Mental health is very important for me. As I myself suffer from depression and anxiety. For this reason this platform is so meaningful to me
FSA has met and exceeded expectations of every community need (e.g., apartment fires, COVID-19 aid, mass counseling at a school, etc.) for more years than I can count. For quite sometime they also have had a zero to just a few days wait list, depending on how specific your availability it. Their counselors don't judge, they just help. From knowledge, family experiences, and knowing them as colleagues. The organization is very well organized and more then meets every require the grantors put on them. Keep it up and set the bar high.
Review from Guidestar
Family Service Agency serves the DeKalb County in more ways than one. It's a wrap around agency featuring programs in counseling, children's advocacy, school programs, youth mentoring, community action, and senior services. I started as an intern there and transitioned to a clinician. FSA is a great resource to the community, local students, and employees. It's a fun place to work and is a wonderful place to be. I would highly consider all programs that fit your needs
Review from Guidestar
I called a few weeks ago to try to start therapy to help with anxiety . Filled out all the paperwork was set up with a therapist and was supposed to start tomorrow. However as I was laying in bed thinking on what's caused a lot of my anxiety this past year , it's been politics , anarchy , mayhem etc . That I needed someone who would understand the stresses as a whole . So I sent email asked if political party can be assigned. Not trusting politics wouldn't be involved in therapy ... And I was right to question it .
What ended up happening was intake coordinating called me informing me they could not ask what political party a therapist was . I asked if she could and was told they would call me back . I received that call back at end of their day in which they told me no one was able to fit my " requirements " and therefore my scheduled session next day was canceled indefinitely.
I asked how or why it's been canceled if they are unable to ask any therapist their political standings and how this in itself isn't bias and discriminating against a client asking very simple questions. I was put on hold to supervisor to get on . Which reiterated same as person before her , except this time used insurance as excuse . I'm told her supervisor will call me tomorrow , however I find that unlikely.
Politics are inside , biased and discriminatory is at front stage . Outcast and thrown out just by trying to make sure the very person you pore your heart out to , won't be judging you .
Within a weeks time, our community had 3 apartment fires, displacing 200 people. As our county’s Community Action Agency, the Family Service Agency (FSA) quickly became ground zero, assisting the fire victims and serving as the place that the community could donate clothing, household goods, furniture, gift cards and funds. They assisted families in finding affordable housing and continue to work to ensure that others are in safe, temporary housing until permanent housing can be secured. Many have received funds for security deposits and rent as well as other needed items. As a member of the community, I am so very thankful to FSA for responding so quickly and compassionately.
Previous Stories
I have watched this agency evolve from a single purpose agency in 1975 to a multipurpose Agency today. I was employed by the Family Service Agency (FSA) from 1975 to 1979. After retiring from my job as director of a social service agency, I was invited to join the FSA Board of Directors. Since then, I have been amazed and excited about being involved in such a forward moving agency that is a lifeline for so many DeKalb County residents.
In the past 40 years, I have referred many people to FSA. Although some did not have the means to pay, FSA always found a way to serve them. Agreeing to be on the Board was an opportunity for me to give back to an agency that knows no bounds when it comes to serving children and families.
The Children's Advocacy Center plays such a vital role to assisting the local law enforcement community in the investigation of allegations involving children. Holly and her team are extremely professional and diligent in assisting and facilitating interviews of children who are victims of abuse. We are very fortunate to have FSA / CAC in DeKalb County!
As the local United Way Director, I can speak to the partnership we have had as a funder of Family Service Agency for several decades. They are a valued partner in offering vital services for local individuals and families -- from their Children's Advocacy Center working with victims of abuse to their youth mentoring and counseling programs to their Club 55 senior connection programs, they meet a multitude of needs in our area. We are proud to help them serve vulnerable individuals and families with grace, professionalism and care.
I have witnessed the growth of FSA from the time it was instituted until the present day. It’s a caring, nurturing,kind, loving care giving group for DeKalb County residents that has had a tremendous impact on many. From childhood to seniors all have been affected. Give thanks for what we now have and help it prosper in the coming years.
Yvonne Johnson
The Family Service Agency and more specifically the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) plays a crucial role in promoting and protecting the well being of the children in our community. The CAC's Multi Disciplinary Team (MDT) is extremely proactive in addressing crimes against children and ensures that victims receive all the necessary support and services. The CAC leadership has established a program that serves as a model to other child advocacy groups.
The Family Service Agency and the Children's Advocacy Center are incredible resources that helps some of the most vulnerable in our community. The ability to gather information from children who have been abused physically, emotionally, and/or sexually and work with the multi-disciplinary team to help the child and family heal from the abuse is critical to the health of our communities. Seeing how broken some of the children and families start out, it is quite amazing to see their progression on their journey to recovery. Although it takes years to heal, those at the Family Service Agency spend the time and the effort to help the most vulnerable and broken regain themselves and put their pasts behind them and look toward the future.
I began volunteering with FSA as a part of their lunch buddy program. I was matched up with a little who shared my love of art and making and received an abundance of support from FSA as a I transitioned from my little's lunch buddy to my little's Big when I began working a new job. It's clear everyone at the FSA really cares and it's nice to know that they can assist when planning big fun for the kiddos. :)
I can not say enough about the people and the services provided at Family Service Agency of DeKalb County!! A couple years back I learned about the services and volunteering opportunities they offer and I was excited to be a part of something that really helped our community. Erin Tamms has been phenomenal! The amount of time and dedication she puts in to her job shows that she truly cares about the youth and seniors in our community!!
