Alliance of Community Assistance Ministries, Inc. (ACAM)

I’ve attended several of ACAM’s trainings, and they always have such great presenters. Thanks for all yall do!

This organization really does fly under the raider! They deserve their props!

ACAM! The people are some of the most professional folks I’ve worked with. There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes of non-profits, so I’m glad ACAM is around

ACAM is such a great organization for what they do in the community.
My younger brother went through the NextGen program, and it got him back on track.
I am so grateful for ACAM and the many initiatives they provide.

ACAM is a phenomenal organization, deeply committed to its mission and consistently striving to exceed expectations each day. Their dedication to serving the community and making a meaningful impact is truly inspiring. It’s an honor to learn from such a passionate group of individuals who genuinely care about the people they serve.

ACAM is a catalyst for community transformation, effectively building pathways to stability, health, and wealth. By fostering cross-sector partnerships and leveraging local resources, it creates impactful solutions for nonprofits and families. Through research and best practices, ACAM enhances collaboration, elevates service standards, and significantly improves the lives of low-income families in Greater Houston.

I went to ACAM's 20th Anniversary Luncheon, and got to learn a lot more about what the organization is. It's like they're the glue of so many social programs in Houston...As people, we expect non-profits to help people, but we never think of who helps non-profits. THAT'S ACAM. The non-profit that helps non-profits help us all.

ACAM is a phenomenal organization. They are extremely dedicated to their mission and every day they strive to exceed the expectations of the previous day. This organization truly cares about their clients, and they truly care about making an impact in the community.

ACAM is an such a phenomenal organization flying under the radar. From being the coordinating agency of the Greater Houston Opportunity Youth, to public benefits assistance and resiliency programs, to the work they do in workforce development, and even the training program for non-profit professionals...ACAM has a wide-reaching influence. The part of the mission "advancing collaboration to create community-wide solutions" is something they excel at. Even months later, I still learn how ACAM's collaborations help so many people. Thank you ACAM!

ACAM’s training and networking program is truly phenomenal, and each session I attend I walk away having learned something new and having made a new professional relationship. I hope they continue to expand the program and keep up the great work.

I’ve greatly benefited from Training and Networking sessions. I feel confident in my work and supported by my network of peers.

ACAM is an exemplar of transparency, accountability, and self-evaluation. Their leadership approaches project design and execution from an informed point of view. ACAM's success is a direct result of careful consideration of regional needs.

ACAM staff members are involved and informed, as they attend a great number of community meetings. I believe this is why their work has remained both forward-thinking and relevant for 19 years.

ACAM develops well-researched, evidence based programming. They are methodical, transparent, and dedicated to creating real solutions for our most vulnerable populations.

Their staff cares deeply about the issues facing our region and are a joy to work with.

The Social Safety Net is a phrase that defines the broad range of services that provide critical support to members of our community during difficult times. The social safety net is comprised of the public programming and organizations you turn to when you need rental assistance, food services, workforce training - and so so much more. A fully realized social safety net means that every member of our community has a road to stability and success.

ACAM promotes a standard of excellence among their partner organizations and gives said organizations (who already do phenomenal work) tools and pathways to reach even more individuals and families. Organizations like ACAM are essential in making sure we use our resources effectively to serve as much of our vulnerable population to the best of our ability. They are truly a "great nonprofit."

ACAM is an exceptional nonprofit organization that truly cares about helping others. I have witnessed their positive impact on the community and especially their efforts to help young people. I hope they continue their work for years to come!

They have seen tremendous growth in the last few years. Their range of work is a testament to their organizational mantra that every individual should have a path to stability, health, and wealth. There is no one correct approach, no one answer, and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations should be done through a wholistic lens. I am excited to see how ACAM continues to grow.

I am an AmeriCorps VISTA who started working with ACAM last month. It is clear to me that the staff is very dedicated and are constantly doing everything they can to serve other non-profits and individuals in need. I have witnessed them address issues related to lack of employment, education, and housing. The project that I am working on, the Greater Houston Opportunity Youth Collaborative (GHOYC), is especially important to me as ACAM is working with partners to connect young people in my generation to employment/education resources that are previously unknown to them. I believe the GHOYC has the potential to lift up a whole generation (Gen Z) in the Houston area and change the public's attitude towards this sector of the population of which I am a member.

