The Grand International Auxiliary to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (GIA) came into existence in 1887 in Chicago as a support organization to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE). The BLE itself was founded in Marshall, Michigan on May 8, 1863, as The Brotherhood of the Footboard; a year later, this name was changed to the current name. The purpose of the GIA has been to serve the interests and welfare of the Grand International Auxiliary and Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers' members and their families throughout the United States and Canada. The GIA founders adopted the following slogan during the organization's first year: As Help Mates we promote fraternal love, take care of social activities and render assistance to members when sorrow and tragedy occurs. Subsequently, GIA chapters spread throughout the United States and Canada. The Raleigh Division, 507, formed probably during the late nineteenth or early twentieth century.

Eligible members of the GIA included wives, daughters, and sons of BLE members. Beginning in 1921, the auxilary sponsored the Aged Dependent Sisters and Relief Fund. Seventy years later, in 1991, the fund was renamed the Care and Assistance Program. This is a program whereby financial assistance may be rendered to qualifying GIA members when applied for and deemed necessary by the Executive Board.