Family Service Agency

of San Francisco

CEO and Board Letter

A Letter From Our CEO

Aristotle wrote, "Men come together in cities in order to live, but they remain together in order to live the good life."

For many San Franciscans, the good life is generally at hand. Even with the economy's change of fortunes in the past several years, many people enjoy a beautiful city, access to good health care, warm and secure shelter, financial resources sufficient to meet basic (and maybe not-so-basic) needs, and friends and family who enrich our daily lives. When misfortune strikes us or those we love, we can count on an umbrella of resources-- personal, professional, legal, financial, medical--to help us weather the storm. By joining forces, we strengthen the web of support that helps protect ourselves, our families, our friends.

Many people are fortunate indeed; that network of connection and shared resources is essential to a good life. But if San Francisco has long offered much to many, it is also true that throughout our city's history, many others have struggled – and many struggle still--to marshal resources sufficient to their needs.

Recognizing this age-old disparity, throughout the city's history leading San Franciscans have joined forces to share their resources, not just with friends and family but with utter strangers. And for over a century, Family Service Agency of San Francisco and its supporters have reached out a steadying hand to thousands of San Franciscans with nowhere else to turn.

In the 118 years since our founding, FSA has produced a rich history of measurable—and invaluable—results: in the lives we help transform, the families we help restore, the neighborhoods we help strengthen. Over this history, the particulars, like San Francisco itself, have certainly changed. But despite all the changes, one thing remains true: Wherever the need, we’re here to help.

We hope you’ll join us.

Robert W. Bennett
President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

A Letter From Our Board President

As Family Services Agency of San Francisco approaches 120 years of service to the San Francisco Community it remains an organization both on the cutting edge of innovation in social services to individuals and families and one that is steeped in history.

Since its founding in 1889 by Katharine Felton, a courageous and caring woman, FSA has helped those in our community in dramatic ways, yet intimately and sensitively. Under Felton’s guidance, FSA was a major force in the city’s recovery after the devastating 1906 earthquake and fire. It was Felton who came to understand that a baby needs to be held and so revolutionized orphanages and began the foster care system. Under Felton's leadership, FSA's comprehensive continuum of services that came to be known nationwide as the "San Francisco Model of Care" became the gold standard for effective and insightful human services.

This comprehensive continuum of services and their bold yet sensitive delivery continues to the present under the visionary leadership of our CEO, Bob Bennett. To address the complex needs of families in our community, especially those most in need, FSA currently serves newborns to the elderly in five major divisions of its programs: Children, Youth and Families; Adult and Family Services; Senior Services; the Family Developmental Center; and The Felton Institute. The Felton Institute provides the most advanced training possible for professionals treating those with mental illness.

These are difficult financial times and no one is hit harder than those most in need. These families and individuals often face overwhelming life situations. Our nation’s new president has said “For when we have faced down impossible odds; when we've been told that we're not ready, or that we shouldn't try, or that we can't, generations of Americans have responded with a simple creed that sums up the spirit of a people. Yes we can.” And if we can, we must. Join our remarkable staff, donors and volunteers in inspiring hope and bringing dignity and respect to the lives of San Franciscans most in need. Be part of our bold vision of what life in our community can be for everyone!

Elizabeth Larose Dunn
Chair of the Board of Directors