History of Family Resources

Family Resources traces its roots back over 150 years to the Pittsburgh Association for the Improvement of the Poor (PAIP). Founded by Pittsburgh visionaries Mary Thaw and Louisa Herron in 1877, PAIP initially aided low-income families with social and health issues and offered “fresh air” camps for inner-city children. PAIP continued its progressive and compassionate social welfare programming for more than 100 years.

In 1986, PAIP merged with the Child Abuse Prevention Center, one of the region’s earliest pioneers in interventions and treatments for both parents experiencing the challenges of parenting and the victims of child sexual abuse. In the decades after this merger, Family Resources evolved into the region’s foremost child abuse prevention and treatment agency. Our resources were devoted to helping victims reclaim their lives and enabling families to heal and regain their strength.

Today, Family Resources builds on its strong legacy of leadership in the field. Our resources, tools and programs focus on prevention, intervention and treatment. Through advocacy, community building, family education and support, and treatment services, our work offers clients a compassionate, holistic approach to prevention and healing.

1877
Mary Thaw and Louisa Herron found the Pittsburgh Association for the Improvement of the Poor (PAIP).

1975
Allegheny County Children and Youth Services, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, the Juvenile Court of Allegheny County, and The Children's Home jointly form the Parental Stress Center.

1982
The Parental Stress Center incorporates as an independent, community-owned not-for-profit organization.

1986
Charlotte Murray's $2 million bequest; PAIP and Child Abuse Prevention Center merge to form Family Resources

2004
The Beverly Jewel Wall Lovelace Out-of-School Time Program, an after-school program for children growing up in public and subsidized housing, becomes affiliated with Family Resources.

2010
Family Resources acquires the Parental Stress Center, incorporating new facilities as well as programs such as Visitation Services at Family Resources, Safe Families, and Family Unification Services.