| Never look down on anybody unless you’re helping him up. -Anonymous |
The History of Associated Charities of Lenawee County
Associated Charities of Lenawee County has served the Lenawee County community
since 1913. Local citizens representing churches, businesses, and local service
agencies attended a meeting in December 1912 to "associate" so that individuals and
families in need could be served in an efficient manner. Associated Charities was born
on December 6, 1912.
The first board members included Dr. A.W. Chase, Alice Angell, C.H. Mott, G.W. Ayers,
Mrs. Charles Shoen, Dr. Esli Morden, J.G, Mathes, and Peter Dunn. The first officers of
the board were O.S. Sturtevant, Chair; Olga Bowen, Secretary; and E.E. Tobias,
Treasurer.
The first services provided were for “a widow in dire straights”. It was decided early that
the operating fields would center on the health and social service needs of the
community. Health needs were quite apparent at that time and a public health nurse was
hired to serve as the Executive Director of the agency. A public health nurse served as
executive director of Associated Charities for the first quarter century.
The Charities in order to serve the health needs of our community:
provided regular home visits to those with special health needs
conducted a diabetes clinic
sponsored health clinics
operated fresh air clinics to fight tuberculosis
After 1930 the agency’s services concentrated on social work services.
These services included:
rent assistance
school milk programs
coal, to keep furnaces operating
food aid
providing household goods
Since the inception of Associated Charities, volunteers collected and distributed
used clothing and shoes. This included distributing new and used clothing and shoes for
school. Another role since the beginning has been the distribution of food baskets
and toys and gifts for the Christmas holiday.
The next years involved trying to meet the needs of individuals and families. Other
services provided included glasses and dental care for school children, layettes for
infants, taxi services, milk for children and Travelers Aid program. Funding was
also continued for rent, fuel, minor home repairs, small loans, and other financial
assistance for those in crisis.
Classes were held to improve the employment skills of those in need. Classes included:
sewing
cooking and canning
gardening
infant care
children’s health
young mothering care
home repair
Associated Charities also began a county wide well-water testing program. In 1933
the economic condition became such that the board gave thought to closing
permanently. The treasury was down to $100.00. However, the board struggled forth.
From 1933 through 1987 the Annual Vesper Service was held to support Associated
Charities. The goal of the agency to help individuals and families to become free
of dependency continued.
Associated Charities was also instrumental in the development of other agencies:
Family Counseling and Children’s Services
Goodwill Industries
Stephenson Home
Our focus continues to be on the basic needs of our community. Our mission:
Associated Charities of Lenawee County strives, through the generosity of our
community, to meet the basic needs of Lenawee County citizens of all ages with
respect and without judgment.
The "Daily Distribution" program is the day to day operation of receiving and distributing
items such as clothing, furniture, shoes, appliances, and other household items to
low income families in Lenawee County. On average 70-75 families are seen each day.
Our clients are served with a full time staff of two and many volunteers. We are an
agency making positive changes to ensure that we continue to serve those most in need
well past our 100 year anniversary.
Associated Charities of Lenawee County has served the Lenawee County community
since 1913. Local citizens representing churches, businesses, and local service
agencies attended a meeting in December 1912 to "associate" so that individuals and
families in need could be served in an efficient manner. Associated Charities was born
on December 6, 1912.
The first board members included Dr. A.W. Chase, Alice Angell, C.H. Mott, G.W. Ayers,
Mrs. Charles Shoen, Dr. Esli Morden, J.G, Mathes, and Peter Dunn. The first officers of
the board were O.S. Sturtevant, Chair; Olga Bowen, Secretary; and E.E. Tobias,
Treasurer.
The first services provided were for “a widow in dire straights”. It was decided early that
the operating fields would center on the health and social service needs of the
community. Health needs were quite apparent at that time and a public health nurse was
hired to serve as the Executive Director of the agency. A public health nurse served as
executive director of Associated Charities for the first quarter century.
The Charities in order to serve the health needs of our community:
provided regular home visits to those with special health needs
conducted a diabetes clinic
sponsored health clinics
operated fresh air clinics to fight tuberculosis
After 1930 the agency’s services concentrated on social work services.
These services included:
rent assistance
school milk programs
coal, to keep furnaces operating
food aid
providing household goods
Since the inception of Associated Charities, volunteers collected and distributed
used clothing and shoes. This included distributing new and used clothing and shoes for
school. Another role since the beginning has been the distribution of food baskets
and toys and gifts for the Christmas holiday.
The next years involved trying to meet the needs of individuals and families. Other
services provided included glasses and dental care for school children, layettes for
infants, taxi services, milk for children and Travelers Aid program. Funding was
also continued for rent, fuel, minor home repairs, small loans, and other financial
assistance for those in crisis.
Classes were held to improve the employment skills of those in need. Classes included:
sewing
cooking and canning
gardening
infant care
children’s health
young mothering care
home repair
Associated Charities also began a county wide well-water testing program. In 1933
the economic condition became such that the board gave thought to closing
permanently. The treasury was down to $100.00. However, the board struggled forth.
From 1933 through 1987 the Annual Vesper Service was held to support Associated
Charities. The goal of the agency to help individuals and families to become free
of dependency continued.
Associated Charities was also instrumental in the development of other agencies:
Family Counseling and Children’s Services
Goodwill Industries
Stephenson Home
Our focus continues to be on the basic needs of our community. Our mission:
Associated Charities of Lenawee County strives, through the generosity of our
community, to meet the basic needs of Lenawee County citizens of all ages with
respect and without judgment.
The "Daily Distribution" program is the day to day operation of receiving and distributing
items such as clothing, furniture, shoes, appliances, and other household items to
low income families in Lenawee County. On average 70-75 families are seen each day.
Our clients are served with a full time staff of two and many volunteers. We are an
agency making positive changes to ensure that we continue to serve those most in need
well past our 100 year anniversary.
About Us >
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
Associated Charities of Lenawee County
Associated Charities of Lenawee
Office Hours:
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily
Store Hours:
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. daily
Closed Saturday & Sunday.
Office Hours:
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily
Store Hours:
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. daily
Closed Saturday & Sunday.
| Associated Charities of Lenawee County was first organized in December 1912. A tradition of caring for Lenawee needy began then and continues today. Over the years, the needs of the community have changed and Associated Charities has been there to meet these needs. The Board of Directors and the staff of Associated Charities of Lenawee County are very proud to continue this tradition of caring for Lenawee County's citizens in need. We are unique in that no government funds (Federal or State) are received. The organization is supported by private donation and the United Way. We are truly a community-based, charitable organization. |
| 2011 ACDC Bike Ride |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
