Family & Children's Services announces name change

Oct. 27--An organization that has been providing help to area children and families for decades is undergoing a name change. Representatives from Family & Children's Service of Niagara announced Friday that the organization has changed its name to Pinnacle Community Services.

Representatives said the agency changed its name due to a few different factors, including confusion as to who they were serving. They said the previous name -"Family" & "Children" -- wasn't inclusive of everyone served. They said when people only saw those two words, they many times dismissed that the agency can help them if they don't feel they fall into those categories.

Another reason was due to location: Niagara" in many ways is still associated with Niagara Falls alone versus the entire county, representatives said. Services are also provided in Orleans County through the Healthy Families program, and many individuals are served from Erie County at Passage House and Casey House. While Niagara County is the agency's home base, human services are becoming more 'regional,' and representatives said the agency found it important to plan for that.

Family & Children's was also very similar to other agency names, and to that of government agencies, causing confusion for donors, funders, community partners, and clients, according to the organization. After a process which included both staff and board members, the agency arrived at the new name of Pinnacle Community Services. The word "pinnacle" is defined as "the best or most important part of something; the highest point or level; the most successful point; the highest point of development or achievement." Representatives from the organization said these definitions are important for two reasons -- first, many individuals and families the agency works with say they are looking to grow, to reach their highest point. Secondly, the agency strives to provide the highest level of services.

Representatives said the agency chose "community services" because it is important to be inclusive. In the past, many people thought the organization only served families or children, but actually, it serves everyone, they noted. The new name hopes to ensure people know that all individuals, as well as families, are served, from infants to adults in the community, according to Pinnacle officials. Founded in 1895, Pinnacle Community Services is a private, non-profit agency that has been providing the residents of Niagara County with a wide range of community social work services for 123 years. Their mission is: "Side by Side, Step by Step...we strengthen our community by supporting and empowering individuals and families on their journey." Pinnacle provides a continuum of inter-related services for individuals at all stages of the life cycle from infants to adults.

In addition to offices in Niagara Falls and Lockport, Pinnacle operates three residential programs serving Niagara County -- Passage House for survivors of domestic violence; Casey House for homeless teens and The CRIB Maternity Group Home.

For more information, visit pinnaclecs.org.

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