Associated Charities of Glens Falls (Glens Falls, N.Y.)

A group of leading Glens Falls citizens founded the Associated Charities of Glens Falls in 1911 as a referral and emergency relief center for the underprivileged in the Glens Falls area. Material aid to families and children was provided, including clothing, food, and fuel, along with medical and dental care. Work with children involved supervising them during recreation time, feeding undernourished children, and operation of a day nursery and a boarding house. Many individuals and families were referred to other church and community organizations for support. The name of the Associated Charities of Glens Falls changed in 1933 to Family Welfare Association. In 1951 the group was renamed the Family Service Association.

Members of the Associated Charities of Glens Falls were concerned about the duplication of effort among the numerous churches, synagogues, and other charitable organizations active in the Glens Falls area. To mitigate this problem the Associated Charities organized the "confidential exchange," also known as the "registration bureau," to allow the various agencies to communicate in confidence about charitable cases. The officers and the advisory committee members were inspired by social reformers of their day. Special assistance was given at Christmas time, particularly to children. Social workers provided instruction in health habits and other education along with material aid. Funds to support this work were raised through voluntary contributions.

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