The Family Center, also known as the South Central Family Center Inc., is an independent non-profit organization located in Columbia, Tennessee, and is dedicated to the causes of child abuse prevention AND emergency financial assistance. The Family Center opened its doors in 1990 and has been serving all of Maury County ever since.  From the outset, this agency has been partially supported by a Department of Children’s Services grant to operate services in the area of child abuse prevention and through United Way of Maury County.  Then as now, we provide in-home services to families at risk and parent education to families of all ages.  In 1999, we added the Good Samaritan program, which helps us reach out to those in need of financial assistance with rent, utilities, eyeglasses, and other necessities.  Therefore, our mission is to improve and strengthen the quality of life for families through both education and supportive services and to provide community outreach and financial assistance to anyone in need.  We hope to eliminate child abuse one family at a time; and perhaps while lending financial assistance, we will improve the quality of life in general for the residents of Maury County.  

  The Family Center has grown substantially over the last few years and has been able to reach out and help more families due to that growth.  In 2001, The Family Center was able to move into our current location on Beckett Street.  The location is central and offered us room to offer our Parenting and Budgeting classes on site.   Our staffing pattern has increased and decreased over the years.  Depending on grants and other funding, our staff has been as large as seven and as small as three.  Currently, we have a staff of four and a host of volunteers.  We continue to work closely with other agencies in the community and are the “hub” of outreach in the community. 

  More detailed information can be found by visiting the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee's website and searching for South Central TN Family Center Inc. or by clicking here.

  2012 marks the twenty-third anniversary for The Family Center.  That speaks well for our track record.  But it also relays volumes about community support.  We have partnered over the years with individuals, organizations, businesses, and churches…and we could not have done it without them all!  With all that has come before and looking forward to all that is to come, we as staff and as Board of Directors look forward to serving Maury County for many years.  Thank you for your interest and your continued support!