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Colonial Period 1600-1800
During the Colonial Period the Elizabeth Poor Laws were created to help widows, orphans, elderly and the disable who fell in the worthy category. The other catergory was the "Unworthy" who were able body adults and unmarried women with children -
Pre Civil War 1801-1860
The creation of residential institutions happened during the Pre Civil War period. These institutions included: almshouses, asylums and orphanages. -
Civil War and Post Civil War Period 1861-1874
During the Civil War and Post Civil War period the Freeman's Bureau was created which was the first Federal Social Service Program. The Freeman's Bureau provided temporary assistance to newly freed slaves, reunited families, provided medical care and food rations -
The Progressive Era 1875-1925
To help respond to the social needs during the Progressive Era two organizations were created Charity Organization Society and Settlement Movement. During this time the Social Work profession was born. -
Great Depression 1926-1940
New Deal programs were introduced to provide relief for the devastation of the Great Depression. These programs included financial relief and employment. -
World War II and the Postwar Economy 1940-1959
To assist military members returning from the war with education, training, employment services and purchasing a home the Servicemen Readjustment Act of 1944 was created better known as the G.I. Bill. -
Social Reform Period 1960-1975
One of the social efforts during this period was the War on Poverty. The War on Poverty was a series of polices and programs intended to fight poverty. One of the programs was the Food Stamp Program