Our History

The headquarters of Partners for Families is a Norristown landmark, a 100-year-old building located on Main Street. This site has long been a gathering place for community celebrations, theatre and cinematic presentations. Soon after it was acquired in 1983, the building was turned over to an area church, which used it as a ministry center for children and teens. At “The Lamb’s Center,” as it was known then, children and young teens were engaged with tutorial assistance, life skills and fun activities. Some of these recreational activities are still offered by Partners for Families today.

In 1996, the organization became a non-profit 501(c)(3) and its name was changed to Side by Side, indicative of its mission to partner with neighborhood parents and guardians. Side by Side, Inc. was dedicated to the educational, social, physical and spiritual empowerment of the families and youth of Norristown through promoting Biblical principles, and the organization served as a lighthouse to youth in the East End of Norristown.

In 1997, we oversaw several improvements to the building and obtained grants and summer college interns to assist in Side by Side’s development. The Board also embarked on a reorganization and expansion plan.

In June 2004, the building was leased out to the Norristown Ministerium, which is made up of more than 40 Norristown churches and pastors who have come together to serve the community. Partners for Families (PFF), as it is now named, is the non-profit outreach arm of the Norristown Ministerium. We provide opportunities for community events, loving service, social concern, fellowship and prayer. Continuous programs have included an after-school homework tutorial program (Club JAM), a basketball ministry, the distribution of free clothing and food baskets, and referral services to family resources.