by Miranda G. McLeod
Staff Writer
After 50 years, the leadership of Family Counseling Services decided a name change was in order.
Family Counseling Services announced the changing of its name Saturday at Fletcher Park as it celebrated the milestone anniversary. Family Foundations is the new name of the non-profit organization that has helped thousands of people in Jacksonville over the years.
“We have embarked upon a new strategic direction, so it is time to show the community what the future of our organization will be,” said Family Foundations President Dawn Lockhart. “This is a milestone for an organization and for a family. What it takes to make it through the first 50 years can be different for the next 50.”
Family Foundations has helped more than 100,000 people over the last 50 years through financial literacy training, school programs for at-risk students, foreclosure prevention, marriage strengthening and crisis intervention teams.
“We take great pride in the work we have done in the past and are confident that our future direction will build on that success,” said Steve Smith, chairman of the board of directors. “Today, we are an organization that is asset-based, school-based, neighborhood-based and community based. The name Family Foundations embodies the solid base that is required for any of us to grow and sustain ourselves, our families and our communities.”
The foundation is a United Way agency and receives support locally from the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, the Jacksonville Housing Commission, the City and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, among others.
Couples married for 50 or more years also received a commemorative copy of the book “Everlasting Matrimony: Pearls of Wisdom from Couples Married 50 Years or More,” by Sheryl Kurland, who was on hand to autograph copies.