Family Service of Morris County

Changing lives for nearly 200 years

History

Family Service of Morris County was founded in 1813 as the Female Charitable Society and, as such, is the oldest social service agency in Morris County and one of the oldest in the United States.

The Society was organized by a group of women who were interested in helping the "deserving poor" of Morristown, whose needs, they felt, were not covered by the inadequate Poor Laws then in existence in New Jersey. The women began by aiding widows and fatherless children, many of whom where victims of the War of 1812.

In keeping with the social philosophy of the time, relief consisted of material aid, such as wood, coal, clothing and wool, and occasionally money. Operating funds came largely from dues, church collections, occasional donations, and contributions.

In 1913, the Female Charitable Society greatly enlarged the scope of its work and became known as the Central Bureau of Social Service. The Agency centralized the charitable work of the community, bringing about cooperation among the various churches, charitable societies and individuals to prevent duplications of services and aid.

In the late 1920's, professional social workers assumed the responsibility of direct service to the clients; this change paralleled national developments in the field of social work. By the time the country emerged from the Depression, the strictly relief functions had become almost exclusively those of the government and the agency became primarily a counseling agency.

In 1943, the agency merged with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, becoming Family and Children's Service of Morris County, adopting in current name - Family Service of Morris County - in 1947.

Today, the mission of Family Service of Morris County reflects the same principles as those of the founders almost 200 years ago: to strengthen the community by empowering individuals and families to meet and overcome life's challenges.