In 1881 a handful of individuals who had observed the increasing tendencies of pauperism in the nation's capital decided with firm convictions to make a change in the communities that lived in the District of Columbia. Each was a passionate and determined advocate for poor folk and they had all worked previously at reformatory measures.
Their early meetings were at the home of Mr. A.S. Solomons on K Street. Faced with the prospects of increasing poverty and the need to protect the generous contributions of the citizens of Washington, D.C. this group resolved to form an organization under the name of the Associated Charities of the District of Columbia Annual. In 1882 the Associated Charities was incorporated with seven objectives in its original charter:
- The promotion of efficient and economic cooperation among the charitable societies and organizations and private and benevolent individuals of the District.
- The prompt relief of all cases of real destitution.
- The prevention of imposture in the matter of alms, of street begging and of indiscriminate and duplicate charity.
- The provision of means of obtaining prompt, full and reliable information regarding the condition, circumstances and needs of every applicant for charity to whom it may concern.
- The supply, whenever possible, of employment as the basis of relief.
- The improvement of the condition of the dependent poor, with a view of their self-support.
- The ascertainment of the real causes of vagrancy and pauperism with a view to their suppression.
- This charter was filed January 16, 1882, and the office was opened at 1418 F Street on the 29th of January. In its’ first year it had receipts of $2,984.32 with the number "applying for alms" at $1,776.
This was the beginning of Family and Child Services, Inc.
Our Bright Futures Home for Teen Mothers has another success story under its belt — 21-year old Karen, who entered the program five years ago and was emancipated this past December. At Bright Futures, emancipation is equivalent to graduation which occurs when a resident ages out of the program. While there, Karen matured from a quiet teenager with many challenges into a responsible, self-assured adult full of ambition and optimism. karen now works as a home health aide and shares a two-bedroom apartment with her six-year old daughter.
I also have bills for the first time,
said
Karen. But that's O.K. My daughter is so excited to
have her very own bedroom, and I'm glad to have just
the two of us to clean up after,
she added.
Born in El Salvador, Karen was 12 years old when she moved to the United States with her family. At the time she spoke very little English. She eventually dropped out of school and was subsequently working on her GED, but decided to quit three years later. Karen's mother died and her father moved to California, leaving Karen and her siblings with their grandmother. Her grandmother was unable to care for 16-year old Karen and her infant, so Karen joined Bright Futures. She also joined the Israel Baptist Church Elizabeth Ministry Mentors program. She completed all requirements of both programs, which included parenting classes, job training and attending mentoring workshops.
Karen made up her mind early on that she did not want to leave Bright Futures the way she entered — with basically nothing. She enrolled in an area nursing program, earned her Certified Nursing Assistant license, and prepared herself for the future. Bright Futures staff members helped her find an affordable apartment and assisted her with getting all the necessities.
Reflecting on the program, Karen said, Bright
Futures is a good program, especially if you work and
put effort into being there. The program helped me get
myself together.