Family Services Center commemorated 15 years of partnership with the community with an open house celebration and recognitions on Friday afternoon.
Described as a “community collaboration,” FSC has been very successful in the past 15 years in giving individuals, children and families help through the services of the many agencies housed under the one roof of the Family Services Center.
FSC Director Doak Givan explained the history of the FSC, with the help of many of the founders sharing testimonials of how more than fifteen years ago, a dedicated group of community leaders, volunteers and agency representatives met to address community needs and find a way to speak out on behalf of families and children. Through the formation of the FSC, a much needed “one-stop-shop” was made into reality. Soon after, the center became incorporated and gained a 501(c) (3) status and a grant awarded by the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services, now known as the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services allowed the Center the opportunity to begin serving families. LaNita Richmond the Executive Director of Brownwood’s Chamber of Commerce at that time was the key author of the grant proposal.
The center was described during the testimonials as a “marvelous entity” because of the support of the community and the guidance and leadership of its director Doak Givan. To date it has served more than 22,322 people since opening its doors in 1998.
Board member Carter Sharpe described how the idea of FSC was supported by the community and through the years, has been a team effort of the agencies along with this community support. In its early years, its operation was made possible by the above grant but Sharpe admitted he had wondered how the center would continue to operate and where they would continue to get funding. Throughout the years, the FSC staff and board members have sought out grants and funding to keep the center operating.
FSC’s mission is to help strengthen individuals, children and families in the area through counseling, education, advocacy, supportive services and collaboration. They do this by coordinating resources with the help of agencies located within the same building.
J.R. Williams, board member, a former Brownwood resident who has recently moved to the Austin area, stated that Brownwood has become a “pinnacle of the state” and that “people are always amazed at the collaborative efforts of the Brownwood community.”
Williams stated that when he hears people talking about agencies not being able to work together or communicate in other cities and he speaks proudly of Brownwood stating, “I know a place where agencies work well together, where they say ‘We’re going to save a bunch of kids and families,’ and they do it.”
Agencies housed in the FSC building include: Big Brothers Big Sisters, Girl Scouts, Mid-Tex Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), Al-Anon, United Way, the ARC, and the Pecan Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross.
For more information about the Family Services Center, visit the center at 901 Avenue B, call 325-646-5939, or visit their website
FSC Executive Director Doak Givan addresses those in attendance.
FSC staff were recognized during the celebration, pictured above are Jill Evans and Von Bates.
Esmeralda Riojas was recognized for being the longest serving staff member, since the FSC began in 1998.
Carter Sharpe spoke of the original funding and continual search for grants to help FSC continue their services.
James “J.R.” Williams spoke of agency colaboration and the success of FSC.
LaNita Richmond (left) and Suzanne Coffman (center) cut the cake at the celebration as Von Bates (right) serves punch.
