The Family Center evolved from the vision of four women, who, while working at the Department of Social Services in New York City, focused on the needs of families affected by AIDS. The biggest concern of the parents was not for themselves, but for their children. However, little was being done to prepare the children for death, mourning and rebuilding their lives. With these families in mind, The Family Center was founded in 1994 to help families remain stable and cope with the implications and gravity of their health situation. It will never be easy, but we can help make it less difficult.

The Family Center works with the children, the parents and the caregivers. Filling in the gap that exists in other organizations, the founders decided to offer comprehensive legal and social services under one umbrella. Our lawyers work with families to establish custodial/legal guardianship plans, health care proxies, wills and power of attorney. Trained social workers and family coordinators provide individual and family counseling, mediation services, benefits assistance and cross referrals to other support services.

1991
— Barbara Draimin publishes her dissertation on "The Mental Health Needs of Well Adolescents Whose Parents Have AIDS"

1992
— Acquire 5th floor space at 66 Reade Street

1993
— Mother's Day: New York Times cover story is devoted to AIDS orphans

1994
— Creation of The Family Center as a program of the Medical and Health Resource Administration of NYC, Inc

1995
— Ivy Gamble and Abbe Bassin launch Buddy Program with 6 pairs of volunteers and children
— First Annual holiday party with 35 parents and children at Anna Teitelbaum's parent's home - Ruth Abram and Herb Teitelbaum

1996
— Barbara is on Montel Williams. Topic: Mothers of Kids with AIDS
— First meeting to create an independent Board of Directors (Dave Nimmons, Christine Swan and Nancy Torres)

1997
— TFC is incorporated and receives its independent not-for-profit status

2000
— TFC begins Consumer Outreach Program which involves clients more directly in our service delivery
— Whitney Wright creates Family Pride program for fun and family communication

2001
— Robin Hood Foundation helps TFC expand and add the 3rd floor which includes an emphasis on therapeutic services, play therapy room and the double mirror "observation" room
— TFC adds mediation to the menu of services
— TFC provides assistance to families facing loss as a result of the World Trade Center attacks

2002
— TFC establishes collaboration with Ackerman Institute
— First annual Buddy Camping Trip
— The first Public Service Announcement runs on television and a TFC subway ad

2003
— Brooklyn office opens in Bedford-Stuyvesant
— Revised PSA runs on Brooklyn bus shelters in conjunction with the Brooklyn office opening
— Buddy Program celebrates a record 60 buddy matches with a party at Maroons and a special award to program builder, Joan McElroy

2004
— TFC partners with the Department for the Aging to serve families with primary caregivers over the age of 60
— TFC celebrates 10 years of service

2006
— The Family Center is proud to welcome Ivy Gamble-Cobb as the new Executive Director

2007
— The Family Center moves into its new Manhattan offices on 315 West 36th Street

^ Top of the Page