Alliance of Community Assistance Ministries, Inc.
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November 28, 2012
As I look back, I am amazed at how our agency has evolved due to the nuturing and support provided by ACAM over the past several years - tech nology, personnel, an expanded and active fund-raising Board. ACAM recognizes that outreach ministries do, indeed, too often focus so much activity and resource on "outreach" that they neglect to develop their infrastructure. By providing trainings, meetings where members can discuss best (and not so best) practives with their peers, a variety of resources and constructive evaluations, ACAM helps each of its member agencies to grow to their full potential and beyond.
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How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 15, 2012
I could write about ACAM from many perspectives, but one that is perhaps most profound to me personally is ACAM in its role as an agent for collaboration. Collaboration is a term that is often used in the nonprofit world, but rarely is the concept as fully fleshed out as it is with ACAM and its member community assistance ministries. The kind of collaboration that ACAM inspires and enacts is solves real problems and produces tangible results. It is not collaboration "in name only." Those members that choose to participate (all collaborative projects are voluntary for members) are at the table shaping the project and contributing to its success. ACAM's role as a convener of like-minded organizations is critical because though many organizations have wonderful intentions of working together to develop much-needed programs and enhance organizational efficiencies, many times those intentions are left unfulfilled because it takes significant time, tangible resources and careful coordination to make collaborations successful. Collaborative projects such as providing free mental health services one day a week at various member locations, boosting back-to-school relief for children in need, preventing homelessness for families effected by the economic downturn and others are a tribute to ACAM, its members and the other community partners ACAM has engaged. The results not only help those in the community change their lives for the better, but they also equip excellent organizations to be ready for future community needs.
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How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 14, 2012
ACAM’s funding allows EFBHNM to take it to the next level. We are better equipped to serve our clients with state of the art computers and a database which allows for a highly efficient screening process and more accurate reporting. The staff benefits tremendously through the workshops and networking made possible by ACAM, while the support I receive, from the ACAM staff and other ED’s, helps me grow professionally. Just knowing I can pick up the phone and call my colleagues for support makes it all worthwhile.
More feedback...
How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 13, 2012
Two years ago, I was appointed Executive Director of Interfaith Caring Ministries (ICM). As an employee of the agency for over a decade, I have watched as my agency became a member of ZCAM (the pilot phase of ACAM), and then watched as ZCAM matured into ACAM, now an independent 501(c)(3). Now, as Executive Director, I no longer watch - I am an active participant in the ACAM collective.
Over the last 2 years, I have realized so much about what challenges an Executive Director. I learned that I can’t make everyone happy, that I can’t get all of my work done in 40 hours a week and that meeting agency budget goals can be difficult in an unstable economy. But increasingly what I’ve come to realize are all the things that I CAN do - much of it due to the incredible support I have received through ACAM.
I can admit I don’t know how to deal with a personnel issue, but more importantly I can find others that have dealt with the same issue and get some great suggestions. Access to the trainings provided by ACAM has helped both me and my staff learn ways to keep lines of communication open.
I can share that our sales are down at the resale shop, but more importantly I can call on my peers to find creative ways to significantly increase the revenue that is vital to sustaining our programming. The ACAM Thrift Store Institute has helped my staff immeasurably with training on pricing, merchandizing, marketing and everything in between.
ICM has received almost $400,000 from ACAM for capacity building projects, professional development and needed services, but just as important as the grant funds is the technical assistance and guidance that allows my agency to leverage the funds and increase their impact in the community. In addition, my agency was awarded funding through the collaborative initiatives program that we were only able to access as part of the collective.
We can't anticipate the next food shortage, hurricane or recession. That's not our job. What we can do is work together through ACAM to create a strong infrastructure whose job it is to respond to crises as they happen.
One of the most valuable and rewarding experiences has been participating in the Executive Director Networking Group. Every month I look forward to sitting around that table of 12 and learning to be a better leader. Maybe it comes from hours and hours of committee meetings or the knowledge that many of them are just a phone call away. Whatever it is, I am a stronger, more confident leader and Interfaith Caring Ministries is a stronger agency because of our affiliation with ACAM.
More feedback...
How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 13, 2012
ACAM is an extraordinary example of collaboration at its finest. The ACAM model provides exceptional opportunities for communication, consultation and connections among collaborating funders, ministries and resource professionals. As a Ministry Executive Director, it is an honor to be associated with this visionary organization which promotes and facilitates the building of my agency's capacity in such meaningful ways. We benefit from being part of a larger organization of resources, from being exposed to new and best practices, from networking with other Ministry professionals, and from being held accountable for our growth. Houston's neighbors in need benefit exponentially because of the high engagement relationship between funders, consultants, ministries and their Boards.
More feedback...
How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
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