1,000 Observe Anniversary of Welfare Group

More than 1,000 social service workers, civic and philanthropic leaders gathered at Town Hall yesterday to celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of the Jewish Social Service Association. A coast to coast broadcast over the Columbia Network featured the after-noon.

Ira M. Younker, president of the association, declared that on its sixtieth birthday the organization finds itself faced with new and important problems. “In times of distress cooperation is the only safe way out,” he said.

In opening his remarks, Mr. Younker paid tribute to Miss Frances Taussig, executive director of the association. “Our debt to her is immeasurable,” he stated. Mr. Younker was introduced by Ralph Wolf, chairman of the anniversary celebration.

In the processes of social recovery the many-sided services of the family agency are certain to play an important role, Mr. Younker said. “The skills and techniques built up over decades will be enlisted to meet problems outside the scope of government relief. Such services as health work, re-training and vocational aid, and individualized family case work to maintain morale and self-respect and prevent disintegration of homes, have a vital contribution to make to our American future. “

Mr. Younker cautioned, however, against the minimization of the continuing relief functions of the private agencies. “President Roosevelt, Newton D. Baker, and Harry Hopkins are asking the public to help the private welfare agencies maintain their present level of relief work,” Mr. Younker said, “in order not to add to the government’s burden. “

Walter S. Gifford, president of the Charity Organization Society, said that the progress of social service during the sixty years existence of the Jewish Social Service Association has been great. He attributed a good part of this progress to the activity of the Jewish organization.