History

The inception of a trade association for Service Coordinators began at a conference in 1998 when attendees voiced support for national representation of the profession. One year later, those hopes would blossom into reality. 

After reading an article titled “In the Service of Life” by Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen, an idea struck Janice Monks as she sat at her kitchen table in 1999. “Fixing and healing may often be the work of the ego, and service the work of the soul.” Those words sparked something within Monks and propelled her forward. 

With a background as a licensed social worker and former Service Coordinator program administrator and supervisor, she went to work. Using money from a small donation combined with taking out a second mortgage on her home, Monks began what she refers to as “the greatest calling of my life.” 

AASC was created in response to a national effort to give voice to Service Coordinators and guide them toward legitimizing the profession. The name American Association of Service Coordinators was the result of Service Coordinators from across the country contributing their ideas and suggestions. The non-profit came to fruition with help and support from the Association of Philanthropic Homes for the Aging, National Church Residences, and the American Association of Homes and Services of the Aging. At the 4^th Annual National Service Coordinator Training and Networking Conference in Cleveland in November 1999, Ohio, AASC was launched to the world.

AASC's logo has had a few updates since its original logo, pictured above in 1999.

The logo above became our standard logo for more than two decades.

Founder Janice Monks (wearing green) smiles with attendees from AASC's first National Service Coordinator Conference held in 2000 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Attendees dine and network at the 2003 National Service Coordinator Conference.

AASC began as a small but determined 100 charter members, many of which continue to be members today. Upon its inception, the original goal of the American Association of Service Coordinators was to set the standards of practice for an up-and-coming profession. 

With more members coming into the family over its first year, AASC recognized the need for Service Coordinator to connect with peers over education and networking opportunities. In 2000, AASC hosted its first National Service Coordinator Conference with 258 members in attendance. Our annual event continues to be the destination for service coordination, offering career insights, best practices, and trending topics to help members gain the necessary skills to succeed.

In 2004, AASC made strides in the documentation process by developing a software specific to Service Coordinators called AASC Online. Through a close partnership with Pangea Foundation, the two organizations developed a web-based platform designed to meet the needs of individuals who monitor and document residents in affordable housing. This software has been used to track important data like eviction prevention, health outcomes, interventions, and so much more. 

During that same year, AASC formed a partnership with The Ohio State University’s College of Medicine, Office of Geriatrics and Gerontology to build a professional development pathway. Together, they created the Professional Service Coordinator Program which served as the foundation for a designation program for the profession. Upon completion of advanced trainings and an exam, Service Coordinators earn the PSC designation and the ample career benefits that come with it. 

Years passed, and AASC continued to grow its membership base and national recognition. In 2008, AASC membership reached 2,000 members. Five years later, membership exceeded 3,000. Through AASC’s policy efforts, in 2014 Congressman Steve Stivers and Congresswoman Joyce Beatty of Ohio introduced HR 729. This bill proclaimed that from now on, National Service Coordinator Day would be September 19, 2014, commemorating the day that AASC was founded.