THE ASSOCIATED CHARITIES OF WASHINGTON, D.C., 1882-1935: A HISTORY OF ACTIVITY AND DECISION OF THE BOARD OF MANAGERS (CHARITY ORGANIZATION, POOR RELIEF, PRIVATE, FAMILY SOCIAL WORK, FUND-RAISING)

The Associated Charities of Washington, D.C. was incorporated in 1882 with seven objectives related to relief and care of the poor. A response to "increased tendencies of pauperism", the agency was created by concerned citizens committed to develop a more effective structure than the existing system of alms distribution. The purpose of the dissertation was to construct a history of the Associated Charities and study its development as reflected by decisions of the board of managers. The study documents a case history of one agency's investment in private philanthropy from its inception until enactment of the Social Security Act which transferred many responsibilities for relief of the poor from private charities to the federal government.; Chapter I discusses nine specific features that define Washington and provide a context for the development of the Associated Charities.; Chapter II looks at poor relief in Washington before the founding of the Associated Charities. It analyzes public and private forms of relief and focuses on the private agencies the Associated Charities considered its important predecessors.; Chapter III traces the principles and philosophy that guided the decisions and evolution of the Associated Charities.; Chapter IV examines the composition and responsibilities of the board of managers. It provides in chronological order biographies of representative board members.; Chapter V reviews the programs of the Associated Charities. It discusses service to clients, contributions to the development of professional social work, support of social welfare legislation and fund raising.; Chapter VI discusses decisions of the board on internal matters of personnel, salaries, office space and related issues.; Chapter VII evaluates the major contributions of the Associated Charities on the eve of its entry into the United Way and the coming of federal support through the Social Security Act of 1935.