History

In 1891, a small group of community leaders in Lincoln, Nebraska, established an organization to assist people in need. The Charity Organization Society, as it was then called, had as its principal purpose the coordination of private relief giving activities of individuals and groups. The Society acted as a third party (a middle-man) between giver and receiver.

A few years later, the Society's constitution was changed to make direct relief giving an official function of the agency. Later, the society's efforts emphasized casework activity. In more recent years, agency programs have been directed towards meeting the needs of families with young and/or school-age children.

Over the past 110 years, our organization has helped hundreds of thousands of people. While our name and specific services have changed over the years, our accomplishments have woven a common thread. They exemplify the impact Family Service has made as a social service organization.

Important events and developments in our history:

• 1891 - 1914
• 1915 - 1950
• 1950 - 1980
• 1980 - 1994
• 1995 - Current