Center for Human Services history

To meet the demand for and the availability of educational programs based on the development of competencies, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in 1956, provided the resources to establish the first associate degree program in mental health at Purdue University.

By the mid-1960’s, some individuals who were receiving services were finishing their formal education and needing employment.

The Human Services Center (HSC), formerly the Lawrence County Mental Health Clinic, was incorporated as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization in 1963.

Founded in 1966 as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, and now known as CARF International, the accrediting body establishes consumer-focused standards to help organizations measure and improve the quality of their programs and services.

1 Paid Staff & 9 volunteers – Headrest Office 1970 (Our First Office).

In 1971 Head Rest registered as a non-profit organization.

In 1972, a second facility was opened in Marshall, Missouri, to serve residents of Saline County.

In 1974, the organization moved to Washington, D.C. in order to consolidate its base of operations and focus on social reform policy.

The Health Care Financing Administration, the predecessor to the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare, was established in 1977.

Then, in 1979, the Department of Health, Education and Welfare was renamed with the modern title of the Department of Health and Human Services.

10 Year Anniversary – New Agency Office – 661 H Street (1980).

Since 1981, the Human Services Center continued to expand its staff and services.

In 1983 the Center for Human Services established an award in honor of one of our founders and long-time board member, Grace Cole.

In 1986, APWA launched a three-year project to reassess the nation's commitment to low-income families and their children.

Starting in 1987, APWA developed a five-year Successful Projects Initiative Awards Program to help identify and recognize innovative efforts of state and local human service agencies.

The project, A Matter of Commitment, led to the national policy debate that resulted in the enactment of the Family Support Act of 1988.

New grants and funding were later secured, and by 1989 the agency served an average of 4,000 clients annually.

In February 1996, as a pilot project in conjunction with the Department of Mental Health – Division of Developmental Disabilities, CHS began providing Targeted Case Management services in Pettis and Saline Counties to approximately 300 individuals with seven Service Coordinators.

In 1998, APWA changed its name to what it remains today, the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA), in recognition of the much broader human service agenda it was addressing.

The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 was signed, making it possible for millions of Americans with disabilities to join the workforce without fear of losing their Medicaid and Medicare coverage.

Just one year later in 2003, more than 20 APHSA recommendations were signed into law in the Senate Finance Committee's welfare reform bill.

In 2020 Center for Human Services celebrated 50 years of service to our community.

COVID-19 UPDATE: (July 20, 2021) All CHS office locations are now open to the public.