Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative (FSFSC) was formally established in April 1996 through a Neighborhood Collaborative Capacity Grant made possible through the federal Family Preservation and Support Act.

 

During its first years, FSFSC worked to further develop its governance, administrative and service delivery infrastructure; conducted a series of Info-gatherings designed to educate the community about child abuse and neglect, implemented a small grant program (the Mini-Grant Program), and provided family support services. FSFSC serves all of Ward 8, and since its inception, has located its principal office in the Anacostia Professional Building, 2041 Martin Luther King, Jr., Avenue, SE, Washington, DC.

 

FSFSC is organized as a partnership of residents, agencies, government bodies, and institutions located in and/or doing business in the southeast community.

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FSFSC is a member of the citywide Healthy Families Thriving Communities Collaboratives, a network of all the Collaboratives, and a member in good standing of the joint policy body, the Collaborative Council.

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FSFSC envisioned a service delivery system that was neighborhood-based and family-driven. This system was formed through a series of networks of support that was both flexible and responsive to the needs of children and families.

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In seeking to build a healthy community, FSFSC embraced the following values:

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• All children need and deserve stable and healthy families.

• All families need a safe neighborhood and supportive community in which to live.

• Children and families need educational, occupational, and economic opportunities.

• Civic pride and community vitality can be fostered through the participation of residents in community affairs.