History of Protestant Family Service – 1944-Present

Protestant Family Service was born from the concern of the Youngstown Council of Protestant Church Women (now Church Women United) for the rising problem of juvenile delinquency, and churchwomen were working together to help delinquents. On May 15, 1944, at the May Fellowship Day meeting, The Honorable Henry Beckenbaugh, Juvenile Court Judge spoke. Mrs. Fred Jordan then moved that the Youngstown Council of Protestant Church Women employ a family service caseworker to help the juvenile delinquents. Mrs. Frank Horn seconded the motion, which passed. A Civic Committee was appointed to study and promote the project.

On September 15, 1944, the first Director/Caseworker was employed. The usefulness of the service was evaluated with clergy desiring continuance as referrals from schools, courts, etc., indicated the need. The Youngstown Council of Protestant Church Women decided to continue the project. In 1953, the many applications for help with personal and family problems indicated either restricting service or expanding. The Protestant Church Women forged ahead and employed a second social worker.

In 1969, Church Women United appointed a Steering Committee to consider the advisability of establishing a separate board for the agency. A Constitution and By-laws were written. These were proposed at a meeting of interested members on February 16, 1970. Protestant Family Service became an independent agency, supported entirely by voluntary contributions at that meeting when Church Women United approved the Constitution and By-laws, elected officers, and an 11-member Board of Trustees. Mrs. Edwin Turner, chairman of the Steering Committee, was elected the first President and the name was lengthened to Protestant Family Service of the Greater Youngstown Area, Inc.

PFS was represented in the following areas: Mahoning County Homeless Coalition Services Task Force, Crime & Violence Prevention Task Force, Family Prevention Council of Greater Youngstown (teen pregnancy forum).

Besides assisting people in need, we provide the following programs:  Back-to-School Clothing/Shoes if funds are donated; Christmas Adopt-a-Family; Christmas Savings Club, where life skills are taught. Our services are constantly reviewed and expanded as needed in order to meet the changing needs of our clients and our community.

Approximately 30 volunteers graciously give of their time to help with receptionist duties at our office.