Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1944-10-10
Broad Survey
Planned Of DC
Welfare Needs
Co-Ordinotine Unit
Research to Touch
Greet Many Fields


A broad, general survey of all
Washington's welfare needs, includ-
ing the recently proposed health
study for the new 'co-ordinating
council" will be conducted by the
Council OF Social Agencies. start
ing as soon as possible.
Described as epoch making in
the history of community plan
ming" the survey is designed to
deal with health, family and child
welfare, recreation, correction,
group relations-racial and others
and the new fields of adult educa-
ton and vocational adjustments.
In making the announcement
yesterday, DR.. Ernest Grifdth, pres
ident Of the councils Board of DE-
rectors. said formal Endorsement of
the survey is expected at the next
meeting of the Community Chests
Board Of Trustees. Unanimous APP
proval by all the Chest agencies
was announced by Ray H. Everett,
director of the Districts Social Hy-
giene Society.
Cost Is Uncertain.
DR.. Grifiith said the cosnprehen-
sive study would extend until the
spring of 1916 and include a COM
mittee of 1000 persons. The cost
is indefinite as yet and will depend
largely upon the extent of contribu-
tons, such as personnel. from Fed
eral agencies, he said.
The health survey, a part OF the
broad gauge welfare study. is being
planned by the newly CO.
ordinating council set up by the
councils health division, OF which
DR.. Herbert Ramsey is chairman.
The co-ordinating council, consist
ing of about IS members, is being
enlarged to include leading figures
in both of1icial and private life in
Washington.
Washington will be at the cross
roads of social welfare work in the
next year or two" DR.. GrifAth said
1T must seize upon the opportunity
which the war-end win bring to in
tegrate al the services of existing
private and public agencies. This
comprehensive and quick survey
he continued, will be broader than
anything ever contemplated any
place In the Nation"
Must Use Speed.
Plans for the blueprint OF well
fare action" will start as soon as
funds are available, DR.. Grifnth
said. Results must be completed by
March of 1916 for the Community
Chest budget conference. The
council thus intends to be In a posi-
ton to advise the Chest on the best
program for tbs support.
Stressing the use of disinterested
experts with an objective view. DR..
Griffith termed the plan stock
taking of all our needs and what
to do about them" He expressed
hope that the council soon would
be- ready With a sound and worthy
program to present the citizenry of
Warrington. Representatives of
the b city's religious, professional
business. labor and citizens groups
will participate in the overall
planning, he said.
Citing an example of the coun-
ellis task, DR.. Griffth mentioned
the field of vocational adjustments,
which mainly affects the returning
veterans. While the Federal Gov
eminent provides the funds for edu-
cation and job finding. the council
will endeavor to see how private
agencies can cooperate.
Heartily Endorsed.
Ray Huff, director OF the Public
Welfare Board. said his organiza-
ton heartily indorses" the general
survey. He decried the lack of
scientific, factual data in Washing
ton and declared, Whatever the
price may be it will be well worth
it to plan carefully ahead"
The proposal should save its en-
tire cost in one year by pointing
out economies, DR.. Griffith said.
And with year to year notifications
1t will serve the community 10 to
20 years or longer.
"A survey as significant as this
in the Nations Capital will infiu-
ence communities the country over, I"
DR.. Griffith concluded.
Three agencies which applied for
membership in the council were &C
cepted at the meeting, which was
held in the YWCA with DR.. Griffith
presiding. They are the District
Society for Crippled Children. the
Board of Child Care of the Balti-
more Methodist Church Conference
and the Girl Scout Council of Prince
GEORGES County Nd