45 years ago, a group of caring human service professionals started CONCERN as a foster care agency.  As the story is told, everyone was concerned about children, concerned about their well-being, concerned about their future, concerned, concerned, concerned. The group decided the best name for this new non-profit would be CONCERN and that is how the 45-year journey toward excellence began!  

 

Through the late 70s and early 80s, the agency focused on foster care. Since then, CONCERN has expanded the focus of its service to include behavioral health services, community-based programs, and residential treatment.  Here is a snapshot of CONCERN’s 45 years of EXCELENCE:  

· Provided support and services to over 200,000 people 

· Supported 27,000 children in youth and placement services 

· Finalized 5,000 adoptions 

· Served 70,000 behavioral health clients 

· Housed 2,200 residential treatment clients 

 

This past year has been a year of continued growth and providing excellent services throughout PA and MD.  We opened a new office in Coudersport, PA, which will provide more services to people living in rural areas of PA, began two new evidence-based programs, Functional Family Therapy (FFT), and Family Group Decision Making.  We were also fortunate to raise $30,000 for our newly established behavioral health fund, were the recipients of a golf tournament fundraiser hosted by Silva Contracting and hosted our first signature event for CONCERNS 45th anniversary.   This is the first year CONCERN is able to provide scholarships for clients who are pursuing higher education.  We developed the Mary Beth Hughes Scholarship Fund and will provide 5 scholarships to youth who have been part of CONCERN’s Foster Care Program or adopted through CONCERN.  We also won a competitive grant from Pennsylvania Community Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) to award a total of 400k in Scholarships funds up to $10,000 per student who meet the eligibility criteria.  We are grateful for the support of our donors, foundations, corporate sponsors, and digital media followers who continue to believe in our mission and support our continued excellence. 

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Gordon May, President/CEO