Many observers of human services philanthropy, noting the large numbers of small charities addressing various particular issues, remark upon how inefficient it all seems, and how economies would be realized by consolidation — mergers and acquisitions. This is of course often true, but it is not a new thought. F&CS has been doing it since 1885, when it was formed as the “Lynn Associated Charities,” a consolidation of various organizations that had arisen to solve problems of urban poverty and immigration attending 19th century industrial and urban development. Over the next 75 years the pattern repeated itself — its own programs diversified and new charities arose in response to new socio-economic issues, so that in 1959 another major consolidation occurred, this time involving charities in Greater Lynn as well. Since then it has continued to collaborate with other organizations around particular issues. Its mission, however, is constant: to strengthen living skills of children, youth, adults, and families. F&CS today offers 5,000 clients early childhood education and parent support, youth asset and skill building, counseling for adults and support for frail elders and their caregivers. If you’re looking for a combination of wisdom and vitality in a constantly changing urban human services environment, F&CS is for you — check them out.