About Us
G. A. Family Services was founded in 1886 as the G.A. Home for Children to serve the children of Swedish immigrants who lost their lives in the trek to America. As the years passed and the needs of the community changed, services available to youth with special needs changed as well.
Our Values
Growth – All youth will be given the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Achievement – All youth will experience a positive environment in which they can enjoy success.
Family – We will work with the entire family moving all members towards permanence.
Safety – We will treat youth, families, and each other with dignity and respect, creating a safe environment for everyone.
Milestones of Our History
G.A. Family Services Timeline
1883
1883-1886 – The Beginning
Following the close of the Civil War in 1865, Swedish immigrants flooded to the United States. Many of the immigrants arriving from Sweden during the period 1868-78 remained in the eastern states due to lack of funds to continue their journey to the Midwest. During the trips over seas, the parents of young families passed away leaving their children alone in the new world. Orphan children became the great concern of the church fathers. They were being raised by strangers who did not teach them the Lutheran faith. The G.A. Children’s Home was built as the first united effort of the New York Conference of the Augustana Lutheran Church, with the support of 43 congregations in the conference. The Home was named after King Gustavus Adolphus who laid the foundation of modern Sweden.
1927
1927 – Children’s Home Transitions
J. Oscar and Lillian Peterson, well known in the community, became Superintendent and Matron of the Home where both had been residents. They set a new direction for the home, as the need for an orphanage diminished and there were fewer orphans to be housed.
1930
1930 – Care for the Aged
In the 1920s and 30s it became apparent there was a need for a residential setting for the elderly who could still care for themselves. Family trends had changed and there were no longer three generations in the home to care for the aging population. Five Lutheran Churches of Jamestown and Falconer agreed to support the new endeavor.
1967
1967 – A New Infirmary
Hultquist Infirmary is built. It was funded with a gift from Marguerite Hultquist as a memorial to her departed husband Earle O. Hultquist, to care for those who needed infirmed care as they aged.
1968
1968-1978 – Transforming G.A.
The Gustavus Adolphus (G.A.) Children’s Home is rebuilt. The 1960’s were a transition period for the Children’s Home as the Home became a treatment center for youth with family and social challenges. A five section building was erected replacing the original structure. A stand-alone Gustavus Adolphus Learning Center is constructed. The construction of the Gustavus Adolphus Learning Center provided a means for a comprehensive program of remedial and special educational opportunities for the members of the Children’s Home program, for grades five through nine. (Presently the Learning Center provides academic opportunities throughout twelfth grade.)
1978
1978 – The Learning Center is Constructed
The construction of the Gustavus Adolphus Learning Center provided a means for a comprehensive program of remedial and special educational opportunities for the members of the Children’s Home program, grades 5 through 9.
2005
2005 – Foster Care Begins Therapeutic Foster Care, West Seneca Office Opens
Community based services begin at G.A. Family Services, specifically the expansion of the Therapeutic Foster Care program.
2006
2006 – G.A. Wall of Fame
August 2006 – was a re-dedication of G.A. and a celebration of our 120th anniversary. G.A. also inducted our first group of six former-residents into G.A.’s Wall of Fame.
2008
2008 – Foster Care Expands
The Therapeutic Foster Care Program celebrated the expansion of 2 additional TFC offices located in Arcade, NY and Jamestown, NY broadening services to children and families in Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and surrounding counties. G.A’.s TFC Program now offers three convenient offices across Western New York.
2009
2009 – Learning Center Expansion
To continue meeting the needs of youth in the residential program as well as children in the community, the G.A. Learning Center was expanded in 2009. Expansion included new administrative offices, cafeteria, gymnasium, and mixed used auditorium.
2010
2010 – Residential Program Receives Facelift
G.A.’s residential program received a facelift; a community open house and ribbon cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the completion of G.A. renovations.
2011
2011 – 125th Anniversary
Celebrated our 125th anniversary and inducted 5 former residents into G.A.’s Wall of Fame.
