Family Services was established in February 1983 by a group of passionate citizens committed to creating Tulare County's first emergency shelter for women and children escaping domestic violence. They successfully launched a Domestic Violence Shelter in July of that same year. Under the leadership of dedicated volunteers Carol Enns and Nita Mathews, the founders named the organization Family Services, envisioning its growth from a grassroots domestic violence shelter into a multi-service organization that could address the diverse needs of families in the Tulare County community.
The founders’ vision has become a reality, thanks in large part to longtime Executive Director Karen Cooper, who served from 1990 until she passed away in 2011. Under Karen’s leadership, the organization diversified and expanded to include several other programs, including the Rape Crisis Center, In-Home Parenting, Supervised Visitation, the Children’s Counseling Center, and Supportive Housing. In 2012, Family Services was honored to formally name its emergency domestic violence shelter Karen’s House in Karen Cooper’s memory.
Over the past forty years, Family Services has expanded and adapted its efforts to meet the intricate needs of individuals and families affected by trauma through its essential programs. We continue to partner with other organizations and agencies in our community to look for ways to help build physical and emotional safety in homes, in relationships, and for children—for a safer community where everyone can thrive.
You are invited to contribute to the next chapters in Family Services’ history! Learn more about our programs and services. Read stories about some of the individuals and families we’ve assisted here in Tulare County. You can Volunteer with us, make a donation, or get connected to stay informed. The work we do is challenging, but it is immensely rewarding—and vital for the future of our community. Come and be a part of our journey!
