Over 100 Years Dedicated to the Underserved
Family Service of El Paso was founded in 1893 under the name “Women’s Charity Association,” part of the National Conference of Charities and Correction. In 1963, we became Family Service of El Paso in affiliation with Family Service of America. Social work and counseling became the organization’s primary focus; we are dedicated to providing “Strength to Families Under Stress.”
A History Rooted in Service
In 1892, a neglected traveler was found dead on a platform of the railroad depot. The idea that a human being could have no one to turn to in a time of need prompted the concern and organization of the “Ladies Benevolent Association” in 1893. Notable women of the day, like Mrs. W.M. James, Olga Bernstein Kohlberg, and Eugenia Mananyi Schuster, were leaders of the original movement.
This same organization assumed other names. As the years passed, it was known as:
- Family Welfare Association
- Sunshine Day Nursery
- Travelers Aid
- Pleasant View Home
- Family Service of El Paso
Because of our founding organization, Ladies Benevolent Association, community service became very much a part of the Old West town of El Paso. Just as El Paso grew, so did the desire to help our fellow man. Philanthropic organizations joined together to form alliances, such as Associated Charities, The Community Chest, United Fund, and today’s greater El Paso United Way.
While Family Service has been known by many names over the last century, and has provided many different services, the one thing that has never wavered is our commitment to helping families in need.
Family Service Then…
A quarterly report from March 31, 1908 notes the following services provided:
- 300 – Received clothing
- 49 – Visits by the matron
- 100 – Received food
- 10 – Provided transportation
- 142 – Meal tickets provided
- 23 – Lodging given
- 8 – Lunches provided
- 12 – Hospital cases
- 10 – Received medicine
- 7 – Received fuel
- 11 – Work supplied
- 6 – Letters written for poor
Family Service Today…
Family Service provided these services in 2017:
- 2,700 – Clients served
- 15,000 – Counseling sessions delivered
- 24 – Student interns hosted
- 10 – Professional interns hosted
