[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 26 (Thursday, February 9, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E307]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   FAMILY SERVICE ASSOCIATION OF WYOMING VALLEY CELEBRATES 100 YEARS

                                 ______


                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 9, 1995
  Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th 
anniversary of the Family Service Association of Wyoming Valley. I am 
pleased to join with the community in commending the professionals 
involved in this vital social service agency for 100 years of caring 
for those in need.
  In 1895, a meeting was held at St. Stephen's Church in Wilkes-Barre 
in an effort to consolidate charity organizations in the area. The 
Charity Organization Society of Wilkes-Barre was formed, with George 
Riddle Wright as its first president. Membership dues were $1. A year 
later, the group changed its name to United Charities Society, calling 
it a refuge for the poor, and it undertook the task of feeding and 
housing the homeless. Moneys were raised by sending donation forms home 
with school children, a method which was the predecessor to the fair 
share pledge system used today by the United Way. A building was 
renovated to be used as its headquarters, and by 1914, electric lights 
were installed. By this time, the agency was providing lodging for 
women and children awaiting trial and, at the request of the county 
commissioners, added a room for wayward women.
  In the early 1990's, the agency also obtained work for the 
unemployed, found foster homes for orphans, and actually oversaw the 
humane treatment of animals and the proper shoeing of horses. The 
influenza epidemic of 1918 brought normal operations to a near 
standstill and the floors of the building were literally lined with the 
ill and dying. Hundreds of children were orphaned. Over the following 
years, the agency provided almost every social service to those in 
need. When the Children's Service Center was formed in 1938, the agency 
was left with the family as its primary concern. In 1941, the agency 
became known as the Family Service Association. They moved into new 
quarters and began providing professional counseling services for 
members of the community, regardless of economic status.
  Mr. Speaker, when the Susquehanna River spilled her banks following 
Hurricane Agnes in 1972, the need became clear for a central phone 
number where any and all information could be obtained. Family Services 
undertook this task and a 24-hour hotline was initiated. Now called 
Help Line, this division of Family Services handles more than 40,000 
phone calls annually. The agency extended its services many times in 
the following years and today provides family education, assistance, 
and counseling to thousands each year.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud that the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania 
have a strong tradition of taking care of each other. From the very 
beginning, the community has joined together to help those less 
fortunate and those in need. The Family Service Association today 
employs the finest professional staff and is funded entirely by 
donations and foundation sources. This is a true example of the 
humanity of the American people and I send my sincere appreciation and 
congratulations to the board of trustees, directors, and the 
outstanding staff of this historic agency on the occasion of its 100th 
anniversary.


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