cats. Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Anthony moved to Jackson, Tennessee, in 1988. For the past 16 years, he and his family have called the Hendersonville/Gallatin area home.
In addition to his work with FFAN, Anthony is a U.S. Army veteran, having served from 1993 to 1996. His dedication to service—both in the military and in the foster care community—continues to make a lasting impact.
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Community Impact and Involvement
Since its inception, FFAN has assisted over 1,000 children by providing essential items. The organization relies on a network of concerned individuals to fulfill requests and continually seeks to expand its reach within Tennessee. Community members can support FFAN by liking their Facebook page, donating items, or sharing posts to raise awareness.
How to Support FFAN
FFAN welcomes both financial contributions and donations of items. Monetary donations can be made securely through PayPal via their website. Those interested in donating items can contact FFAN through Facebook Messenger. The organization also hosts events like "FFAN Jams" to engage the community and raise support for their mission.
By providing essential resources and fostering community involvement, the Foster Families Assistance Network plays a vital role in supporting foster, kinship, and adoptive families throughout Sumner County and beyond.
