Organizational History

 

110 Years of Service

First President of the Associated Charities of Dayton
Lewis B. Gunkel
President 1896-1903

 During the winter of 1896, there were about 2,000 unemployed workers in the Dayton area. The task of meeting these families' needs became so overwhelming that on December 17th, a town meeting was held at the Grand Opera House to address this concern in the community. That night, amid much enthusiasm, one organization was founded and named the Associated Charities of Dayton. This organization is now known as the Family Service Association.

The 'Council of Fifteen, ' was the first governing body or board of trustees of the new agency, Funds to operate the organization come from the public through donations or through the sale of 'memberships.'  

Although the first efforts of what is now the Family Service Association were to provide food, shelter, and clothing, the constitution written in 1896 makes special mention of dedicating the agency to helping people help themselves, a philosophy that is still followed today.  

As we celebrate our 110 years of strengthening families, we pay special tribute to the millions of people with whom we have been associated since 1896, founders and board members, volunteers and professionals of the agency and from the other community service organizations in the Miami Valley, and funders and supporters representing both private and public resources. Most of all, this anniversary honors the families who come to us when they are most vulnerable and who exhibit fascinating courage and caring for one another in stressful times of chaos and chance. 

Click here to see the actual documents Page 1.

Click here to see the actual documents Page 2.