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The 1960s were a turbulent time in the city of Cleveland and across the country. And in 1970, as the new decade began, Cleveland was struggling with a changing economy, job loss, increasing levels of poverty, a rise in the use of illicit drugs and a declining population in the urban core.
The impact of this strife on many people living in Cleveland was real and often heartbreaking.
It was during this time, that two organizations were born. Organizations that, for nearly 50 years, have made helping people live healthier, more successful lives their life’s work. They have helped countless individuals and families fight back against the effects of poverty, inadequate education and job training, drug addiction, physical health concerns and mental health challenges.
These respected not-for-profit organizations have both evolved over time, in response to the changes in the needs of the community and the changes in economic and public policy.
Now, nearly 50 years after their founding, Circle Health Services, Inc. and The Centers for Families and Children are evolving once more; this time, through an affiliation agreement that will allow the organizations to share not only a common purpose, but a leadership structure, administrative functions and client services while each maintaining their cherished legacies.
The Travelers Aid Society was established in 1851 when Bryan Mullanphy, then mayor of St. Louis, MO, left one-third of his million-dollar fortune for the aid of "immigrants going west.” In 1976, it merged with the Family Service Association and various day care centers to form the Center for Human Services.
The Family Service Association, founded in 1867 as the Cleveland Bethel Union, served the city's poor, transient, and unemployed. In 1884 it merged with the Charity Organization Society, and in 1900, it changed its name to Cleveland Associated Charities and began an era of modern social casework. In 1945, it adopted a new name, Family Service Association, and changed its focus from relief to professional casework services.
The Cleveland Homemakers Service Association., est. in 1867, trained and employed women as homemakers for families needing such services.
The Cleveland Day Nursery Association, founded in 1882 by the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) and the Young Ladies Temperance League, provided day care and health services for children of working mothers in Cleveland.
Was founded in 1900 when Rev. Henry Timme, a pastor in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), took in a family of children left on his doorstep.
In the 1960’s, as fewer children were orphaned, Cleveland Christian Home transformed into a residential treatment center for abused and neglected children.
In February 1970, public health nurse Jeanne Sonville launched
the Together Telephone Hotline for individuals who engaged in substance misuse or abuse marking the inception of the Free Medical Clinic of Greater Cleveland.
In 1970, Leona Bevis, Louise Humphrey and Nancy Lyon Porter founded The Center for Human Services, merging five agencies previously standing alone. Their shared vision was that by integrating their services they would be better able to help the individuals they served.
The Center for Human Services changed its name to The Center for Families and Children in 1993 to better reflect its focus and reach.
The Free Medical Clinic of Greater Cleveland launched a needle exchange program in 1995 to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS.
West Side Ecumenical Ministries (WSEM) and El Barrio join forces
with The Center for Families and Children in 2011, and the new name
of the organization becomes The Centers for Families and Children.
In 2016, the Free Clinic* changed its name to Circle Health Services, Inc., reflecting both the clinic’s commitment to inclusive care and its location in University Circle.
The Free Clinic became a Federally Qualified Health Center in 2016.
Circle Health and The Centers for Families & Children became affliated organizations in 2017 to strengthen their ability to provide integrated care and have a greater impact on the people they serve together.
The Centers brought Cleveland Christian Home (CCH) into its service structure in 2022, resulting in expanded access to the full continuum of behavioral health services for children and adolescents and bringing much-needed infrastructure support to CCH.
Circle Health Services Tax ID #23-7078501 | Cleveland Christian Home Tax ID # 34-0733131 | The Centers for Families and Children Tax ID # 23-7084455
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