Home Programs News & Info Partners About Us Contact Us Home Programs   · Disaster Relief · Education · Emergency Assistance · Health · Workforce Development News & Info   · Community Connections · Calendar of Events Partners   · Board of Directors · Campaign for Community · Churches · Donations · Volunteer Corner About Us   · History of ACS · Mission · Future Plans Contact Us   · Directions About Us Known for its social action services, Adventist Community Services of Greater Washington's (ACS) mission is to help the disadvantaged and grief stricken in our community by empowering individuals through compassionate interaction and sustainable services. Established in 1983 in Silver Spring, Maryland, ACS offers a plethora of services ranging from emergency assistance, education, workforce development, medical services and dental services with a solid case management component. In the early 1990's, the Executive Director and the Board of Directors recognizing the increasing needs for literacy services for non-English speakers developed the Family Literacy Project. The Family Literacy Project began in 1992 as a Literacy/English as a Second Language (ESL) and tutoring program. ACS has continually been on the cutting edge of Family Literacy for decades. Today, our Workforce Development Program consisting of ESL and Family Literacy and Computer Literacy with Adult Basis Education (ABE) and Life Skill classes provide the basis for educational services. It provides a non-threatening environment where adult learners needing to enhance their skills or acquiring new skills are able to achieve personal goals. From 1998 - 2002, ACS experienced a growth of 26% for all clients served. Of the clients served during that time, 15.7% reported some sort of abuse and 86% of all served were below the poverty level. Records show that 55% were unemployed, and 33.4% of that group never completed high school. ACS, a recognized advocate for at-risk families, served more than 6000 clients in 2002. Of that number more than 55% were under 35 years old and 80% were below the poverty level. Mission The mission statement of Adventist Community Services (ACS) is to help the disadvantaged and grief stricken in our community by empowering them through compassionate emergency care, life education and community development to attain self-sufficiency and independence. Vision The vision of Adventist Community Services is to achieve our mission by: Providing emergency food, clothing and shelter Facilitating the finding of available services and resources Developing a network of satellite ministries in the inner city Establishing a model and resource to a network of Adventist Community Services Centers in the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists Creating a coalition of organizations addressing the issues of poverty, AIDS, and immigrants. Adventist Community Services does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, age, or religion. Adventist Community Services does not take donations in exchange for services or make requirements of attending church, or religious meetings in exchange for services. Adventist Community Services follows the teaching of "Love the Lord your God with all your heart … Love your neighbor as yourself." Fortify thyself with contentment: that is an impregnable stronghold. — Epictetus

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