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Author and leadership expert Simon Sinek said, “Greatness happens when the person with the wild imagination collaborates with the person who knows how to get things done.”
In 2024 thus far, ACO staff have certainly demonstrated that those words are true. So many positive changes are happening at lightning speed to get things done in all our locations.
I am not the only one at ACO with a “wild imagination,” as I’ve been accused. And I’d like to think of it more like “big dreams.” The ACO Leadership Team collectively have both imagination and big dreams. When we collaborate with the determination of our staff, the time and talents of ACO volunteers, and the power of donors and grantors, we are getting things done!
Early in the year, we completed the annex renovations. The ACO Resale Store and Diane and John Schoch Donation Center opened with crowds of customers and donors. We also began the huge task of moving out of the borrowed space from the City of Allen that we’d been using for our donation drop off and warehouse storage. This was our first phase of expansion.
We’ve quickly begun the second phase of our expansion. This included moving the ACO Cares Center out of rented space and into the south end of ACO’s Main St. building. Now ACO client families can receive the Cares Center essentials they need in one location, along with food and other services and programs. The new ACO Cares Center was designed with flex-space in mind to be used for special projects and for an expanded classroom and computer lab for the Kiser-Covington ACO Learning Academy.
After opening the Cares Center, we used the flexible space for our “Fill The Bus” School Supplies Distribution last month. ACO volunteers set up a “store” for families to come in and shop for the supplies their children needed. More than 500 local students received new backpacks and supplies. This space will also turn into the ACO North Pole to provide toys and gifts at Christmastime.
Next, we moved the classroom for workshops and training to the new ACO Cares Center and created a larger space for classes with a computer training lab. This freed up the space in our conference room that had been doubling as the classroom for workshops and seminars. We gave the room an update which showcases our beautiful Glenda May Giving Wall that recognizes major donors. A new sign on the entrance says “ACO Conference and Meeting Center.”
The last part of phase two is converting the ACO Food Pantry back to the choice-pantry market it was prior to the pandemic. The past few years the pantry has been a drive-thru distribution process to safely manage the large increase in food insecurity that we’ve seen since 2020. Beginning in September, families will return to shopping for their groceries where they can make their own selections.
None of this would be possible without the true greatness of our community. Because of your donations and volunteer time, we are first addressing their immediate crisis and basic needs to prevent hunger and homelessness. We can now also offer more programs and services to provide that path needed for financial stability and independence through classes in budgeting, job skills and training, GED Education and other specialized courses at the Kiser-Covington ACO Learning Academy.
All of the above takes your support with financial gifts. Your gifts are vital to support all our programs and services. Each summer, ACO has a GIVE WHERE YOU LIVE Campaign. The goal of that campaign is $185K. I’m disappointed to tell you that currently we are short of our goal and currently have $147K.
While I am SO appreciative of those who supported this campaign thus far, we need an additional $38,000 by the end of September when we close out the campaign.
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With that $38K, ACO can provide housing for 35+ families. That will cover rental assistance and prevent homelessness.
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That $38K can provide utility assistance to 76+ families, keeping their children warm this winter.
You may donate online at our website, and it will be applied directly to the campaign. Checks may be mailed to 801 E. Main Street, TX 75002.
Also, North Texas Giving Day is coming up on September 19th, and their donation website is already open. I hope that you will keep ACO in mind when choosing the local non-profits you support this year. Visit the link for NTGD or ACO’s donation site on our website at www.acocares.org.
With wild imagination, big dreams, and your support we are teaching ACO clients what is possible with imagination and determination to get things done and become self-sufficient!
One more thing... I want to share with you a note from an ACO client. First, a little background on this local mom. While in her late 40’s, she lost her husband who had always managed the household finances. She had not worked outside of the home and was not prepared for the challenges ahead, so she came to ACO for guidance and counseling. She took full advantage of the classes ACO offered for budgeting and financial coaching, then took the next steps with our employment workshops and training, including getting her Microsoft Certification at our Kiser-Covington ACO Learning Academy. She’s an example of ACO’s mission to address the crisis to prevent hunger and homelessness, then provide a path to financial stability. She’s a perfect example of ACO’s greatness! It’s how we are changing lives! Here’s the email she sent...
To the ACO Team,
Thank you for providing the opportunity which allowed me to invest in Myself. The classes that I have attended at the ACO have truly been a blessing and a lifesaver from Financial Peace course to the Digital Literacy program. I am on the path of becoming a better provider for myself and son, in return, to be a generous giver in the years to come.
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