Who We Are

The Association of Community Services (ACS) is a dynamic network of human services providers and advocates focused on serving Howard County resident. We are a membership organization supported by volunteers complementing a small staff.

What We Do

ACS advances human services in Howard County by offering organizations and individuals the information, support, training, education and connections they need to:

• operate successfully
• provide services efficiently
• inform the community about their services
• address pressing human services issues

ACS members come from every area of Howard County's human services community. They include:

• government agencies
• non-profit organizations
• for-profit organizations
• faith-based organizations
• individuals

Our Strategic Plan

Mission    The mission of ACS is to provide education, advocacy, and networking  opportunities to all sectors of the Howard County human services community to advance its capacity and effectiveness.

Vision    Howard County is a community where all residents have access to the human services they need to thrive.

Values  

Respect:  ACS believes that all of its members, the people they serve, and their cultures have the right to be valued, respected, and included in the life of the community.

Inclusiveness:  ACS believes that a strong human services system is known to the community through outreach efforts that minimize physical, cultural, and language barriers.

Quality:  ACS believes that human services are accessible, client-centered, delivered by qualified staff, well managed, and accountable for outcomes.

Collaboration:  ACS believes in collaboration among advocates, non-profit, faith-based, government, philanthropic, and business communities in developing comprehensive solutions to human services needs.

Goals   

Education and Training:  ACS will provide education, training, and information to help members develop the skills necessary to achieve their missions.

Networking:  ACS will foster opportunities for its members to make connections with each other and with community leaders.

Advocacy:  ACS will provide proactive leadership to influence human service policy and human service delivery systems based on reliable data and best practices.

Sustainability:  ACS will create a long-term plan to ensure the relevance of its services and the stewardship of its human and financial resources.

Approved by the ACS Board of Directors on April 23, 2009

Funding

The Association's principal sources of income are dues, partnerships, event sponsorships, foundation grants, and in-kind donations.