420 7th Street
Racine, WI 53403
262-634-2391
Racine, WI 53403
262-634-2391
Believe in Family
Famiy Services of Racine began providing services to our community in May 1910. Started as a community-based organization composed of the local Boys Club, a day care center, the Visiting Nurses Association, and the Big Sisters association, our agency was known as the Central Association. For 95 years we continue to serve our community and effectively address our mission statement.
Time Line Facts:
May 31, 1910 – Central Association formed with Mr. Henry Wallis, President, and Mr. William Horlick, Vice President.
1914 - Board of Directors purchased property at 920 Wilson St.
1918 - Agency began housing area soldiers, and providing Sunday breakfasts. In 1919 the facility was used as a boarding home.
1925 - Housed the Social Service Exchange
1931 - Agency named by the City of Racine to administer its relief and unemployment programs.
1932 - Agency employed a community dentist to serve clients.
1934 – Collaborated with YMCA and initiated various boys programs.
1936 - Opened a nursery school.
1947 - Emphasis began concentrating on case work and child care programs.
1951 - Name officially changed to Family Service of Racine as the agency was more involved in services to the community . That year Martha Yaekel became Executive Director.
1954 - Agency made a sound film describing the scope of FSR.
1960 - Agency moved to 941 Lake Ave. Marriage counseling became a critical part of FSR due to new divorce laws initiated that year.
1963 - Double –entry bookkeeping systems initiated, via help from S.C. Johnson & Son employee.
1964 – FSR became an on-the-job work experience site, providing home-making instruction in such areas as health care, emergency help, family care, daycare and teaching.
1968 – The daycare center relocated to 1400 Kingston Ave., quarters of the Second Presbyterian Church.
1970 – Margaret Wherry retired after serving almost 43 years. FSR began providing budget counseling.
1976 - FSR purchased the building at 420 7th St., which was remodeled the following year to better serve clients.
1979 - Barney Nelles became agency Executive Director, and served for 22 years until his retirement in 2001.
1982 – Homemaker program was closed, as funding was eliminated. Project FACE began as a joint program with Children’s Service, Catholic Social Services, Lutheran Social Services, and Family Service of Racine.
1985 - Agency celebrated 75 years of serving the community.
1986 - FSR began the CHOICE program for single parent families.
1991 – Started programs for youth and their parents.
1996 – Agency received accreditation from the Council on Accreditation , or COA for a period of four years.
1998 - Agency began assisting senior citizens age 60 and over, under the Benefit Specialist Program.
2000 - Children and Family resource Center was started at the Dr. King Center, COA re-certification.
2001 - Barney Nelles retired as Executive Director after serving 22 years.
2004 - FSR began a Alternative to Violence program initiative for male offenders of domestic violence. FSR also co-sponsored, with UW Parkside, the Conference on Abuse.
2005 - New programming includes services to inmates at Ellsworth Correctional Institution, referrals from our judicial system, and children attending Racine Unified School District.
2010 - Celebrating 100 Years of Service to the Racine community!!!
2011 - Family Service of Racine launches Ways to Work Automobile Loan Program
Taste of Racine!
Labor Day Monday, September 3rd 2012
Click below for details!
Families First Luncheon
Family Service of Racine's 19th
Annual Families First Luncheon Was a huge success!
Thanks to everyone that attended!
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