Family & Children's Service

read moreMichael McSurdy brings nearly three decades of professional experience to Family & Children's Service. Michael has a Master's Degree in Expressive Therapy from the University of Louisville. He began his career as a child and family therapist. After serving as Program Manager of the Foster Care, Adoptions, and Independent Living Program for the UT College of Social Work, Michael then served as Director of Foster Care Services for the Tennessee Department of Children's Services, where he supervised statewide policy development and foster care programs.

read moreFamily & Children's Service (FCS) serves all people in crisis and transition by meeting them where they are, understanding their needs, and connecting them to the resources they need. FCS often 'fills in the gaps' in social services, creating a safety net to ensure that all children and families can be safe and healthy. Each year we provide services to more than 50,000 Tennesseans. Our mission is to connect individuals and families to hope, to healing, and to one another. Founded in 1943 by volunteers who helped find adoptive homes for children orphaned during WWII, FCS is one of Nashville's oldest and most venerated nonprofits.

read moreFamily & Children's Service receives support from many sources, including individual donors, foundations, corporations, government agencies, and the United Way. We also partner with numerous agencies to deliver our services where they are needed most. Our work would not be possible without the commitment and generosity of these important partners. TN Department of Human Services Since 1999 we have partnered with the Tennessee Department of Human Services to provide our Family Focused Solutions program.

read moreCounseling Clinical therapists located at FCS and other community-based locations provide no-cost individual and family counseling services to those who need them most. Therapists help clients with a full range of issues from marriage and family counseling to anxiety, depression, and domestic violence. Family Focused Solutions helps families receiving TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) overcome barriers to self-sufficiency, allowing them to end their dependence on welfare assistance.