Excellent programming. They truly believe in developing creative, effective solutions for those seeking a path forward in the Gulf Coast region. Their work is a catalyst for positive, long lasting change. Thank you, ACAM

The staff at ACAM are collaborative minded, professional, and thoughtful. I’ve had an excellent experience working with them!

ACAM has a reputation for being a responsive, relevant, and productive organization that equips community-minded nonprofits with the tools and programs they need to face a multitude of issues that affect the quality of life of vulnerable people.

ACAM is an exemplar of the power of collective impact. Leadership is not afraid to push the limits on convention to propose and pilot innovative approaches to building capacity and filling resource gaps for the communities, organizations, and people ACAM serves. ACAM staff approach their work with equal measures of professional competence, "can do" attitudes, and an authentic and personal touch.

The regional essential human needs service safety net is strengthened by ACAM’s core programs: organizational development, training and networking, community outreach and education and collaborative initiatives.

ACAM's purpose is to strengthen nonprofits’ capacity to do more, and the ACAM Network service model is propelled by the ultimate goal of reaching self-sufficiency and improving overall client well-being.

ACAM develops and implements innovative, evidence-based best-practice programs, organizational development programs, trainings, and more to build the capacity of the region’s neighborhood-based nonprofits so they can deliver client-centered services, implement continuous quality improvement processes, and demonstrate long-term impact.

The ACAM Network addresses the housing, food, employment, financial, and other needs of extremely vulnerable individuals and families, while also offering intensive, ongoing support to build resiliency that can help clients break the cycle of poverty.

ACAM’s braided funding model funnels millions of dollars to the region to support front line service providers with resources that otherwise wouldn’t be available.

ACAM’s programs support partners in providing valuable, cost-effective services to the community.

ACAM’s collective impact model has effectively demonstrated a measurable increase in the capacity of the regional human services safety net.

I could remember vividly when one of my bank accounts had ( INSF ) payment made and I didn't notice until it was already 30 days past due already , i had paid the account in full before, Just that one account that had a 30 days past due added to my credit report which devastated my credit score by 75 points and brought my credit score under 600. Then I was back at square one from 5 years of rebuilding my credit in a matter of 3 months. To my very worries I talked to my colleague at work about my credit issues and how I unexpectedly got a late payment red flag. He felt my pain and also understood how I have worked so hard to keep a perfect score . He said he knows a credit specialist that helped his uncle when he had similar issues . After about a week I contacted - NEW HORIZON CREDIT 1 AT Gmail Dot COM. He deleted the INSF payment and also uprooted other errors attached to it to keep me on a clean sheet. He's a professional in this field and easy to work with .

I am so thankful that ACAM excels at helping the vulnerable and needy in Houston. For more than 15 years, they have provided help to not only the homelessness and hungry, but also to the hopeless. By partnering with local assistance ministries to maximize offerings and develop staff, ACAM is able to multiply and grow their efforts far beyond what a single organization could do by itself. Their network of faith-based organizations help families not only meet their basic needs, but also rise ABOVE their basic needs. Thank you, ACAM, for all that you are doing and will continue to do!

ACAM offers a lot of great support through their training program, technical assistance, and grants to support capacity building for nonprofits. For smaller nonprofits, this can be a great help when you are looking to provide the best services you can. Working with the ACAM staff is always educational and a fruitful experience.

I value ACAM because it is focused on serving those who are most in need. I have seen ACAM, especially over these past two years, respond creatively to the needs of those most affected by the Covid crisis, to provide resources for employment, avoid homelessness, and give hope to many who would otherwise be facing what might be insurmountable difficulties on their own. The great work ACAM is doing is powered by the people that make up its staff, who are experienced, passionate about what they do, and knowledgeable in fulfilling the many roles needed to carry out the kind of work ACAM does, which is transformative and life-giving.

ACAM is in an exciting period of growth and it's a great place to work. I'm excited that ACAM is moving more strongly into the employment services space within the greater Houston region. For years ACAM has been focused on resiliency for the most vulnerable throughout the region, especially housing stability. Adding a strong focus on income stability through employment, better employment and training to facilitate income growth is exciting, important work. So glad to work at ACAM!

ACAM goes above and beyond to serve local families who have been in difficult financial situations. They provide critical assistance to their network of partners strengthening individuals, families, and the Greater Houston community.

The trainings ACAM provides for nonprofits is extremely valuable to the professional development of nonprofit leaders as well as provides great networking opportunities. ACAM\u2019s partnership with nonprofits in the Greater Houston area strengthens our community.

