Ever wondered how a playhouse became a social services headquarters? Right here in Salt Lake City stands the world headquarters of LDS Family Services. Once a place of entertainment the Promised Valley Playhouse now houses an organization with a rich history. It’s a history interwoven with the growth of Salt Lake City itself. As the city boomed social problems emerged mirroring those in other large American cities. Out-of-wedlock pregnancies family violence abuse and crime tested the city’s leaders. The Church recognized a need for organized help. This need led to the creation of LDS Family Services. Its story mirrors the evolution of social work in the United States.
Amy Brown Lyman played a pivotal role. In the early 1900s while her husband studied at the University of Chicago she took social work classes. Inspired by Jane Addams and the Hull House in Chicago she aimed to replicate that help in Utah. Her work within the Relief Society led to the creation of a social services department in 1919. This department trained women in family welfare work. Thousands received training to become stake social service aids. Branch offices opened in Los Angeles and Ogden to meet growing needs.
Initially many viewed social services as a women’s program. This changed in 1969. Due to Church correlation the social services efforts came under priesthood direction. LDS Social Services emerged. Its purpose was to assist priesthood leaders by providing licensed clinical services. This was a resource to supplement local leaders efforts. It wasn’t to replace their crucial role.
The Indian Student Placement Program began in 1954. Thousands of Native American students lived in Latter-day Saint homes. This program fostered understanding and broke down barriers. Sadly it phased out in the late 1980s. The 1970s and 80s saw significant growth. LDS Social Services addressed emerging issues like child abuse. A help line was established for priesthood leaders. This provided crucial consultation.
In 1996 LDS Social Services became LDS Family Services. This reflected a stronger focus on families. The organization adapted to evolving needs. It added addiction recovery groups for those struggling with pornography and other addictions. Marriage and parenting manuals were updated. A website called It’s about Love promoted adoption services.
Today LDS Family Services continues to expand using technology to reach Church members globally. It offers ecclesiastical consultation community resource development counseling services and services for children. Amy Brown Lyman’s vision lives on. It’s a testament to the ongoing effort to help families overcome challenges and walk a higher road. This is the legacy of LDS Family Services.