Georgia Avenue Family Support Collaborative (GAFSC) was formed in 1998 to respond to the needs of at-risk families and children in Northwest DC. With support from the D.C. child welfare agency, then under receivership, GAFSC engaged residents, conducted needs assessments and developed a governance body in the target areas. In 2002, the Collaborative became a separate 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. GAFSC is one of five Healthy Families Thriving Communities (HFTC) Collaboratives in the District of Columbia. Although these nonprofit organizations focus primarily on their communities and therefore are Ward-based, we work collectively to plan programs and services, advocate for low-income families, and implement and maintain common practice standards.

Message From the CEO

Debra Gittens, Chief Executive Officer
Georgia Avenue Family Support Services

As CEO, I will strategically guide GAFSC’s growth, goal achievement, and business success.  I will foster an organization which demonstrates the ideal mix of culture, employee engagement, productivity and encourages staff to reach their full potential. Changing and positively impacting the lives of those in our community who need help the most will be measurably demonstrated through the achievement of a shared commitment by GAFSC leadership, staff, the board and our community partners.

This will be accomplished through an environment of service excellence, better understanding of our customers’ lived experiences, servant leadership and the realization of a sustainable future where there is continuous progress beyond the presence of any one individual. I will ensure that GAFSC’s work culture will be grounded in our core values and the organization will be viewed as an ideal place to seek support, to work and to volunteer.

I will lead GAFSC on the basis of transparency, with integrity and in the spirit of excellence.

Debra B. Gittens
Chief Executive Officer

How We Begin Our Journey Together…

We enter the new year, 2023, having already accomplished the following distinctions:

    • Expansion of our Family Rehousing and Stabilization Program (FRSP):
      • As a Legacy Provider, we were asked by Department of Human Services (DHS) to expand our program to serve twice as many client families in FY23 and beyond. Without hesitation, WE AGREED. This means GAFSC will provide case management, housing support, employment counseling and life skills training to 300 client families across the District, up from 150.

        To successfully accomplish this, GAFSC has recruited and ramped up our FRSP team with qualified staff from a total of 14 to 28 in just a few short months. We are excited to work towards the achievement of our new and extremely important service delivery goals, with committed leadership, dedicated staff and a strong team of individuals working effectively together.

    • The launch of DV Circles of Peace pilot program.
      • A Restorative Justice (RJ) program for adults sentenced to treatment for misdemeanor domestic violence (DV) crimes.
      • To reduce recidivism, address racial and cultural disparities, promote healthy outcomes, and meet the needs of those harmed.
      • To create the potential for transformative change across generations.

    • The GAFSC is a certified Naloxone (NARCON) distribution center that…
      • Operates to prevent opioid overdoses in DC
      • Employes 15 staff certified to distribute NARCAN
      • Offers a fully trained program staff educated in opioid abuse.

Strategies for Growth & Development

      • Elevate service quality and program innovation to successfully demonstrate measurable performance results and impact.
      • Grow and generate diverse revenue to achieve and maintain sustainability.
      • Raise the visibility and awareness of GAFSC.
      • Be the Employer of Choice

Our Mission. Our Purpose.

The Georgia Avenue Family Support Collaborative (GAFSC) mission is to support children, youth and families to become healthy, empowered and connected in a multi-cultural community. We envision a diverse community where individuals and families prosper, are invested, are self-reliant and live safe and healthy lives. 

Our direct work with families focuses on building protective factors in parents and children, and our community capacity building work increases the skills, knowledge and advocacy ability of residents and partners and strengthens the safety net. This dual approach contributes to family wellbeing that can be sustained over time with minimal dependence on formal service providers.  All our programs are focused on better outcomes for youth and their families.

Scholarship Opportunity for Roosevelt SHS & Roosevelt STAY High School

The Community Schools Initiative from Georgia Avenue Family Support Collaborative at Roosevelt SHS invites all Seniors to apply to their 7th Annual Scholarship to Roosevelt SHS which has been extended for the third consecutive year to Roosevelt STAY seniors. Both...

Thank you, Karen, for Your Faithful & Diligent Service to our Community.

A very special thank you and sincere debt of gratitude goes to our GAFSC CEO/Founder, Karen Feinstein, who in 1994 recognized the need and opportunity to establish Georgia Avenue Family Support Collaborative in Ward 4.  For 24 years she  provided steadfast and...

The Discovering Me Scholarship Essay Contest

Each year Esther Productions, Inc. presents cash prizes for the best essay written by teen girls, ages 13 through 18, who are facing the challenge of father absence.What’s your story? Using between 750-1,500 words, tell us how you have handled growing up without your...

GAFSC CEO Karen Feinstein Announces Her Retirement

From the Desk of Dexter L. Pearson, Board Chair On behalf of the Georgia Avenue Family Support Collaborative (GAFSC) Board of Directors, I announce the retirement of Karen Feinstein, LICSW, from the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GAFSC, effective...

The Family Services Program

The Family Services Program provides community-based child welfare services that use the Protective Factors Framework and Motivational Interviewing to strengthen families. Services in this program include family support, case management, information and referral,...

Naloxone (Narcan) Distribution

Georgia Avenue Family Support Collaborative (GAFSC) has been certified to manage and operate an Opioid Overdose Prevention Program through a Standing Order signed by Dr. Nancy Black, Interim Chief Medical Officer, Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).  This standing...

Upcoming Events

The Georgia Avenue Family Support Collaborative (GAFSC) is actively engaged within our local community as well as in the District at large, providing support to those in need and participating in events that encourage community involvement and growth.

See a quick view of upcoming events in our area that you might be interested in participating in and be sure to check out the Community Events section of our site for even more event details and information. We look forward to meeting you there!