The Alliance of Community Assistance Ministries, Inc. (ACAM) is a tremendous resource for nonprofits in Houston. Their Training and Networking Program for nonprofits promotes best practices, peer learning and information exchange helping nonprofits become stronger and more successful.

ACAM is a wonderful organization dedicated to serving their community. I was in awe of how gracefully they were able to pivot to meet each need brought on by the pandemic. I am thankful I get to learn from such an inspiring group of people doing great work.

ACAM is a committed and caring funder of an alliance of ministries doing great work in Houston. ACAM supports the alliance's dedicated work with a genuine focus of quality and efficiency to assist those in need in the community.

I work as a consultant with several of the ministries in the alliance. ACAM is a supportive funder who consistently makes an effort to include everyone in the decision making process and they genuinely understand the experiences of the clients they serve.

ACAM has played a vital role in the success of our non-profit. They make quality training and professional guidance very accessible and relevant, whether a new or established community organization. We appreciate having them as a resource!

Even before the current crisis, ACAM was doing great work for Houstonians, providing much-needed service for area families. They have continued to work tirelessly to help those in need.

ACAM consistently provides homelessness prevention and basic needs services to vulnerable families in our region and they have only ramped up their services in our current community crises.

Sincere, dedicated professionals working tirelessly on behalf of all Houstonians to strengthen individuals, families, and communities. Remarkable group of people.

As someone who cares deeply about our community, I really appreciate how ACAM is bringing nonprofits together and leading COVID-19 response efforts in our area, especially for families in danger of losing their housing. It is great to see how their collaborative work is continuing and expanding during these uncertain times.

Working with ACAM is a true pleasure, everyone is an active team member, passionate to help and willing to go the extra mile in every endeavor. It is my honor to be involved in helping staff and managers stay true to help those in need and keep transparency in their organization.

So happy to work at and donate to ACAM. I'm proud of the work our staff does and the amazing people at our partner organizations who have been working tirelessly during this pandemic and the economic devastation caused by it.

Catholic Charities has partnered with ACAM and its members to assist families living in poverty to increase their self-sufficiency for more than 5 years. ACAM serves as a great collaboration point assisting with information, funding opportunities and great support. ACAM staff is mission driven and committed to serving its member-partners to provide the best services they can. A great network of support for faith-based organizations

Wonderful organization that advocates for the people they serve.

I serve on the Board and it truly has been a valuable and heartwarming experience to serve in that capacity over the past few years. ACAM is certainly an invaluable resource in providing ongoing support to ensure that its member organizations can grow and flourish.

Expertise in preventing homelessness. Strong system collaboration.

I am currently serving as an Americorps Vista at ACAM. I have been at ACAM for a few months now and the importance of the work that is being done here is extremely high. Every day I am given constant reminders and endless motivation as to why ACAM's mission and meaningful impact are essential to our community.

I've had the pleasure if watching and participating in the work with ACAM during its 15-year history. As a nonprofit consultant, I highly recommend ACAM for their leadership and support of community ministries serving thousands of their neighbors during times of need. The work is hard and often more than we think is possible, ACAM provides much-needed support and encouragement building a collaboration that helps organizations strive for best practices while providing for staff self-care. Happy 15th!
Brenda Kirk

ACAM is a wonderful organization that provides collaborative opportunities for the diverse group of assistance ministries in the Greater Houston area. Interfaith Ministries is one of the larger ministries and functions as a mentor organization. ACAM has provided us with great professional development opportunities, networking, and funding for projects- specifically funding after Hurricane Harvey and several years in a row for our Operation IMpact which provides emergency meals for homebound seniors in preparation for hurricane season.

ACAM genuinely cares. They are constantly seeking to help the community and strive to make a larger impact on the city. Their empathetic nature is unique and makes them stand out among other nonprofits.

An efficient nonprofit with a great mission—they do wonderful things for this community.

This nonprofit is helping more than people realize in TX, and can really benefit from community support. ACAM is for the community to support, develop, advocate and collaborate for the excellence of Houston. Great organization!

ACAM is one of the most efficient non-profit organizations in the country. They have a list of amazing achievements helping community organizations with funding, reporting, training and much more. Their impact on the organizations and communities they serve has been well documented and sets a very high bar for other such non-profits. It is a model of how organizations throughout the country should operate by maximizing collaberation to maximize the impact on communities and minimize overhead costs.

