Family Outreach Center

Family Outreach Center, Inc. was formed in August of 1979 as the result of the initiative of community leaders who were concerned about the deterioration of family life within segments of the population residing in the "inner city"​ of Grand Rapids, which included people of color, the underserved and other low-income residents. It became clear that, although Grand Rapids had a good network of public and private agencies providing mental health, child welfare and substance abuse services to support family life, for a variety of reasons poor people and people of color did not use the available services, had limited access, and were seldom referred by pastors, school administrators, social workers, and the criminal justice system.After months of deliberations, a decision was made to incorporate a new agency that would provide mental health and family support services to segments of the population who traditionally represent the under served in the human services community. Since 1979 Family Outreach Center, Inc. has worked to bridge the gap in the human service delivery system in the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan and Kent County.