Established in 1996, East River Family Strengthening Collaborative (ERFSC), Inc. is one of seven, neighborhood-based Healthy Families Thriving Communities Collaboratives in the District of Columbia. Spearheaded by the DC Child and Family Service Agency and the Annie E. Casey Foundation, ERFSC received its planning grant in April 1996 and subsequently its implementation grant in August 1997. In 2000, ERFSC separated from its parent organization, Marshall Heights Community Development Organization, to become its own independent 501(c)(3).

In 2001, Mae Best was appointed Executive Director. Under her leadership, the organization has grown from a budget of a little over $700,000 to $9,000,000, securing contracts with city government agencies and foundations. With her guidance, the organization has fostered major programs such as East of the River Regional Socialization HUB (senior services for Wards 7 & 8), Community Prevention and Support (case management for families), Truancy Prevention, Safe Passages and Family Rehousing and Stabilization Program for homeless families, and two Family Success Centers– Benning Terrace/Benning Park and Benning Road and Minnesota Avenue.