Since I have moved to Houston and become greater involved in my areas interventions in homelessness, I have noticed ACAM specifically. The efforts put in to work towards eliminating social injustices and developing strong leadership roles for likeminded people around our city is admirable. Accessibility to community resources is a basic human right everyone should be able to say they benefit from.

this through group sharing activities

ACAM is a successful collaborative of nonprofits that continually improves its services and vision.

ACAM helps families never become homeless and that is an amazing feat. Their research shows that it only takes about 88 days of case management and financial assistance to keep a family from falling into homelessness. Great organization with a great mission.

ACAM provides quality review and best practices for all the major assistance ministries in the Houston area. As a board member and volunteer at an assistance ministry we greatly value the support from ACAM and the collaboration with its members

ACAM is an amazing organization that fulfills the essential needs in both the community and nonprofit sector. I had a rewarding experience serving as a Disaster Recovery AmeriCorps VISTA at ACAM;I saw the dedication, determination, focus, drive and compassion that ACAM employees possess. I am very grateful for my time at ACAM and I have the utmost respect for the employees and the work and services they provide.

“We got the Training & Networking All-Access Pass after we saw how useful the trainings sessions were. Having access to valuable information about grant writing, accounting, donor databases, and other topics presented in a concise, targeted way is invaluable. It would have taken us months to research and find the information that we got in a few hours at the training session.

Another benefit is the networking & relationships you build with other ministries.

I absolutely love the work and the organization of ACAM. They are tremendous in coordinating and supporting basic need ministries across the Houston region. They have stepped up in a major way as the surrounding region recovers from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey. I am a proud board member and an overall fan of their services and support. Because of ACAM, our city's residents were able to recover more easily. Without ACAM, our city's homeless population could have increased exponentially. Thanks so much for providing this basic yet critical need!!

ACAM is perhaps the least known and most impactful nonprofit organization in the Greater Houston Area. It's collective membership provides basic human needs to 200,000 people in our five county area. As someone who is fairly knowledgeable about the non-profit space in Houston, I can say with certainty that ACAM makes it member ministries far more effective by helping them build capacity, develop best practices, and helps them to be more efficient and effective organizations. ACAM secures financial resources from both the public and private sectors that its direct service provider members struggle to access because of the complexity of compliance and reporting. ACAM intimately understands the needs of people living in poverty and the specific services delivered by its members. It readily conveys those needs to funders in a data driven form assuring the funders that their resources will be efficiently deployed. While ACAM is not a household name because it does not provide direct services, those in the field of homeless prevention and basic human need services know ACAM as a life-saving and life-giving organization that is instrumental in helping them accomplish their goal of better serving marginalized populations.

The countless hours of time and dedication the staff of ACAM applies on a daily basis has truly made a difference in the lives of people that need homeless prevention, disaster recovery, and health benefits access services from collaborating ministries. Cannot say enough about this organization.

I would like to commend the staff of ACAM, as these professionals work tirelessly to meet the needs of the community, particular after the atrocious tropical storm named Harvey. The staff is not only dedicated but super organized in meeting deadlines with grants and other necessary paperwork dealing with nonprofit organizations. I have known about this company for several years and only have accolades for them.

I have called Alliance of Community Assistance Ministries, inc. (ACAM) a GOD send, the staff is helpful and professional. I have call many time for help and have been giving great resources.

The world would be a better place if everyone would put valve and repect other.

The Staff at ACAM understand how to treat all of God children...

Thank you..


Barbara McIntyre
Liberty County Long Term Recovery Committee Co-Chair
281-687-6947

Jessica at ACAM was amazing! ACAM has gone beyond what could have ever been expected. We are very happy with all the extra effort that went into their assistance with Harvy.

ACAM trainings have provided valuable professional development and networking opportunities for our entire staff. Beyond the formal trainings, ACAM consultants and presenters have become go-to resources for our team to gain additional support and advise.

Going through the at-PACE organizational assessment process has helped us to objectively evaluate key organizational strengths and weaknesses. Identifying areas for improvement and growth have allowed us to strategically focus our limited time and resources to enhance our ministry´s efficiency and effectiveness.

In just the past two years, our ministry has grown significantly through the financial and capacity building support of ACAM. We are a better ministry because of ACAM and are so grateful for all their support!

Great organization! As Executive Director of Epiphany Community Health Outreach Services, I have benefited from the capacity building workshops ACAM provides! Grateful for all they do!

