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The American Association of Service Coordinators (AASC) began through a survey - and in 1998, the need for a national professional association was overwhelmingly apparent. Janice C. Monks, a licensed social worker and former service coordinator program administrator and supervisor, began the organization at none other than the kitchen table of her home.

Incorporated after the fourth annual National Service Coordinator Training and Networking Conference in 1999, the American Association of Service Coordinators has since evolved into an organization leading the service coordinator profession nationwide.

Little was known about the pioneer profession of service coordination that was established in 1978 with the Congregate Housing Services Program demonstration project. The Supportive Services Program in Senior Housing (SSPSH), a demonstration project funded by The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF,) led to its continuation in 1988. AASC has worked to increase national awareness about the program through the building of partnerships with federal, state and local housing organizations and agencies educational training opportunities; and the establishment of service coordinator (SC) professional guidelines and standards.

Just five members served on the Board of Directors in 1999. Inaugural board chair Warren Sawyer noted the drive and determination of Janice Monks who saw a need and struck while the iron was hot.

“What Jan did was bring together a group of people who had a real interest in professional service coordination. To me, it was amazing to see the level of commitment from the board members and the interest they took in this issue,” Sawyer said. “Janice was just right on target and was able to pull these people in.”

Starting with just 100 members in its first year, AASC continued to see steady growth. In 2008, the organization crested 2,000 members; in 2013, there are more than 3,200. Membership has expanded from service coordinators to also include public housing authority staff, quality assurance personnel, family service coordinators, housing owners and managers.