Family Services of NW PA has a long history of serving children and families in our community.
1882
The Charity Organization Society was created to detect unworthy applicants for assistance and to help the poor become self-sufficient. This organization, which was established before most state-run welfare agencies existed, was later referred to as the Bureau of Charities Society of Erie.
1936
The agency was reorganized as the Child-Parent Bureau to provide services to neglected children.
1938
Renamed the Welfare Bureau of Erie, an expansion included three departments: the Child-Parent department, the Traveler's Aid department, and the Legal Aid department.
1941
The organization was incorporated as Family and Child Service of Erie and adoption soon became the primary focus.
1942
The agency was first accredited by Families International and became a member of the Child Welfare League of America.
1983
Family Services was created by merging three organizations: the Family Service Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County, and Family and Child Services of Erie County. Major funding support was received from the United Way of Erie County.
1984
Family Services merged with the Marriage Counseling Services of Erie, which became a new division of the agency.
1987
A satellite office was established in Crawford County. Original services included Consumer Credit Counseling and In-Home Family Therapy. At this time, the agency became Family Services of NW PA to reflect the geographical expansion.
2001
Crawford County services expanded significantly to include Family Based Mental Health, CART, Family Preservation, Adoption, Brief Services, and Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services. At the same time, a satellite office was established in Venango County. Services included Adoption and Kinship, CART, Family Preservation and Multisystemic Therapy.
2009
A satellite office was established in Mercer County to provide Family Group Decision Making. Shortly after, three additional programs were added: Family Preservation Services, Brief Services, and Multisystemic Therapy.
