Family Services of NW PA
Family Services of NW PA
Since our humble beginnings in 1882, Family Services' mission has remained steadfast - to strengthen family life in northwestern Pennsylvania by providing counseling, education and advocacy.
Family Services of NW PA serves an average of 2,522 individuals and families each year, providing over 66,777 hours of service in Counseling, Adoption, and Volunteer Services last year. Volunteers provided an additional 7,740 hours of service.
We are proud of our commitment and also the support we receive from the community. As we journey through the new millennium, we will strive to meet the changing needs of the families and individuals that we serve.
Sincerely,
Thomas A. Vinca
President & CEO
Counseling
Office-Based Counseling - Erie CountyOffice-Based Counseling provides counseling services to individuals, families, and couples in Erie County. Counseling services are provided to those individuals and families expressing a variety of concerns including marital difficulties, parenting concerns, family problems, and individual adjustments issues.
Eligibility CriteriaAny individual, family or couple residing in Erie County is eligible for an intake appointment. Services are usually brief, lasting up to 12 sessions. Referrals may be made to other community resources if presenting needs go beyone the scope or intensity of our counseling.
Have questions?
Ask Ann here.
Adoption Program
Adoption Program - Erie CountyPhilosophyFamily Services subscribes to the philosophy that every child has the right to a permanent home. The welfare of the child is the primary consideration in adoption with the needs of the prospective parents being secondary. Furthermore, to reinforce this philosophy, a thorough adoptive applicant assessment must be completed before adoptive applicants are approved.
Adoption is the legal and social process whereby the relationship of parent and child is created between persons not related by birth.
All adoption services must be in compliance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare licenses the agency and all adoption services provided are in compliance with existing social service regulations as established by statute.
Adoption Programs
Volunteer Support Services
Big Brothers / Big Sisters (BBBS)Provides adult role models to children 6-12 years of age from predominately single-parent families. Volunteers initiate consistent, one-to-one contact with a child and provide positive social, recreational, cultural and interpersonal activities.
Mother-To-Mother
Adult volunteer mothers are matched with single mothers needing support. Volunteer mothers share their time and experiences while providing a supportive relationship.
Educational Programs
Children Cope with Divorce
A court-mandated parent seminar designed to help minimize the negative impact of divorce on children.
Conflict Management Training
Training for employees and management to achieve better communication and problem solving techniques.
Parent Education
A seven week course designed for parents who need immediate help with specific child behavior problems.
Parents Sharing
A self-help group for parents who are having difficulty coping with their children.
Supervisory Training
A program designed to help both new and experienced supervisors meet the challenges of leadership.
Assertiveness for Managers
A positive management approach to help develop balance and the ability to cope constructively be creative communication, strong leadership, good people management and excellent negotiating skills.
Marriage Enrichment
Falling in love is easy. Staying in love is another matter. Master the skills needed to make relationships even better.
