Expand our highly successful sports, educational and social services programs for young people; and gradually rebuild our capacity to help their families meet their needs for jobs, food, and other services. 

___________________________________________________________________________________

Allen Chapel AME, Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church, and Hunter Memorial established the Anacostia Community Outreach Center in 1983 to provide assistance to people in need in eastern Anacostia, a neighborhood which has been neglected by social and youth services agencies. 

In recent years, ACOC has focused increasingly on young people in the Woodland Terrace public housing development and the surrounding community. While reducing its family services because of funding cuts, the organization has expanded its youth services, building on the growing success of its Woodland Tigers sports and education program.  It’s tutoring, counseling and other youth programs are growing as ACOC’s Woodland Tigers program are being asked to play a partnership role with the city and UDC in planning, managing, and providing services in a new $23 million youth and community center slated for the neighborhood. 

The Board is using this time of transition as an opportunity to concentrate heavily on ACOC’s core competencies – youth programs and interventions which are making a significant difference in the lives of young people at risk, and its reputation for providing services with sensitivity – and to prepare for its next phase of service by strengthening and expanding its Board, developing a new strategic plan and strengthening its management with help from an expert interim management team.