SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii -- Dating back to the Revolutionary War, Army spouses assisting other Army families has been a long-standing tradition.
Army spouses led these early relief efforts by operating lending closets, assisting needy families, helping with emergencies and providing comfort to the ill and bereaved. However, when the spouse volunteer transferred, this social assistance often waned or faded away.
-- ACS formed
The Army gradually recognized the need for an official "Family Services Program," and in 1963 Lt. Col. Emma Marie Baird developed the concept of a system of social services that eventually would evolve into Army Community Service (ACS).
July 25, 1965, Gen. Harold K. Johnson, Army Chief of Staff, sent a letter to all major commanders announcing the establishment of ACS.
ACS hosted a celebration to commemorate its birthday, Friday, July 25th, at ACS, Bldg 2091, Schofield Barracks, from 1-3 p.m. This year's theme was "Connecting our Past to the Present."
The event featured a narrated tour of the ACS historical wall and ended with a review of current ACS programs, followed by cake and refreshments from 1-3 p.m. at the following locations:
•Bldg. 647, the Financial Resilience Center, Schofield Barracks;
•Bldg. 692, the Soldier and Family Assistance Center, SB; and
•Bldg. 330, the Fort Shafter Outreach Center.
-- Attend and learn
If someone is not familiar with ACS programs, the ACS birthday celebration was a good opportunity to come by; however, opportunities remain every day to meet the local ACS team and learn about services provided through ACS.
ACS continues to strive to adapt to the changing needs of the Army family and assists in developing resiliency skills needed in today's modern Army.
-- ACS Services
Currently, ACS offers the following services:
•Army Family Action Plan,
•Army Family Team Building,
•Army Volunteer Corps,
•Employment Readiness, Relocation Readiness,
•Exceptional Family Member Program,
•Family Advocacy Program,
•Financial Readiness,
•Information and Referral,
•Soldier and Family Assistance Center, and
•Survivor Outreach Service.
Related Links:
Army Community Service at Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation
Social Sharing