Spring 2007

ADMINISTRATOR’S MESSAGE:
Values reflect heart, passion of organization

By Dan Howell
Chief Executive Officer

ACCC’s board of trustees recently adopted a set of values for the organization. In the past, the values guiding ACCC had been those of our larger parent organization. The values we adopted this past year are now ours and ours alone, the cornerstone on which we will continue to build.

A few months ago, we invited our 300 employees to provide their input into helping develop this values statement. Six themes resonated from employees in all areas—direct care providers, therapists, educators, and administrative support.

• Compassion
• Holistic Encouragement
• Acceptance
• Life-long learning
• Service above self
• Teamwork

In looking back through past publications, these values are consistent with the formal and informal statements of our founders. The basic framework of why we exist remains the same.

These values will help guide us as we grow and lead us in the appropriate direction as the board challenges us to change more lives forever.

We have many challenges and opportunities ahead of us with over 300 capable and dedicated employees whom, on a daily basis, impact the lives of children and their families, co-workers and organization supporters.

Their impact and ability to make a difference in so many lives grows exponentially. As does the impact of your dedication and support.

We have always said it’s incredibly humbling to see so many people give from their hearts to support the work being done here. You, too, embrace our values.

From the thousands of requests you receive from worthy charitable organizations, you choose us and for that we’re grateful. You realize that children with special needs have greater needs and you do what you can to help us meet those needs.

We do not take any gift for granted, knowing it’s given unselfishly because you believe in what we do and have faith that it will be used to change more lives forever.