Established in 1950

An organizing committee was formed, and Family Service Agency of San Mateo County was incorporated in 1950 to strengthen and maintain the families of San Mateo County. The organization opened for business on September 25th, 1950, in a three-room office at 1117 South B Street in San Mateo with a staff of a full-time Executive Director and a part-time counselor. The organizing committee became the first Board of Directors. Initial funding came from the local Community Chest and a private donation.

Ten women led by Auxiliary President Mrs. John Finney formed the first auxiliary in 1961. The auxiliary’s silent auction held in May 1961 was the first of hundreds of benefit events planned by the organization’s supporters throughout the county.

In September 1973 Family Service launched an innovative network of neighborhood family day care homes in Redwood City with funding as a demonstration project by the State Department of Education. Low-income mothers were trained in nursery school techniques and hired by the organization to be caregivers. Their homes were modified to meet licensing requirements. The network cared for children of low-income mothers who were either employed or in work training programs. Children stayed in their own neighborhoods and in environments that reflected their cultural heritage. Fees were calculated on a sliding scale based on ability to pay.

In 1979 the Day Care program expanded further. Family Service rented space from the Congregational Church in San Mateo and began the Community Infant Center, offering daytime care for 12 infants. Specific caregivers were assigned to each baby to ensure consistent relationships. Daily conversations between staff and parents and a parent support council emphasized communication and carryover of childcare philosophy between home and center.

Services to seniors were added to agency programs in May 1984, after Family Service was asked to take on management of San Mateo County’s Senior Community Employment Program. Funded by federal and state funds administered through the local Area Agency on Aging, this program provides training and subsidized job placements in government agencies and community organizations for needy seniors. Acculturation workshops for new immigrants, bilingual services, supervision, and follow up are included.