Founded in 1917 by Mamie Torell, Family Counseling Services (FCS) is the longest-serving agency dedicated to promoting mental health and emotional wellness throughout Miami-Dade County. A founding member organization of the United Way of Miami-Dade, FCS is a collaborative partner with many other groups and organizations. FCS has adapted its services over time to meet the changing needs of the community, and has achieved the highest standards for professional practice since accreditation became available from the Council on Accreditation (COA) in 1980.

Since our founding, FCS has adapted to the changing needs of the community. In 1936, we initiated the first family-based program for African-American children. During the Pedro Pan airlift in the 1960s we placed over 470 unaccompanied Cuban refugee children. Today we offer comprehensive strategies designed to prevent destructive behavior and promote mental well being, individual and group counseling services, and integrated case management.

Family Counseling Services is the longest serving agency dedicated to promoting mental health and emotional wellness in Miami-Dade County. Since our founding in 1917, the organization has adapted to the changing needs of our community. As we celebrate our 90th Anniversary, we note some of the milestones in the organization’s history.

1917 Mrs. Mamie Terrell founded the Traveler’s Aid Society.

1936 The Junior League forms the Children’s Service Bureau which begins the first family based program for African American children.

1940 After merging eight voluntary relief programs, the Junior League forms Family Service and shifts program focus from relief to counseling services.

1961 Children’s Service Bureau places 470 unaccompanied Cuban refugee children during the 1968 Pedro Pan airlift.

1970 After a study conducted by United Way of Dade County, Traveler’s Aid, Children’s Service Bureau, and Family Service were merged to form Family and Children’s Services. The mission of the merged organization is to comprehensively address the needs of Dade County children and families.

1980 Accredited by the newly organized Council on Accreditation.

1984 The Board of Directors voted to change the organization’s name to Family Counseling Services of Greater Miami.

2002 The Journey Institute, the only program in Miami-Dade that provides specialized services for child, adolescent, and adult survivors, of sexual abuse/violence along with services for their non-offending caregivers, merged with Family Counseling Services.

2007 Family Counseling Services celebrates its 90th Anniversary!