WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Family Matters of Greater Washington, one of the nation’s oldest, nationally-accredited social services organizations, announced today the launch of their 135th anniversary in providing compassionate solutions for low-income youth, families and seniors across the Greater Washington Metropolitan Area.
Founded in 1882 as The Associated Charities, over its 135-year history, Family Matters has compiled a legacy of firsts and groundbreaking moments in social services provisions.
“Our legacy of service for an astonishing 135 years is a remarkable testament to the men and women who founded and sustained this organization over the past century and more,” noted current President and CEO Tonya Jackson Smallwood. “To have impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands of children, families and seniors when so many non-profit social services organizations fail, is an achievement of unparalleled success. I am proud and honored to serve at the helm of this organization and to play a role in charting a course for the next century and beyond.”
In the year 1882, a group of men and women concerned about the growing poverty in the nation’s capital embarked on an effort to aid the poor and less-fortunate. They incorporated as the Associated Charities of the District of Columbia Annual and set out to promote cooperation among charities to provide “relief from destitution” and to improve the condition of the “dependent poor.”
Over the years, they launched a number of new programs which broke new ground in social services, including:
- Establishment of the first Christmas Opportunity Fund in 1896, later adopted by the U.S. Postal Service, to stimulate the poor to save.
- Formation of the first Boys Club in 1903.
- In 1907, they opened the first camp for African-American mothers and children.
- Helped write legislation for the 1910 School Attendance law making school attendance for children compulsory.
- In 1934, they pioneered the development of social casework with a mental hygiene emphasis, in response to veterans’ issues following the war.
- In 1937, they were instrumental in helping draft the first national Social Security program.
- They started the first daycare program for children of working parents during World War II.
- In 1986, they created the first weekend respite program for Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers.
“I trust that the experience of the past and the challenge of the present and future may make for even greater usefulness as you enter your second half-century," wrote President Herbert Hoover in a letter to the organization in 1932, on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary.
Today, Family Matters provides assistance for more than 20,000 children, families, and seniors in the region in the areas of therapeutic and traditional foster care, youth development programs, mental health/counseling services, and services & activities for seniors. Accredited by The Council on Accreditation Services for Families and Children, Inc., The Commission on Accreditation Facilities, The Joint Commission, and The American Camping Association, Family Matters oversees and operates the following programs:
- Camp Moss Hollow
- Foster Care & Adoption
- Bright Futures – Teen Mother Independent Living Center
- Aging and Disability Resource Centers – Senior Services
- Mental Behavioral Health
- Community Resources
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program
Family Matters also recently announced the acquisition of Regent Healthcare, LLC, a for-profit private duty & home health care agency that provides a range of home health services including companion care, personal care and skilled nursing services. They also offer the full continuum of care for patients recovering from injury, illness or disease. Services are currently provided in Anne Arundel, Northern Prince Georges and Howard County with plans to expand to the District and other sites in Maryland in the coming year. The acquisition will help Family Matters in their efforts to build sustainable revenue to ensure their longevity for the future.
“Family Matters is proud of the work we have done for nearly 135 years to support and enhance the lives of so many members of our community,” noted Board Chair Thomas L. Johnson. “As we continue to grow to meet the needs of an evolving community, we pledge to keep our eye on sustainability and longevity to ensure the provision of these vital services for area families for the years to come.”
To learn more about Family Matters of Greater Washington, visit us on the web at www.familymattersdc.org, like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FamilyMattersDC/ and follow us on Twitter at @FamilyMattersDC.
About Family Matters of Greater Washington (www.familymattersdc.org)
Family Matters of Greater Washington is a non-government, nonprofit organization accredited by the Council on Accreditation Services for Families and Children, Inc. and the American Camping Association. Formerly known as Family and Child Services of Washington, D.C., Inc., Family Matters was founded in 1882 and has been an integral part of the Washington, D.C. community for 135 years. One of the oldest, nationally accredited social services organizations in the nation, Family Matters provides comprehensive, accessible, low-fee services to thousands of residents of the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Family Matters of Greater Washington is a member of the Child Welfare League of America and the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities.
