A Note From ACAC's Board Chair

An open letter to Alamance County neighbors:


For more than 30 years, Allied Churches of Alamance County has provided critical services to members of our community with dire needs. Our shelter for homeless citizens, the community kitchen, our food pantry, and our resource center remain essential community assets for supporting and protecting families and children facing crisis and assisting them onto the path of independence. We are the largest provider of these services in our community. Our mission is critical to the well-being of Alamance County: to prevent and end homelessness and food insecurity.


You no doubt have read reports in the Times-News that ACAC is experiencing a financial challenge this summer. This is true. In the summer months, we typically experience high usage and receive fewer donations. In addition, this summer we lost one major fund that is no longer available, and are awaiting disbursements from other funding sources. Thus, the summer of 2016 has presented us with a particularly tight cash flow situation.


In order to rise to this challenge, the board of directors is taking several steps. First, we have reduced our expenses without cutting services to our clients. This has meant, regrettably, that we have had to cut back on personnel expenses. The board and staff continue to aggressively promote the "ALL-IN" campaign to boost fundraising immediately. If there was ever a time when your gifts mattered, now is that time. Please join the board in supporting “ALL-IN WITH ACAC” to help Allied Churches get through this challenging period. Checks made out to Allied Churches of Alamance County, noting the “ALL-IN” campaign, can be mailed to Post Office Box 2581 Burlington NC 27216.


As you have also read, the board is seeking new leadership for Allied Churches of Alamance County. We are continuing the process of hiring an assistant director who will be in charge of day-to-day operations and will strategically add the position when appropriate. We are researching interim director options and needs, and we will soon launch a search for a new executive director, who will have major responsibilities for fundraising and community relations while working with the board of directors toward our mission of ending homelessness and food insecurity.


I also want to remind you about the central role of volunteers to our operation. If you are currently volunteering with ACAC, thank you! If you would like to re-engage or become involved with ACAC, we want to help you do that. Please call Sara Beth Hardy or Brittany Graybeal at 336-229-0881 to see how you or your group can help.
Finally, please keep our clients and our excellent and dedicated staff in your prayers. I thank you for your support, your understanding, and your demonstrations of care to those most in need.

Laurie Lambert, Chair, ACAC Board of Directors