ACE News
ACE Kicks Off 19th Year of Serving Central Texas
November 13, 2012
On September 19, ACE staff gathered at the Long Center for the Performing Arts in Austin, Texas, with local business, education, political, and civic leaders to celebrate and unveil ACE’s ambitious three-year strategic growth plan.
ACE Director Mary Ellen Isaacs announced the new vision statement: “ACE’s vision is that every child in Central Texas is a successful reader before third grade, setting them on a path of excellence in school and in life.”
ACE plans to work towards this goal by continuing to provide low-income schools with highly trained AmeriCorps tutors to ensure that children advance to grade level in reading before third grade. Speakers at the event included Mark Williams, president of the board of trustees for the Austin Independent School District, Helen Watkins, chair of the ACE Fundraising Committee, and Christina Flores, a second-year ACE tutor.
Board president Williams spoke about the unique way in which ACE has been able to grow during turbulent economic times. School systems are facing budget cuts at the same time that nonprofits are struggling and more students need help. “ACE has stepped up at a time when things have been very difficult.” He continued, “We believe in this program. We’re willing to devote additional dollars to this effort in spite of the budget cut.”
Williams explained how ACE’s community partnerships—including its connections with the University of Texas at Austin and AmeriCorps—enable it to leverage dollars to help as many students as possible, engaging the entire community in the process. He acknowledged that ACE makes a “dramatic impact relative to the actual philanthropic investment that is provided.”
Helen Watkins, who chairs the ACE Fundraising Committee, highlighted the importance of the ACE mission for everyone in the community. These children “are the future of our state of Texas. They deserve a chance.”
ACE tutor Christina Flores spoke to guests about her experience working directly with children in need and the difference that ACE makes every day. "What I really love about ACE’s mission is that it gives every child an opportunity to succeed in life. It doesn’t matter what language you speak, or what neighborhood you so happen to be raised in. Everyone deserves to be literate." ACE not only makes a difference to the children, but also inspires tutors like Christina who share the passion for teaching that is cultivated over their year of service.
The program was brief, providing guests with the chance to speak directly with ACE staff and tutors for the remainder of the evening. The event was an opportunity for ACE to celebrate its mission and expansion with current donors as well as to raise awareness about the work that ACE is doing and the tremendous growth experienced over the past year.
Sabrina Savinski
ACE Outreach Coordinator VISTA