Family Service Agency of San Francisco
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Family Service Agency of San Francisco (FSA) was founded in 1889 as Associated Charities by Katharine Felton (1873-1940). FSASF is the oldest nonsectarian, nonprofit charitable social-services provider in the City and County of San Francisco. It relies on contributions from government, private donors, and private clients.
FSA focuses on strengthening families by providing caring, effective, and innovative social services, with special emphasis on the needs of low-income families, children, and the elderly, and disabled people, thus improving the quality of life for all San Franciscans.
[edit] FSA Today
Four divisions carry out FSA’s mission through San Francisco-- Children, Youth, and Families Division, Adult Services Division, Senior Services Division, Family Developmental Center, and The Felton Institute. The programs address some of San Francisco’s most critical issues: homelessness, substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, and mental illness. FSA’s programs have been recognized as national models and have received the highest possible ratings from San Francisco’s Department of Public Health.
[edit] FSA History
April 25, 1889 Family Service Agency founded as the first general, nonsectarian relief organization in the City.
1901 At the age of 28, Katharine Felton is named FSA’S Executive Director, a remarkable accomplishment for a woman of that time.
1906 After the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake, FSA directs San Francisco’s entire Earthquake Relief Program and is temporarily merged with the Red Cross to provide earthquake assistance.
1907 In the crucible of the earthquake and fire, FSA develops innovative solutions that are common practice today. FSA creates the first employment agency in the US, develops mental health counseling and foster care, and combines public and private funds to allow single mother to remain at home.
1909 FSA inaugurates the "San Francisco Model of Care," combining public and private funds to provide cost-effective social services, changing the way social services are provided nationwide.
1932 In the aftermath of the stock market crash of 1929 and the ensuing Great Depression, and in reflection of its increasing role as an agency of social welfare, Associated Charities changes its name to "Citizen's Agency for Social Welfare."
1933 As a result of the Great Depression, the Federal government requires that all federal and state funds be expended by public agencies only. In compliance, San Francisco creates a County Welfare Department that takes over all family services previously handled by private agencies such as Citizen's Agency for Social Welfare. As a result, the Agency begins operating as a government contractor in addition to private services.
1960 FSA expands its services to include job training, preventive programs, and counseling services.
1965 FSA launches the Foster Grandparent Program (Senior Corps), providing low-income senior volunteers with training and stipends to give support and attention to children with special needs at sites throughout San Francisco.
1977 The Developmental Disabilities Case Management Program for children is begun. FSA initiates a Primary Therapeutic Program, providing physical, occupational, and speech therapies.
1981 FSA develops the Teenage Pregnancy and Parenting Program (TAPP), a case-management program for teenage parents.
1984 The Senior Companion Program (Senior Corps), bringing together mobile seniors and their frail, homebound peers, is launched.