This charity provides critical assistance to faith based charities in the greater Houston area.

Before ACAM, there were casual communications among the Assistance Ministries in the Greater Houston area, but not formal ones. The Philanthropic community saw the potential which could be gained from a more formal connection, and that potential has truly been realized over and over. I personally think it is not only getting "the right people on the bus" as Jim Collins said in "Good to Great" - but it is adding that level of each ACAM member's personal "passion for mission" that makes ACAM truly great! They are all truly "Servant Leaders" to steal another great book's title. We are blessed to have ACAM!

So proud of the work Alliance of Community Assistance Ministries is doing for the Houston community.

ACAM is a great asset in the Houston community.ACAM provides services and is affiliated with other organizations to assist those in need to get the best help possible. ACAM is truly a blessing.

ACAM is an integral part of the Houston non-profit community, doing the less glamorous but absolutely essential work with little to no fanfare. I have been fortunate to volunteer for them on occasion, and have seen how much they do with far less resources than bigger, more traditional non-profits. I have enjoyed donating my time to ACAM and have witnessed the commitment and dedication of their employees. ACAM's central mission is extraordinarily served by them.

An amazing group of individuals.. it was a great pleasure working with them! They deserve 5+ stars!!

I am so greatful to ACAM for referring me to a ministry that helped me obtain resources during a time of need in my life. They acted with care and understanding in a professissional manner and I am so thankful!!

Dedicated provider of services to related agencies and clients.

I was a community partner with ACAM on the Greater Houston Storm Recovery Network. With all the services they provide, they give a 100% to the task at had. It was a pleasure working with them.

I never knew about the wonderful work ACAM did in the Houston Community until recently. Although I currently do not need assistance, it feels good to know that there are organizations like this that are committed to helping the community in time of need. I have a family member who works with this organization and I have heard first hand about the caring, dedicated people who work endlessly to secure funding to help the community.

ACAM is a wonderful organization that provides many services. Basic needs are so important, especially in times of disaster or unfortunate circumstances that may arise unexpectedly. ACAM is an asset to the community and helps to assure that those in need will be provided for.

ACAM seems to have integrated itself with all facets of community assistance to ensure that those in need do not "slip through the cracks ", which can inadvertently happen when a myriad of entities are providing services. The role of ACAM is so needed to establish, protect and maintain the trust of vulnerable populations.

I worked with ACAM on the Long Term Recovery Committee for the Greater Houston Storm Recovery Network as Chair for the Donation Management Committee. The Alliance of Community Assistance Ministries served as our Fiduciary partner.

The Agency performed above any expectations we were expecting. They provided excellent reports and support to our committee on the use of the funds granted to us. The Nonprofit also wrote the grant for GHSRN.

Thanks to a awesome Nonprofit.

ACAM is an amazing organization that provides critical services to network organizations and the community. I have enjoyed the work I have accomplished through ACAM and I appreciate the consideration, commitment, and diligence of ACAM employees. ACAM's mission is seen through the generosity and diligence of the employees.

ACAM is a wonderful network of resources for the brand new or seasoned Executive Director. Just being able to meet together once a month, to share ideas, challenges, innovations, and NPO life really reminds me that I'm not in this alone and that the ministry we all serve is so much bigger than we can imagine. I am very grateful for the ACAM staff and my colleagues. As a new ED, they have kept my head above water!
The Rev. FMS Brown,
Executive Director
St. Vincent's House, Galveston

ACAM provides great services to the non-profits in the Houston area. Among the services that i admire are great trainings to help my staff become better at the ways we serve our community and our clients.

With a philanthropic flare and unlimited dedication, ACAM's mission has created an atmosphere of communal support. It has grown to the point in which sheer excellence has become common when describing this organization. Their continued support allows the ministries that they fund to be able to lessen suffering and neutralize various socio-economic issues that exist within certain communities. To trust in ACAM, is to invest in the future.

I worked with ACAM on their financial plan and i was impressed with the quality and detail of their books and records. ACAM really has it together in addition to being a wonderful resource for its members and the community.

Every one I spoke to was polite respectful and kind to me. I never felt like a burden or like a problem. Everyone seemed eager and tried their best to assist me. The referrals I got were great. I have limited transportation witch was a problem but they found several groups in my area to help me. I could not have asked for more. A young lady I spoke to named Karen was exceptionally patient and helpful. I would recommend any who needs help in Houston start here.

