History |
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In 1953, the Oakland Council of Churches began linking their efforts with Alameda County's social service agencies. These forward-thinking people realized that lending a supportive hand to the most vulnerable members of our community was more than compassionate—it was cost-effective. This consortium, originally named Social Services of Oakland, was among the first in Alameda County to respond to changes in government programs, which were gradually reducing services available to the mentally ill. Lack of affordable housing contributed to increases in homelessness, alcoholism, and imprisonment among those suffering from mental illness. Basing their mental health work on the innovative Fountain House, the agency promoted a psychosocial recovery model, which seeks to lead people toward wellness through reaffirming their responsible membership in their communities. Our Creative Living Centers were developed to provide clients with an environment where they are recognized as capable adults, worthy of respect, with opportunities for meaningful work. The agency transformed over the years, adding services for older adults and, in 1981, changed its name to Bay Area Community Services. Our Adult Services and Mental Health programs continue to creatively address the day-to-day living needs of underserved, vulnerable, and poor adults in Alameda County. BACS has emerged as an innovative and compassionate provider of affordable services for at-risk members of our community.
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Milestones1953: Program founded 1969: Towne House Creative Living 1972: South County CLC 1973: Four Bridges CLC 1974: Valley Support CLC 1975: Hedco House CLC 1981: Name changed to Bay Area 1987: Adult Day Care, Oakland 1989: In-Home Care Registry 1993: Case Management & 1996: Woodroe Place Crisis 1999: Employment Program 2000: Meals-on-Wheels program 2000: Adult Day Care, Fremont 2002: Senior Transportation 2007: Senior Homeless Program 2007: Initiation of our Culinary |
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