She shared about the opportunity to volunteer as a youth mentor; I was a little hesitant at first but once I got the process started I was excited to give back and meet my mentee. The first time I meet my mentee I could tell that even though she was shy that we would get along well! Erin took great care to make sure that she matched me with someone I could make a real connection with; and I’ve done just that! My mentee is an amazing teen who has had some rough patches but has learned much from that and continues to take steps in the right direction! I LOVE being her friend and her be mine!!! We talk though situations she faces as a high school girl and how to make the most of what we have. She has grown soo much since we’ve been matched; and I know she has a better foundation to continue to grow on. I know that I’ve made a friend and mentee for life!
I move to DeKalb in 2013 and felt very welcomed into the NIU community. I now live and work here as an NIU alum and I love it. DeKalb has such a bright future and I love being a part of that. I started volunteering to give back to the community that has made me feel at home. I hope that you choice to give back too! Whether that’s financially or with your hours. That way we can help guarantee a brighter future for our community!
Below is a photo of me and my mentee! ❤️❤️ Thanks to a very generous donor my mentee and I got to go to our first Bears game together!! Please help support mentees and mentors, as we change lives for the best!
As a former city council member, client and long time community member, I have been able to observe first hand the tremendous asset that the Family Service Agency of Dekalb County is for the local community. The many resources and assistance that it provides is truly amazing. They provide assistance to the very young and to the elderly and to everyone in between. This agency has continually expanded its programming in response to the needs of the area. Its staff is very dedicated andprofessional. I highly recommend it to anyone who is in need of their services.
Dekalb County CAC attends ongoing trainings through their chapter organization, Children's Advocacy Centers of Illinois (CACI) regularly. Through my personal work experience at CACI I have observed the Dekalb County CAC employees at trainings that are committed to applying best practice, providing evidence based services, and staying current on research in the field. Through attending regular training, the Dekalb County CAC employees are committed to providing the best quality of services for best ultimate outcomes to children who are seen at their CAC.
I have worked with the Family Service Agency of Dekalb County, specifically with Director Holly Peifer, through my position at the Children's Advocacy Centers of Illinois (CACI).
The county of Dekalb is fortunate to have such caring, dedicated and passionate professionals serving their children.
Family Service Agency is an outstanding asset to the DeKalb County Community. The agency provides assistance to many people in need whether it is at times of crisis to times of fellowship. The variety of services they provide makes them unique and distinguishable from "just a social service agency" The vibrance, life and commitment of everyone in the organization makes the future extremely strong for FSA. Please join the many in our community in supporting this fantastic organization.
I have been involved with Family Service Agency (FSA) for about 10 years. I have served on the Board for 6 years. FSA houses four different agencies/services and coordinates and collaborates internally and externally. It provides services to seniors, low income folks in need of counseling, youth mentoring (formerly Big Brothers/Big Sisters), and the Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) providing services to child victims of sexual and physical abuse and their non-offending family members. The CAC coordinates the work of several entities involved in addressing these abuse situations. It provides a powerful set of services. FSA is a great steward of the dollars it receives.
I have been a supporter of FSA for many years -- as a donor, a 'Big', and a board member for the foundation. The FSA staff is dedicated and the services provided fill gaps in DeKalb County for all ages from young children to seniors. FSA leadership has the organization moving in a positive direction and we are lucky to have such a comprehensive and professional non-profit serving the people of DeKalb County.
Family Service Agency is very much a jewel in the DeKalb County community. The organization offers a variety of support and counseling services to all ages and walks of life in our region. I continue to be amazed by the dedication and contributions by FSA staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to provide mentoring, healing and social engagement to so many in the DeKalb County area. I am humbled and honored to be associated with this terrific organization!
I have worked with the CAC for many years. I have seen the wonderful work they have done for families in need. They are there for the families at the beginning of their case and sticks with them as long as the family needs them. I have seen them grow great relationships with families and keep in contact with kids well after their case is finished. This is truly a wonderful program and DeKalb County should be proud to know they are there to help when someone is in great need of support.
I am a rather new Board Member to the FSA Board. Yet, in just the few short months I have been associated with FSA, the organization has undergone some exciting transformations. The organization is making big moves and I wholly anticipate the expectations being blown out of the water. This organization is such an asset to our area; the programs it offers and the support it gives to the community is amazing. I am very proud and excited to see what the future holds for FSA.
I've witnessed their leadership in 2018 take great control of their organization - growing their services to the communities needs and building up staff, all while taking advantage of a once-in-a-generation opportunity to purchase a new building. This new property is a blessing and will be a win-win for everyone. To-date they have managed this process well and I look forward to donating to their capital campaign.
CindyG
I have been involved with FSA on a personal and a professional level.
I currently serve on the Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) Advisory Board and am honored to do so. Through my experience as an Emergency Department RN, I was used to dealing with the medical side of abuse; however, now on the CAC Advisory Board, I am able to see the care provided in the aftermath of the abuse. I am so impressed with the professionalism of the CAC especially in the compassion and desire to empower those affected by assault.
DeKalb County is blessed to have an organization such as the Family Service Agency here to serve our community.
I began my association with FSA as a big brother over 35 years ago. I never thought that I had much influence with the children but enjoyed the opportunity to help. Just recently, one of my “little brothers” contacted me and met for coffee. Brian had contacted me to introduce his new son, who he had named after me, and thank me for making a difference in his life. FSA programs make a big difference in the lives of the community members they service.
FSA has allowed me to serve on the board helping to add my voice to the direction the agency has in our community. The agency works in many areas providing needed services for DeKalb County. These services give assistance and hope to those who may not be eligible to receive such help. The agency is making a difference in the lives they serve and I can be a small part of that difference.