I have seen firsthand the support that ACAM provides to their network organizations. So many people in need in the communities served by ACAM's members are served in a deeper way because of the capacity building support that ACAM provides.

The staff are the most professional, caring non-profit in Houston

I have seen the work that these incredible men and women do and the heart that they put into every single interaction. The members of our community receiving services from ACAM and its affiliates are no doubt living better lives thanks to the dedication of this organization.

The Alliance of Community Assistance Ministries continues to be a great asset to our communities and society as a whole. They work hard to acquire money for various programs that are in place in Harris, Fort Bend, & Montgomery County. These programs involve homeless programs and homeless prevention programs. When the thought of homeless comes up, the generalized view is a guy standing on the corner begging for some change! Completely opposite is my experience...over 65% of the time I find families living out of their vehicle, or walking down the street with nowhere to go, and women fleeing from a domestic violence situation (People fleeing from a domestic violence situation are considered homeless, and/or those in a safe house). ACAM has funded our Rapid Re-Housing Program, Homeless Prevention Program, & Street Outreach Program for some years.
Imagine living in your vehicle because you have been evicted from your home. You have no money to pay for a hotel and you have 3 children with you. I find that all the time! Even the brightest of individuals have fallen into these hard times. Example: A child was sick from a tumor, the parent had to spend numerous hours at the hospital until she was exhausted, and after the child had a 2 month hospital stay her sick days and vacation hours were gone. Of course, she was fired. She used every resource to maintain her household because she had 2 other children. They were evicted, had no family here, and became homeless. Son was released from the hospital but they had nowhere to go.
The money that ACAM provides to our agency for homeless programs allowed us to get this family into their own place and to help them with Security Deposit, Rent, Utility Deposit, and some necessary things like a bed for the children. Without ACAM hundreds of families and thousands of people like this would remain on the streets and homeless.
There are some very special people that go above and beyond their call of duty at ACAM, and I truly believe that without them our communities would not be the same. They continue to positively impact peoples lives.
Thank you ACAM!!!

As Business Manager for a member CAM, ACAM has helped our agency through capacity building, networking and training and collaborative initiatives. They play a vital role as we strive toward fulfilling our mission.

I have worked with ACAM in a few different capacities, and all of them have been excellent. They have sought excellence both in my agency and in the value they provided in a collaborative in which our agencies both served. In fact, they have gone well above and beyond to provide top-notch service in the collaborative. I am proud to get to collaborate with them.

ACAM's impact is felt every day. Because of ACAM, their network organizations have stronger boards, better trained staff and volunteers, more technological capacity, more effective business and strategic plans and a shared desire and ability to work together to help vulnerable people in our communities meet and rise above their basic needs. They provide the support and opportunities that empower people and communities to grow and thrive.

ACAM is a tremendous resource for non-profits in Houston. They understand the importance of capacity building and infrastructure demands within the non-profit sector and are committed to helping smaller non-profits reach a standard of excellence in their work.

ACAM is unique because it has the heart and passion of a non-profit and the business astuteness of a large organization. It is committed to improving lives and provides effective, quality-based service models. ACAM's focus on capacity-building and development advances organizational operations and enhances staff knowledge and skills.

ACAM expands the capability of the non-profit it serves by providing training, best practices, combined grant allocating coordination and assistance that enables the served non-profit s to achieve beyond their stand alone capacity. JS

A nonprofit that I work with has benefited from the funding and other assistance through ACAM. Our mission has been strengthened through ACAM and the help we can provide for those seeking emergency assistance has increased. ACAM has also provided opportunities for our staff development.

My organization is one of the fortunate recipients of funding through ACAM. This funding along with the incredible support they provide us is making a great impact on our capacity building efforts for our program outcomes. The training we receive through ACAM has been very beneficial and touches on many areas that are relevant to our staff in their every day responsibilities. The ACAM staff provides amazing customer service to the non-profits they work with and are always very professional and supportive. ACAM is truly effective in coordinating positive change in the non-profit community. Thank you ACAM - it is an honor to partner with you!

ACAM has had a powerful effect on our organizations ability to serve the community. Their investment in helping us "be the best we can be" not only helps everyone in our organization, but has a ripple effect throughout the community. They are very vested in not just an organization's professional growth and impact, but also in the individual's professional and personal growth within the organization. The training sessions are always spot-on in their relevancy. The networking opportunities they provide give us all the chance to share experiences and learn from each other and often result in terrific collaboration.
The entire staff is dedicated, professional and always willing to answer any questions or give direction and guidance when needed.

