Our Story
The Family Center first opened its doors to the community in September of 2008, but the story of how the center came to exist really began over twenty years earlier. In the late eighties, Jonas and Anne Beiler, founders of The Family Center, were on the path to recovering a broken marriage and family. After seeking help and finding hope in the counsel of others, Jonas developed a passion to restore broken families and marriages. He envisioned a place where people could go to receive counseling and guidance as they put the pieces of their broken lives back together. This dream seemed completely unrealistic and impossible for the Beiler’s, as they had only dollars to their name and an eighth grade education.

The twenty years that followed were nothing short of a miracle. By the grace of God, the Beiler’s went on to build the world’s largest pretzel franchise, Auntie Anne’s Hand Rolled Soft Pretzels. The company became the financial hand needed to support Jonas’ counseling business, now known as Family Resource and Counseling Center, a partner of The Family Center. In 2005, the Beilers sold Auntie Anne’s to pursue other passions, one of which was to build The Family Center.

Two years later, family and friends gathered at the farm for the groundbreaking celebration. Little by little, the foundation was laid, the walls were built, and the partnering organizations came together. A community of businesses, employees, family, and friends worked diligently for over a year of construction to ready the center for the Grand Opening in 2008.

The Family Center of Gap brings together the resources, services, and community connections people need to be well – mentally, spiritually, and physically. It is through collaborating efforts and vision that each guest who enters is able to leave looking towards a brighter tomorrow. Because of one man’s vision and steadfast determination, The Family Center is here today for the community, and it will be because of the communities’ help and support that it will be here for many tomorrows.

The Family Center is a Non-Profit 501c3 Organization governed by a board of directors and funded through community contributors. To find out more about how to donate, please visit our contributions page.

Our Mission
The Family Center exists to help families thrive by providing a hub of interactive services which offer a healing presence, foster healthy relationships and model community cooperation.

Our Vision
Individuals and families across our nation struggle with many pressures that eventually pull them apart and work against healthy growth and stability. The Family Center brings together people, services and community within a positive atmosphere. Caring neighbors, churches and partnering organizations coordinate efforts that foster healthy development of individuals through all seasons of life.

Our Beliefs
People are important. Really important. We all have different personalities, different walks of life, and different backgrounds, but at the center we invite everyone to set aside their differences, build relationships, and celebrate all the characteristics that make each person unique. Connecting with others is at the heart of who we are. We’re here for people. Welcome.

Service begins with serving. To provide a service, you first have to be willing to serve. So for us, serving is the foundation of who we are. Whether it’s through a conversation, providing food, a listening ear, education, or more, we’re here. Period. And we plan on being here to bring the service and services that the community needs through the good times and the bad.

Community matters. Without community, The Family Center wouldn’t exist. But a community is about more than our neighbors - it’s about connecting and building unity with those around. It’s about combining efforts, not duplicating them. Community is about joining together and accomplishing what we can’t do alone. Let’s work together to strengthen families, friends, and the community as a whole.