Families Forever is a nonprofit organization located in Bedford, IN, that provides a broad array of services to enhance the wellbeing and quality of life among the residents of Lawrence County and the surrounding areas.

 

We began as a coalition in 2006 under the name Fathers Forever. Later, in 2011, we became a formal 501c3 with the federal government. Since our beginning, we have broadened our focus to be more inclusive of the entire family system. We recognize that when one person struggles, the entire family system is impacted. We strive to provide nonjudgmental, non-coercive, person-centered services.

 

From 2013 through 2024, Families Forever operated the Bedford Recovery Engagement Center (REC), a low-barrier program site for resources related to substance use recovery and 12-step programs.  More recently, we have become a registered Recovery Community Organization with the Indiana Recovery Network. In March, 2024, Families Forever moved all operations from the REC location on 16th Street to a new location, 1708 23rd Street in Bedford.

 

Families Forever embraces a harm reduction approach to provide life-saving services and opportunities for people to enter recovery. Most notably, we are a Naloxone distribution and training center. As a collaborator with IU Health/Positive Link, Families Forever also provides residents with access to free testing for infectious diseases. In addition, Families Forever provides those who are interested in becoming peer recovery coaches with support and access to training. We strive to elevate the expertise of people in recovery to help others who seek ways to decrease substance use and enter recovery.  Similarly, Families Forever provides accessible case management services to the recovery community and individuals without housing.  

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Our services are free to the community. We are able to provide these services through the generous support of organizations like the United Way of South Central Indiana, Community Foundation Partnership, the city of Bedford, as well as private donors. In addition, we actively pursue grant opportunities through various foundations and grantors, including the Department of Mental Health. We are grateful for their financial support!