This is our 2nd year being associated with ACAM and our agency has definitely seen a positive impact as a result of our affiliation. We have seen a growth in our capacity to serve, collaborations and in our overall governance. It has also enabled some wonderful learning experiences for our staff through training and networking opportunities that could not be accomplished as effectively without this resource.

This is our second year to be associated with ACAM. Our ministry has been able to provided new services to the clients we serve thanks to ACAM. The staff at ACAM is knowledgeable, professional and always caring and friendly. They are so easy to work with and they are always educating other ministries from the leaders to staff to volunteers.

ACAM has personally touched me by building me up to be the leader I can be. Through their networking opportunities, resource development programs, and just a ear that will listen to me, I'm better because of them.

The Alliance of Community Assistance Ministries, Inc. in Houston is a model of community collaboration!

I rate ACAM at the top of the list of all the organizations I have been affilited with. They have provided valuable organizational assessments and consulting, for LSDM and given us the opportunities to apply for grants to build our internal capacity and human service programs. ACAM have helped to build and strengthen this organization.

I serve as development director for an ACAM member organization. As a member organization, we benefit from organizational assessments and consulting, opportunities to apply for grants to build our internal capacity and human service programs, collaborative projects to enhance our services, training and networking sessions, advocacy and more. ACAM is a place for us to learn and share, to give support and receive it. It is a place for us to be part of something bigger than our own ministry, and thereby, benefit our own ministry while also achieving results for the larger community.

One will look long to find as effective a collaboration as ACAM. Its talented, enthusiastic and skilled staff, along with the Board of Directors and participating agencies, make this organization superior. I have spent many yeas involved with the nonprofit sector in other large cities, and ACAM provides timely and welcomed resources to agencies, who in turn, serve the impoverished.

The non-profit I work for received a grant from ACAM to implement a new program. In addition to the financial support we received, the grant came with the opportunity to network, receive training, and consulting from this fine organization. This training has been invaluable to our organization!

As the Executive Director of a small non-profit we are constantly challenged with carrying out the mission more effectively. Project LIFT was the recipient of an ACAM PACE Grant this year. As a participating grantee we received a comprehensive pre-assessment at the start which pinpointed our organizational strengths and specific needs to be addressed. As we viewed our organization through the lens of this remarkable ACAM PACE Assessment, we saw a roadmap that provided us with a new framework for making organizational decisions which is absolutely critical when seeking to build capacity or make adjustments to organizational structure for sustainability. The networking and ongoing training opportunities provided by ACAM staff and consultants have been invaluable and instrumental in encouraging shared resources and collaboration amongst nonprofit organizations. We are most excited that the post-assessment at the end of the grant period will find us on track to becoming a more effective and efficient organization.
ACAM has assisted Project LIFT improve our housing counseling infrastructure strengthening our ability to serve clients. Regardless the size of the non-profit, ACAM understands that we are all solving ginormous problems and filling gaps that otherwise would remain void and they not only hold up our backs but provide the strong backbone so that we can continue our work which is critical to building vibrant communities. Hats off to ACAM!

ACAM has been a great asset to our nonprofit organization. Their staff is amazing and goes beyond to be of assistance. The Executive Director is excellent. They take a great interest in the ACAM's and recognize our needs in providing for those in need. I am very glad that they exist and have a great interest in the communities in helping the nonprofits to keep people in their homes, providing food, educational services and other areas.

I am a CEO for a small nonprofit that has been a member of ACAM for the past 5 years. ACAM has been an invaluable resource for our organization. They have literally come along side of us, and have provided exceptional capacity building assistance, resource development opportunities, technical assistance as well as networking events and opportunities. The staff are genuinely supportive and go above and beyond to assist members to be successful in providing excellent service to our clients. I personally have benefited and grown professionally from the networking opportunities with other member agencies, opportunities that would not have been available, without ACAM. I truly commend them for the service that they provide.

As President& CEO of a large nonprofit, I am thrilled to highly rate Alluance of Community Assistance Ministries, Inc. The support and depth and breadth of this organization is amazing. What I personally have found importance s its collaborative nature ensuring that best practices and best resources are developed and engaged.

