The Association of Community Services presented the 2012 Audrey Robbins Humanitarian Awards June 20. The awards, now in their 37th year, honor those who go beyond all expectations in their service to the Howard County community. Top: L-R:  Anna Katz of Grassroots, representing the Volunteer Team of the Year, Cold Weather Shelter; Richard Story, JPB Partners, Emcee; Ande Kolp, Audrey Robbins Chair; Jackie Eng, ACS President. Seated: L-R  Peggy Hoffman, Maryland Access Point, Employee Team of…

Columbia, Maryland…They are four shining lights in Howard County—individuals and teams who have provided services that enhance and enrich the lives of Howard County residents by going above and beyond all expectations in their service to the community.  They are the Association of Community Services (ACS) 2012 Audrey Robbins Humanitarian Award Winners. 

George Pittman, Volunteer of the Year is a former physicist and CIA employee…

Columbia, Maryland… Gerald Ford was President, Columbia was less than 10 Years old, gas prices averaged $.52, the Dow Jones high reached 862 and the average house cost $42,000.  A lot has changed since the Audrey Robbins Humanitarian Awards began in 1975, but the opportunity to help support Howard County’s human…

On Saturday, March 24, over 500 business and arts leaders attended the Arts Council’s 15^th Annual Celebration of the Arts in Howard County Gala at Howard Community College’s Peter and Elizabeth Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center in Columbia. This year’s annual benefit gala raised $99,000, with an additional $72,000 in donated goods and services in support of the arts in Howard County. Since 1998, over $1 million has been raised through…

“You Definitely Know Someone.”  With a theme reminding people that potential Audrey Robbins Humanitarian Award winners are neighbors, friends, and colleagues they already know, nominations for the prestigious awards are now open.

Do you know who is an ordinary person doing an…

Maximizing donations is major challenge for non-profits as public funds are cut or threatened. The Association of Community Services (ACS) is offering a three-part series that will help organizations increase donations, and identify new financial supporters.  “Growing Donor Support” will explore fundraising basics, transforming donors to long-term supporters, and inspiring donors of different ages, genders and ethnicities.  The three half-day sessions will run…

Do you counsel or work with seniors who want to stay in their home?  Wednesday, January 18 from Noon-1:30 pm The Association of Community Services General Meeting focuses on the experiences and expectations of "Aging in Place" in Howard County.  Opting for Independence interviewed adults age 65 and…

Columbia, Maryland…Economic difficulties continue to affect Howard County residents according to the 2011 Self Sufficiency Indicators Report released by the Policy Analysis Center, a joint project of the Association of Communication Services and The Horizon Foundation. The report was released at the Association of Community Services General Meeting November 16, 2011.

A variety of key economic indicators reveal clear and continuing strains on households from FY2010 to FY2011…

Managers Toolkit Improves

Management and Career Path Skills

Columbia, Maryland…Being an effective manager requires a wide array of skills. New and experienced managers will find insights into…

Columbia, MD…The Association of Community Services (ACS)  is bringing together bloggers, podcasters, online and traditional news daily, weekly and monthly news representatives at its Free October 19 General Meeting.  Meet the writers and editors who publish Howard County news. Learn what they want, how and…

Making Ends Meet in Howard County

Higher incomes put low wage workers at financial risk

Columbia, Maryland… In Howard County, Maryland, a single parent with two preschoolers is better off working 40 hours a week for $7.25 an hour than earning up to $34 an hour. A family of two working adults with an infant can better afford to feed and house themselves working part-time and keeping vital public assistance benefits such as childcare support than…

Social media is more than random postings on Facebook, Twitter and blogs.  The Association of Community Services (ACS) is offering a 3-part series October 6, 20 and November 10 that addresses key elements of this increasing important marketing and fundraising tool.  Targeted at non-profits, but appropriate for small businesses,Advancing Your Mission with Social…

Strategic Marketing Plans for Nonprofits

September 15

Does your organization’s marketing plan successfully connect organizational goals with your target audiences? Thursday, September 15,…

 

Columbia, MD…The Association of Community Services (ACS) has elected its new officers and new members to its Board of Directors.  Officers for 2011-2012 include as President, Jackie Eng, Bridges to Housing Stability; Vice…

June 10, 2011     For Immediate Release

Contact:  Harry Schwarz   443-766-9476  Harry.Schwarz@verizon.net

Retiring Director Anne Towne To Be Honored at the Association of Community Services’

Audrey Robbins Humanitarian…

May 18, 2011..Columbia, Maryland…Howard County Human Services agencies will be facing a crisis point in the very near future if current trends of flat or cut funding, reductions in staffing and programs, and increased service demands continue.

These are the conclusions drawn from findings in a new report   Budget Trends in Howard County Health and Human Services FY2008-FY2011.  The report was prepared by the Policy Analysis Center for the Association of…

April 12, 2011

Maryland Passes Alcohol Tax:

Statement from the Association of Community Services

The increase in the alcohol tax is both good news and disappointing news for those in the human services community. After so many years, recognizing that it was time for Maryland's alcohol tax to increase was a positive step.  Additional revenues for our schools and educational system and for programs that help people with developmental disabilities is…

Compelling messages that stimulate and engage an audience, particularly when it’s a business, grantor or potential donor is a vital part of building financial resources for your organization.  The Association of Community Services(ACS) has created a three- part-series: March 24, April 7 and April 28 that focuses on Crafting Your Message So Donors Will Listen. Whether for one-on-one delivery, on your website or…

Finder$, Keeper$ Focuses on Finding and Keeping Funds



Finder$. Keeper$: Helping nonprofits find and keep funds is the theme of the Association of Community Services’(ACS) three-part training series that begins February 3. Designed to hone fundraising skills, Finder$, Keeper$ sessions run…