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G.A. Family Services Story

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An illustration featuring a blue outline of a person with green circles on either side, representing sound or communication, and a dark blue rectangular label at the bottom.
Growth
All youth will be given the opportunity to reach their full potential.
A logo featuring an abstract design of a hand and a globe in green and blue colors. Below the design, there is a dark blue rectangular area, possibly containing text. The overall look is modern and clean.
Achievement
All youth will experience a positive environment in which they can enjoy success.
A stylized logo featuring a house shape with a green heart inside a blue shield. Below the shield is a blue rectangular banner, reinforcing the protective theme of the design.
Family
We will work with the entire family moving all members towards permanence.
An abstract design featuring a blue shape resembling a building with a dome at the top. Above it, there are green, luminous shapes resembling stars or light effects, against a gray background. A darker blue banner is at the bottom.
Safety
We will treat youth, families, and each other with dignity and respect, creating a safe environment for everyone.

Today there are more than 400,000 children and teens in the foster care system with that number growing daily. Every single one of these kids deserves a chance to be happy, feel like they belong and are safe, and most importantly, feel loved.

The need for foster parents is at a crisis level nationally and in the areas served by G.A. Family Services throughout Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara and Cattaraugus Counties. When a child or/and or children join foster care, we work to get him or her a home as quickly as possible. We support foster parents with extensive training, monetary support, and team of experience professionals who are invested in their success, willing to help. When reunification with families is not a viable option, we work to match children of all ages with loving, adoptive families.

Foster children range in age from birth to 21 years of age. We have a large teen population, many of whom previously lived in multiple homes or even on residential campus. We have several sibling groups, and value the importance of placing them together, or at the very least in close proximity to one another. We are committed to the importance of co-parenting — foster parent and birth parents – collaborating and communicating to ensure the best interests of the child are always met.

Foster parents must be at least 21 years old, pass background clearances, and be in good physical health. Foster families are all unique and can be dual or single parent homes. Our most successful foster parents are open-minded, dependable, patient and willing to develop unique parenting skills for children with special needs. Having a flexible schedule, being tolerant and demonstrating the ability to work as a member of our team are all important qualities for success.

Questions? Contact Us!
G.A. Family Services Story

Learn More About Us

Today there are more than 400,000 children and teens in the foster care system with that number growing daily. Every single one of these kids deserves a chance to be happy, fell like they belong and are safe ….. most importantly feel loved.

The need for foster parents is at a crisis level nationally and here at home in the areas served by G. A. Family Services throughout Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara and Cattaraugus Counties. When a child or/and or children join foster care, we work to get him or her a home as quickly as possible. We support foster parents with extensive training, monetary support, and team of experience professionals who are invested in their success, willing to help. When reunification with families is not a viable option, we work to match children of all ages with loving, adoptive families.

Foster children range in age from birth to 21 years of age. We have a large teen population, many of whom previously lived in multiple homes or even on residential campus. We have several sibling groups, and value the importance of placing them together, or at the very least in close proximity to one another. We are committed to the importance of co-parenting — foster parent and birth parents – collaborating and communicating to ensure the best interests of the child are always met.

Foster parents must be at least 21 years old, pass background clearances, and be in good physical health. Foster families are all unique and can be dual or single parent homes. Our most successful foster parents are open-minded, dependable, patient and willing to develop unique parenting skills for children with special needs. Having a flexible schedule, being tolerant and demonstrating the ability to work as a member of our team are all important qualities for success.

Questions? Contact Us!

G.A. Family Services Timeline

Six men are gathered in front of a brick wall displaying plaques with images and text. One man in a wheelchair, wearing a red and white striped shirt, is seated in the front. The others stand behind him, wearing casual shirts and jackets, smiling at the camera.
2011

125th Anniversary

Celebrated our 125th anniversary and inducted 5 former residents into G.A.’s Wall of Fame.

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.
2010
Aerial view of a two-story building with a pitched roof, surrounded by green trees and grass. In front of the building is a sign that reads 'Sapphire Senior Living.' The sky is clear and blue with a few clouds.
An architectural rendering of a modern school building set in a grassy area. People walk along a path leading to the entrance, with trees on both sides. The facade features large windows and a mix of brick and wood design, under a clear blue sky.
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.

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.
2008
Two children sitting at a round table in a library, actively stacking paint cans. One child wears a black shirt, while the other is in a blue polka dot blouse. Bookshelves filled with books are visible in the background.
A wall plaque display featuring photographs and information about individuals, including Gail Wakefield and David Thompson. The heading above reads "Hall of Fame," with a decorative arrangement of memorial plaques on a textured wall.
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.

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.
2005
Three children engaged in an art class, painting on easels. One child in a striped shirt sits on a stool, focused on their canvas. Two others, one wearing an overalls and the other in a striped top, work on their paintings, surrounded by art supplies.
Aerial view of a landscaped area featuring several buildings, including a larger structure with a brown roof, surrounded by grassy fields and trees. Multiple parked cars are visible in a parking lot nearby.
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.

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.)
1968
Aerial view of a school campus featuring a unique star-shaped building surrounded by green fields. Additional buildings and a parking lot are visible nearby, along with a circular driveway for vehicle access.
A sign reading "Hultquist Place" with the subtitle "An assisted living program" in a well-maintained outdoor area. The sign is mounted on white pillars, surrounded by colorful flowers and greenery, under a partly cloudy sky.
1967

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.

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.
1930
A black-and-white photo of a large group of men and women posing in front of a brick building. The group includes both seated and standing individuals, dressed in vintage clothing, with smiles and neutral expressions.
A black-and-white photo of a choir composed of children wearing matching choir robes with large bows at the neck. They are arranged in rows, some holding sheet music. The background features a simple stage setting.
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.

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.
188
A historic brick mansion with a tall spire, surrounded by a large group of people, dressed in early 20th-century clothing. The individuals stand on the lawn in front of the building, which features multiple windows and decorative architecture.

Board of Directors & Leadership

  • Terry Turner, Chairwoman
  • Rev Lee Bishop Miller
  • Brigetta Overcash
  • Clark Poppleton
  • Dean Weaver
  • Eric Livengood
  • Gary Johnson
  • Harold Brunacini
  • Mike Goldman
  • Roslin Newton
  • Tim Magnuson
  • Ted Bogdan
  • Tom Holt, President & CEO
  • Jason Beckwith, COO
  • Ericka Garcia – Allison, Executive Director
  • Jennifer Litzinger, Program Manager Jamestown
  • Sarah Welker, Program Manager West Seneca
  • Lawrence New Bree, Program Manager Health and Family Services
  • Scott Bohosian, LCSW-R Clinical Supervisor
  • Neil Seifert, Quality Assurance Manager