Hidden Gems: Meet Jessica Newman of 4 Families

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Newman.

Hi Jessica, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In 2012, I started my journey with a non-profit organization dedicated to providing education, advocacy, and support for families with children who have disabilities and/or special health care needs. Through assisting families with their parental rights and engaging in annual advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., I quickly recognized the significant influence non-profits can have on families and communities. In 2015, I began my journey with The Layne Project Inc., a social services agency dedicated to providing supervised and therapeutic programs for families involved in high-conflict custody disputes. In July 2025, The Layne Project Inc. transitioned these services to 4 Families, where I took on the role of Executive Director. 4 Families is a non-profit organization in Olathe, KS whose mission is to protect childhoods by supporting families experiencing parental separation. We do this by offering comprehensive, trauma-informed, and child-focused services to families regardless of their financial situation. With my background in advocating for families, I was eager to bring my experience to 4 Families and further its mission of protecting childhoods.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We are passionate about fostering partnerships within the community and leveraging resources to enhance our services, making a lasting impact on the lives of the families we serve. The biggest hurdle we currently face as a new non-profit is funding. Securing financial support is crucial to sustaining and expanding our services. To address this challenge, we are actively pursuing grant opportunities and seeking private donors and community partners who share our vision. By building strong relationships with stakeholders, we aim to create a network of support that not only provides financial backing but also enriches our community engagement.

Anyone interested in collaborating with us, please reach out at [email protected] or www.4familiesservices.org.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We specialize in assisting families facing high-conflict custody disputes or anyone experiencing family separation. What distinguishes 4 Families is our comprehensive, trauma-informed, and child-focused services.

We provide a range of services, including:
Supervised visitation
Supervised exchanges
Family therapy
Child therapy
Individual therapy
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

Additionally, our Program Director is a BeH2O™ Certified Coach. This program teaches parents a child-focused joint parenting approach. The program empowers parents to adopt the “be water” strategy when navigating co-parenting, helping to extinguish conflict and minimize collateral damage to children.

We accept Medicaid for child and individual therapy services and offer grants to eligible families when funds are available. Our ultimate goal is to secure sufficient funding and donations to ensure that all qualified families can access our services at little to no cost.

Anyone interested in collaborating with us, please reach out at [email protected] or www.4familiesservices.org.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the significance of appreciating each employee and the unique contributions they make to the organization. Our team’s dedication and passion are the backbone of our organization, inspiring me daily. By fostering open communication and mutual support, we empower each other to tackle challenges and celebrate victories. This collaborative spirit strengthens our operations and enhances the services we provide to families.

Secondly, resilience is essential. The journey of running a non-profit is filled with ups and downs, but maintaining a steadfast commitment to our mission helps us navigate through the toughest times. Embracing change and being open to learning from every experience, whether a success or a setback, keeps us moving forward with purpose.

Lastly, collaboration is vital. Building strong partnerships with other organizations, community members, and stakeholders amplifies our impact and broadens the reach of our services. Together, we can create a community where every child has the support they need to thrive, even amidst challenging circumstances. Each day brings new opportunities to impact lives, and it’s important to remember that progress often comes in small, meaningful steps.

Anyone interested in collaborating with us, please reach out at [email protected] or www.4familiesservices.org.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://4familiesservices.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/4FamiliesInc/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-newman-cnp/