The future of our community starts at home.
At Family Services, we believe that too many individuals in our community struggle with poverty, financial and emotional stressors, or domestic upheaval that threatens not only the lives of their own families but our collective future as a community, as well. That’s why Family Services works to help children, individuals and families make positive, lasting changes in their lives that strengthen families and build a healthier, more stable community as well as a stronger future for all of us.
It all began in 1905 when Miss Annie Grogan, a local telephone operator, was moved by the heartbreaking stories she heard of families struggling with poverty and sickness in Forsyth County. Motivated to inspire change, Miss Annie donated pennies from her paycheck and went door to door delivering food and clothing to poverty-stricken areas of the community.
Inspired by these simple acts of kindness, a dedicated group of community leaders joined her to form the Associated Charities of Winston – the first charity in Winston-Salem, which later evolved into Family Services. Today, our intentional programming in the areas of child development, counseling and safe relationships ensures that all families and children are safe, secure and can reach their full potential.
Family Services has been the proud sole provider of Head Start in Forsyth County for 60 years and Early Head Start for more than 10 years. These programs serve more than 700 children from birth to age five each year, focusing on school readiness skills, language, literacy, math, science, self-help and the creative arts.
Our highly credentialed and qualified teaching staff encourages parent involvement in the classroom, with a recent focus on male engagement through our Mindful Men program which aims to build positive male role models for children. Parent Sam* became involved in volunteering before his child was enrolled as he was passionate about making a difference. “I want other students to have that same impact where they may or may not have someone in their lives,” he shares. Sam regularly reads to children, volunteers at events and provides feedback that shapes his daughter’s educational experience.
Research shows that children with caregivers who engage in their education and life experiences tend to have improved health, longer lives and higher self esteem. Family Services works to educate both caregivers and children on how to create a positive household environment, laying a solid foundation from the start.
For some families, participating in our evidence-based Strengthening Families training helps teach nurturing parenting skills to foster positive family relationships which can alter the course of the family dynamic. “The parenting conversations and coping skills for anger that we learned were truly impactful,” mom Beth* shares. Feedback like this is proof that families can grow stronger when they are prepared to meet the varied challenges that society presents.
Working with Family Services’ therapists helps prepare individuals and families as they discover new ways to find personal strengths to help cope, heal and move forward through tough times. Many individuals and families experience relationship stresses, depression, anxiety, trauma or loss. Having a place to go and a trusted confidant to talk to can provide needed respite and insight.
“We have a reputation for providing high quality counseling services for a multitude of concerns, including relationship issues, depression and anxiety, mood disorders and especially trauma,” explains Administrative Director of Clinical Services Courtney Perry. “We are also intentional about providing a low barrier of entry for services.” Clients use either sliding scale, Medicaid or insurance to access counseling programs, making them available and accessible to all.
For some individuals and families, the crisis becomes even more critical. Our safe relationships division provides emergency housing for victims of interpersonal and domestic violence, operating Forsyth County’s largest and oldest shelter. Last year alone, we provided more than 8,600 cumulative safe nights of care to approximately 190 guests, including more than 90 children. In the coming months, we’ll be excited to share new developments on how you can help Forsyth County get One Step Closer to leading the way in creating hope and dignity for these survivors.
Thank you for your belief in our mission for the last 120 years and for supporting Family Services as we continue to work to meet our community’s growing need to keep programs for individuals, children and families first. Together, we are making a difference as a part of this Community of Solutions.
Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence 24/7 Crisis Line
336.723.8125
Counseling Resources
336.722.8173
For more information: familyservicesforsyth.org
*Not their real names; identities changed for privacy.