I am an accounting professional who works with many small nonprofit organizations. ACAM is one of the best run organizations that I have seen. Their attention to detail begins in the office and spreads out to the people and ministries that they serve. Good financial controls and best practices are critical for an organization's success and ACAM and their board have done a wonderful job. Donors and other funders should feel confident that their money will be spent efficiently and effectively.

I am a current board member and former Executive that ran a member agency for eight years. The resources and relationships made available to member agencies to build strong infrastructure, best practices, and collaborative partnerships is an invaluable gift to the community and the families that the member agencies serve. ACAM's staff leadership draw from the best non-profit leaders in the community to create a cohesive response to the needs for leadership development, effective and efficient use of human and technological resources, and building a more responsive and connected response to ongoing community need and community-wide disasters such as hurricanes and floods. I am now with an agency that is different in mission and objectives and I could have, if desired, walked away when I moved on. Because of the difference ACAM makes throughout the Houston-Galveston area I determined to make a commitment to continue serving on the Board of ACAM and lending my support to their mission and purpose.

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.

ACAM has been instrumental in the growth and development of services within the faith-based community that is providing basic needs to the Greater Houston area. Their deliberate approach to capacity building has not only impacted staff leadership within their non-profit membership, but has strengthened board and community involvement as well. I have been a part of this organization as an Executive Director of one of its members, since its inception under the ZCAM project over 7 years ago. I have seen member organizations expand infrastructure, develop programs, create community collaborations, increase revenue, improve efficiency and effectiveness, and increaes staff knowlwedge - all leading to an overall improve of programs and services. ACAM also evaluates their member's progress, and measures impact through its detailed evaluation process which in turn provide a road map for other funders, and future duplication of the program's model in other communities. I am now assisting by leading internal committees and am a member of the Board of Director's representing the Executive Director membership.

ACAM is a much needed organization. It helps all peoples,churches,and provides opportunity for communication,consultation among funders and resource professionals. ACAM is a SAINT to many people and very much appreciated.

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.

ACAM has taken on an essential but under-appreciatd task of being an intermediary between organizations that have taken on the task of being part of the social safety net for the Houston-Galveston area and a very sympathetic and supportive public that nevertheless does not fully appreciate how much more effective a charitable organization can be when it is financially strong, competently led and networked with other like-minded members. ACAM advocates for these organizations, facilitates their communication, raises capacity-building funds for them and, to use an overused but nontheless true cliche, has the backs of Houston area community assistance ministries. I am priviledged and proud to be part of its story.

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.

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.

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.

I have had the great privlege of volunteering for ACAM over the last couple of years, and I always greatly enjoy it. They really care about the community and the agenices in the communities. I have gained expereince and knowlege that has helped me better serve my community and those in need.

I feel privileged to have worked on some communication projects with ACAM over the past few years. What a great concept this organization has! CAMs are already great providers of services to people in need, but ACAM helps them coordinate their efforts and resources so more people can be helped. ACAM builds the capacity of member agencies by providing education and training. ACAM also provides networking opportunities so CAM personnel can brainstorm, share best practices, and further their professional growth. The collaborative efforts of ACAM truly strengthens our community's safety net.

ACAM helps area ministries fulfill their mission, by bringing like organizations together. The member agencies have benefited through co-learning opportunities and sharing strengths and weaknesses so they can grow and thrive. These organizations are scattered throughout greater Houston and are the first place people go in time of need or in times of disaster. ACAM agencies provide basic needs, from food to clothing, and more. They are the first place families or individuals turn in times of disasters, such as hurricanes, floods or fire. Because of ACAM, the executive directors now share best practices; staff has become more professional without losing the humanity and passion that drives their work; facilities and infrastructure are improved so that those accessing services feel welcomed. Because of ACAM agencies, the homeless have found shelter; the hungry can feed themselves and their children; others have found meaningful work, and the story goes on.

I am fortunate to interact with ACAM on a daily basis and have witnessed their development from a pilot program to the non-profit organization they are today. I am the Grants Administrator for Rockwell Fund and we share office space with ACAM. I volunteer and perform clerical duties for ACAM on an ongoing basis and my younger daughter volunteered her services in the past. ACAM proactively provides a ripple effect by helping their members become stronger and then those members can serve more people in need and this then strengthens the entire community. ACAM serves as a catalyst and and advocate in the community. To date, ACAM has awarded nearly $4.5 million for projects in the areas of Capacity Building, Networking and Training, Collaborative Initiatives and Advocacy and Outreach.