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About Us

Our Story

A Safe Harbor in Times of Need

At Family Guidance Center of Alabama, our mission has been clear since 1959: to empower families and individuals with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive. Serving all 67 counties in Alabama, we provide a diverse range of programs tailored to meet the unique needs of our communities. Together, we’re building stronger families and brighter futures.

See Our Services

Our History

The establishment of the Family Guidance Center in 1959, represented the culmination of eight years of interest, research, and teamwork on the part of many individuals, civic leaders, and organizations in Montgomery. Its creation was the outgrowth of an increasing awareness that the need for professional counseling was not being met elsewhere within the community.

The Community Council, a division of United Appeal and the social planning organization for Montgomery, was the first to focus attention on this need. The Junior League, through their project-finding committee, was encouraged by the Council to evaluate existing related services and to do a thorough study on the possibilities of bringing family casework to the city.

Realizing that no single organization could financially support such an agency, and that to be successful the program would require community support, the Junior League again approached the Community Council and the United Appeal. A Steering Committee, representative of the interested groups and advisors from related professions, was appointed to study the possibility of forming a counseling agency and to make recommendations regarding its financing. Chaired by Mr. Myron J. Rothschild, this committee noted that national trends pointed to mergers of Family Counseling and Travelers Aid Agencies as a positive step in providing more adequate service to people in difficulty. Consolidating agencies with allied interest seemed to be the most feasible plan for Montgomery. The local Travelers Aid Society was already a member agency of United Appeal and the local Board of Directors was agreeable to a merger. The Steering Committee conceived a plan combining the proposed Family Counseling Services and Travelers Aid Society along with Children's Assistance Fund. Mr. Herbert T. Surrency was president of the Travelers Aid Society, and Mr. Ted Copeland, Jr. was president of the Children's Assistance Fund at the time of the merger.

The agency was first located at 409 South Court Street with Alice Laine as the agency's first Executive Director. The first caseworker was Elwood Roberts. Throughout the years, Family Guidance Center has continued to grow. Part of that growth has included several moves. From humble beginnings on Court Street, the agency has operated from offices on McDonough Street, then on Forest Avenue. Now from their locations in Montgomery, Fairlane Drive, and Lake Street as well as offices in Dothan, Troy, Hayneville, and Birmingham, Family Guidance Center continues to be responsive to the changing needs of families in the community as can be seen in the establishment of a variety of programs.

A black and white photo of a bald man wearing glasses and a suit and tie.

Mr. Myron J. Rotshchild

A black and white photo of a woman wearing glasses and a white shirt.

Ms. Alice Laine

How We Support Families

Education & Training


From budgeting classes to workforce readiness, we help individuals achieve their goals.

Counseling Services


Offering confidential support to individuals, couples, and families of all ages.

Child Care Assistance


Connecting families with financial aid and quality child care resources.

Community Outreach


Hosting events and programs to strengthen connections and create lasting impact.

Visit Us Across Alabama

Our offices and service centers are strategically located to serve all 67 counties. Whether you need counseling, child care assistance, or training programs, there’s a Family Guidance Center location ready to help.

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Montgomery, Alabama

(tel) 334-270-4100 or 800-499-6597

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Birmingham, Alabama

(tel) 205-945-6000
(fax) 205-945-6022

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Dothan, Alabama

(tel) 334-712-7777 or 800-290-0933
(fax) 334-712-7788

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Hayneville, Alabama

(tel) 334-548-6307 or 866-230-8211
(fax) 334-548-6309

2024-2025 Board of Directors

Dr. Brooke Burks – Board President

Opelika, Alabama

Ms. Sandra Lewis – Board Vice President

Montgomery, Alabama

Ms. Sharon Barganier

Montgomery, Alabama

Mr. Hunter Beck

Montgomery, Alabama

Mr. Anthony Davis

Montgomery, Alabama

Mr. William Dean

Montgomery, Alabama

Mr. Sebastian Dixon

Calera, Alabama

Mr. Ryan Donaldson

Montgomery, Alabama

Dr. Gilbert Duenas

Montgomery, Alabama

Dr. Erin Klash

Montgomery, Alabama

Mr. John David Lambert

Tallassee, Alabama

Ms. Marcelene Lewis

Mobile, Alabama

Ms. Tiffany Duncan

Madison, Alabama

Dr. Kemeche Green

Montgomery, Alabama

Judge Adrian Johnson

Hope Hull, Alabama

Mr. Jefferson Jones

Prattville, Alabama

Ms. Heather Logan

Montgomery, Alabama

Ms. Sheri McKean

Montgomery, Alabama

Dr. Betty Patten

Auburn, Alabama

Ms. Latonda Paymon

Pike Road, Alabama

Ms. Ruth Roberson

Mobile, Alabama

Mr. Mark Snead

Montgomery, Alabama

Ms. Hannah Spann

Troy, Alabama

Ms. Diane Stokes

Pike Road, Alabama

Mr. Roger Teel

Montgomery, Alabama

Mr. James Watts

Birmingham, Alabama

Ms. Laura Wildman

Montgomery, Alabama

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