About Us

Our Staff

The Agency currently employs 120 staff, serving clients primarily in Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties with child welfare services supporting Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Cass, St. Joseph, and Van Buren counties. Agency services are delivered in client’s homes, crisis homes, off-site locations, and Agency service sites in Kalamazoo and Battle Creek.

The quality of services offered is assured through state and local regulatory bodies, the Council on Accreditation (since 1987) and internal Quality Management functions directed at best practices in delivery of human services. Other committees include Safety, Staff Engagement & Wellness, Trauma and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

Family & Children Services recognizes that a workforce reflecting the people and community it serves to the greatest extent possible creates the best outcomes. We also recognize the value in developing a Board of Directors that closely reflects the population in which we serve and work as well. When our Board of Directors and staff are reflective of the rich diversity of our community, we are better able to acknowledge the unique set of challenges and barriers that the individuals and families that turn to us as a source of hope experience.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a key initiative of Family & Children Services’ strategic plan. The commitment of the agency is to do all we can to ensure that we have the highest trained and informed staff and Board to meet the diverse needs and challenges our clients face, both today and into the future.

Demographics

Quick Facts

• More than 80% of those served have income under federal poverty guidelines
• 60% under the age of 24
• 17% identified as LGBTQIA+

Customer Satisfaction Ratings

• 94% felt treated with respect
• 94% felt satisfied with all services
• 96% felt staff were sensitive to culture/ethnicity

Family & Children Services’ operating budget for 2023 is $10,740,000. The Agency receives funding through contracts with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Community Mental Health entities, insurance reimbursements, fees for services, United Ways, and contributions.

Private contributions from individuals and businesses are welcomed. The Agency offers several opportunities for giving including Handle With Care, our annual fund which provides for immediate client needs and services and is a safety net when there is no other source in our community, and Circle of Hope, our endowment fund which supports operations to ensure that critical human services are available for future generations.

All gifts are deductible for income tax purposes to the extent provided by law. Family & Children Services has been designated by the Internal Revenue Service as a nonprofit organization that meets the qualifications of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Agency is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families and Children (COA) and is licensed by the State of Michigan as a Child Placing Agency and Child Caring Institution.

Our Board

Family & Children Services, Inc. is governed by a volunteer board of directors consisting of 26 representatives equally distributed among the communities served. Board members reflect their communities’ needs and guide the agency in their varying areas of expertise. The Board determines policy and guides the growth and mix of services offered to the community. Board members are elected to serve three-year terms of office, limited to two terms.

Learn more about the dedicated team comprised by our Board of Directors, community volunteers, and life members.