MISSION STATEMENT

Aldersgate is a private, nonprofit social service agency dedicated to promoting healthy relationships and the well being of children, adults, and families through the provision of diversified programs in counseling, foster care, substance abuse prevention and intervention, and community outreach.

BACKGROUND AND HISTORY

Officially incorporated in August of 1971 as “The Upper Moreland Youth and Drug Council, Inc.,” Aldersgate is an outgrowth of the Upper Moreland Community Council, a group of citizens concerned about drugs and interested in helping young people.  In 1972, the Willow Grove United Methodist Church agreed to rent Aldersgate House, formerly used for groups and youth recreation, to the agency at $1.00 per year.  The name “Aldersgate” was retained as familiar to local residents.  Originally open four evenings with volunteers, the agency provided drop-in counseling, crisis intervention, information and referral components.

1973 was a year of growth and recognition for the agency--the first paid staff member was hired with foundation money, and Aldersgate was designated as a Youth Service Bureau to serve area townships including Upper Moreland, Lower Moreland, Horsham, Abington, and Hatboro.  The Department of Public Welfare (Office of Children and Youth) provided funds to the agency for mandated services with additional funding (until 1977) from the Governor’s Council on Drug and Alcohol Abuse.  In 1976, the Family Counseling Project was launched with a Juvenile Probation contract.

Currently, Aldersgate is a youth and family social service agency.  It’s a well-established, respected, community-based agency with an annual budget of a million dollars, funded mainly by government contracts, county and private contracts, grants, community donations, and client fees.  Services are provided to residents of Montgomery, Philadelphia and Bucks counties.

AYSB is a member of Pennsylvania Council of  Children, Youth and Family Services and the Abington Community Task Force (ACT).  Aldersgate employs over twenty-five staff members in several program components.

Each year our clinical program supervises graduate students from area universities in practicums for counseling, family therapy, psychology, and social service masters degrees.  Qualified undergraduate students are recruited to provide support and program assistance in our foster care and prevention program components.  Volunteers are also recruited to assist the office support staff.