The organization currently known as Family Services Association of Boyle County, Inc. began under the name “Community Work Board” on June 1, 1916. It was sponsored by representatives of local churches, civic organizations, Centre Colleges and “interested lay people” of Danville. The CWB consisted of thirty members, many of whom had experience in social work programs in other communities. The goals of the CWB were:

1. The establishment of a central agency through which relief given by public officials, private organizations, and individuals may be coordinated and made more efficient.

2. The substation of friendly service and continuous care for impulsive almsgiving followed by neglect.

3. The encouragement of thrift, self-dependence, and industry, especially in the coming generation.

4. The better acquaintance with conditions in our own town and community and the realization that it has many problems as well as advantages and the acquiring of a forward look.

5. The promotion of plans for community welfare, looking toward health, recreation, education, employment, and spiritual development of all people.

In 1921 a community house was purchased on Walnut Street, so that volunteers could teach classes in subjects including sewing, cooking, chair caning, and shoe cobbling. Relief work also continued during that time.

Throughout the Great Depression of the 1930s and the war years, the FWABC continued to play a pivotal role in implementing the social programs of the New Deal. Many of the new governmental programs were centralized in the Community House and members of the Board of Directors became heads of various local offices for the administration of new state and federal programs. Their knowledge, experience, and dedication contributed to an efficient, coordinated delivery of these expanded services to the Boyle County community. FWABC continued to help those who were ineligible for those government programs.

In 1958 the Community House was relocated to its current location at 447 South Third Street. The name was changed again, to Family Services Association of Boyle County, Inc.” to make clear that the organization had other functions than “handing out money” as the term “welfare” had become synonymous with. Over 100 years have passed since its beginning and the PURPOSE of Family Services Association of Boyle County, Inc. has remained constant and the original guiding principles are intact.