Family Services marks its 40th anniversary
BY MATTHEW OLSON molson@kenoshanews.com  

    Over the last 40 years, Kenosha Area Family and Aging Services Inc. has seen a large expansion of services and growing support from the community.

    But one constant has prevailed for the organization that began as Kenosha Community Homemaker-Health Aide Service in 1969 — Kenosha residents will be in need, and this organization will work to provide that care.

    The organization celebrated its 40th anniversary Saturday night with reminiscing and revelry at the Italian American Club.

    Starting as a provider of home health aides, the organization has expanded to address issues such as child care, teen parents and elder care.

    Saturday’s event brought together current and former employees, volunteers, board members and clients.

    Gary Brown, executive director since 1993, said the needs that led to the creation of the agency still exist.

    “Back in 1969, there were not many services available for the elderly,” Brown said. “Today there are a lot more support services, but families are still in trouble, teenagers are still having babies, and the elderly still have health problems.”

    Connie Ferwerda, board president for the agency’s first five years, was instrumental in convincing the Kenosha County Board to sponsor funding for the agency in the early 1970s.

    “It was very hard to convince a lot of people,” Ferwerda said of seeking support for the organization in the early years.

    The only private organizations that the county had supported previously were a Fourth of July display and the Hall of Flame fire equipment museum.

    “Connie was able to start the whole practice of the county joining with private agencies,” Brown said. “It was kind of the beginning of what we have today.”

    Ferwerda said she felt it was important to support the area’s older population and allow them to remain in their homes.

    Ferwerda also said an early key was to get area doctors and their families to support the agency.

    The longest-running service the agency provides is Meals on Wheels, which started in 1974. Brown found a news story from 35 years ago that sought volunteers for that service, a need that Brown said rings as true today. 

    Community support has grown. The organization raised $14,773 during its first 18 months of operation. In 2008, the agency recorded almost $2.7 million in contributions.

         
    Connie                       Gary
  Ferwerda                   Brown