Nearly 50 years of working to give back to the community have paid off.
“It is one thing to receive an award. It is another to know that our volunteers and members of the community were the ones to nominate us and our peers in the business community that chose us. We are both humbled and grateful, said Steven Liga, ACTS CEO, after winning the Prince William Chamber of Commerce’s 2018 Health & Human Services Award.
“The Chamber Award is particularly gratifying because it was our peers in the business community that recognized that we are an integral part of what makes this county great,” Liga said. “Being chosen by the businesses in this county validates that they see us as peers.”
The story of the Dumfries-based nonprofit dates back to 1969 when thirteen local churches collaborated to help a family whose home was destroyed by fire.
“They decided that an organization that brought all their resources together to provide assistance to people without regard to their religious affiliation and that would be run by lay people would be an asset to the community,” says the ACTS website.
ACTS’ founders then established Prince William County’s first food bank and developed a homeless shelter in local churches.
As the community grew, ACTS’ services expanded to meet additional needs. Services today include a comprehensive domestic violence prevention and intervention program for the whole family.
The ACTS Helpline provides an anonymous suicide-related crisis telephone service, as well as resource referrals. The support groups sponsored by the Helpline are essential to those who have lost a loved one to suicide or who have attempted suicide themselves.
Most recently, SAVAS (Sexual Assault Services) joined the ACTS family in 2012 as the only sexual assault crisis center serving the greater Prince William community.
Today, each of the programs addresses the mission of ACTS: to alleviate hunger, homelessness and interpersonal violence in order to help individuals achieve self-sufficiency.
“The staff and volunteers that serve our community through ACTS are normally unsung heroes. This was a wonderful experience to have our work recognized,” said Liga.
During the last fiscal year, ACTS provided 817 families with $238,000 in financial assistance through their Emergency Assistance Program; distributed 650,000 pounds of food from their food pantry; transitioned 99 households from homelessness into permanent housing; admitted 43 adults and 77 children into their Safe House; answered over 7,000 suicide-related calls through Helpline and served 3,414 domestic violence clients and 717 sexual assault clients. In short they provided services to fifteen percent of the entire population of Prince William County (71,000 people).
“We do what we do for our community because we feel called to do it,” Liga said. “Certainly not for recognition. However, to receive such a public thank you made all of us at ACTS feel very proud.”
“And the Winners Are” is a series highlighting Prince William Chamber of Commerce business award winners.
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A Night on the Riviera
Experience a magical evening at the Embassy of France with A Night on the Riviera, an event that will transport you to the glamour of the French Riviera while celebrating the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras!
Indulge in an exquisite selection of French wines and champagne, paired with the finest French cuisine prepared by the talented Chef of the Embassy of France. Additionally, Chef Hugh Cossard will be carving ham live, ensuring freshness and exceptional flavor. Don’t miss out on the authentic French crêpes, made to order and sure to transport you straight to the streets of Nice.
For those seeking an extra touch of exclusivity, the VIP experience includes unlimited champagne, adding an extra layer of sophistication to this festive celebration.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
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