After nine years of persistent work, in June 1980, a site was purchased, an official ground breaking ceremony was held on March 2, 1981, and after much pain and hard labor the Center was dedicated and opened its doors on May 15, 1983.

Dedicated staff and board members continue to work toward the expansion and improvement of the Center. Volunteers have given and continue to give unselfishly of their time to provide the backbone of the Center’s workforce. This labor of love became a reality, because those who were involved dared to dream and never lost sight of that goal. Since 1983, over 75,000 families in the surrounding communities received help through ACS's programs.