Collection Guide
Collection Title:
Collection Number:
Get Items:
Scott Wirth Operation Concern Collection, 1974-1980
GLC 73
View entire collection guide
Search this collection
Table of contents
Title: Scott Wirth Operation Concern Collection,
Date (inclusive): 1974-1980
Collection Identifier: GLC 73
Creator:
Wirth, Scott
Physical Description:
29.0 folders
(0.25 cubic feet)
Contributing Institution:
James C. Hormel Gay & Lesbian Center, San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 557-4567
info@sfpl.org
Abstract: Founded in 1974, Operation Concern was the first counseling service established by gay and lesbian individuals to serve the
San Francisco Bay area's underserved gay and lesbian people and their families. Scott Wirth was a staff member with Operation
Concern from 1975-1980. The collection contains correspondence, subject files, ephemera, publications, reports, grant proposals,
fliers, brochures, notes, correspondence, and minutes.
Language of Materials: Collection materials are in
English.
The collection is available for use during San Francisco History Center hours.
There are no restrictions. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to
the City Archivist. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the
physical items.
[Identification of item], Scott Wirth Operation Concern Collection (GLC 73), Gay and Lesbian Center, San Francisco Public
Library.
Scott Wirth Operation Concern Collection was donated to The San Francisco Public Library by Scott Wirth on May 27, 2011.
During processing, the entire collection was re-foldered and re-housed in acid-free folders and boxes. All metal staples and
paper clips were removed. Some brittle and items have been photocopied for preservation. Some addresses, phone numbers, and
names have been redacted for reasons of privacy.
Dr. Scott Wirth is a practicing psychologist who received a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Union Graduate School in 1976
and licensure from the State of California in 1978. During 1975 Wirth applied to and was accepted for a graduate internship
with Operation Concern where he remained on staff until 1980.
Founded in 1974, Operation Concern was the first counseling service established by gay and lesbian individuals to serve the
San Francisco Bay area's underserved gay and lesbian people and their families. Operation Concern later merged with 18th Street
Services to form New Leaf, which ceased operation on October 15, 2010.
The Scott Wirth Operation Concern collection contains correspondence, subject files, ephemera, publications, reports, grant
proposals, fliers, brochures, notes, correspondence, and minutes. These documents provide insight into how Operation Concern
sought funding, how it was viewed by peers in counseling circles and the community it served, and how the staff approached
issues pertaining to delivery of adequate service to a previously underserved clientele. The collection helps to construct
a timeline of LGBT individuals recognizing a community need and organizing a grassroots response that would eventually come
to serve as a model for counseling centers around the country.
Folders 1-21 of the collection are arranged chronologically. Folders 22-29 include undated materials arranged alphabetically
according to subject.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Operation Concern. -- Archives
Community mental health services--California--San Francisco
Gay men--Counseling of--California--San Francisco
Gays--Counseling of--California--San Francisco
Lesbians--Counseling of--California--San Francisco
Social work with gays--California--San Francisco