The board of trustees by Harbor House, Inc. and the board of directors Personal & Family Counseling Services of Tuscarawas Valley, Inc. (PFCS), have signed a Plan of Agreement to Merger. Both agencies are located at New Philadelphia, Ohio and primarily serve residents of Tuscarawas and Carroll Counties. PFCS will be the surviving organization. However, the services provided by Harbor House, Inc., Domestic Violence Shelter and HalfWay House for women who are dealing with substance abuse issues will continue and will retain the Harbor House name operating as a division of Personal & Family Counseling Services of Tuscarawas Valley, Inc. PFCS will continue to provide its current programs and services.

Both Boards saw their programs and services as a good fit for a merger and in the best interest of the individuals and families that they serve. A merger was part of the new strategic plan developed by the Harbor House Board of Trustees. All programs and services provided by PFCS serve individuals and families who are impacted by domestic violence. The merger will allow more seamless access by adults, children and families to the services now provided by each agency.

Marilyn L. Henry, Executive Director of PFCS, states that the services provided by Harbor House, Inc. will continue. Henry sees the programs and services being enhanced specifically in the clinical services provided, both mental health and substance abuse, as a result of the agencies merging. PFCS recognizes that the programs provided by Harbor House, Inc. are vital to the community according to Henry. She relates Eve Brown former director of PFCS was instrumental in the founding of Harbor House. Therefore, the commitment of PFCS to serving individuals affected by domestic violence is long standing. The merger was effective March 29, 2006.