Amherstburg Community Services celebrates its 50th anniversary

Sherry Bondy about the hub being a great place for volunteers to gather.

“It took a lot of hard work and people had the vision and hope to make it happen,” he said.

Prue said ACS has made Amherstburg proud and “we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Essex MP Chris Lewis said “service” was the key word, noting that not only do elected official serve but so does the general public.

“Our job on Earth is to serve,” said Lewis.

Lewis also praised the work being done by ACS and its partners.

“It’s about service,” he said.

The local Member of Parliament added it is “a celebration on so many fronts” and remarked how he could not stop smiling.

By Ron Giofu

After five decades of serving the community, Amherstburg Community Services (ACS) took a little time to celebrate over the weekend.

ACS held its 50th anniversary open house Saturday afternoon in their offices within the Amherstburg Community Hub at 320 Richmond St. Dignitaries, guests and those served by ACS turned out to celebrate what ACS executive director Kathy DiBartolomeo called “a true milestone.”

DiBartolomeo thanked the community on behalf of all the staff and volunteers, stating they were thrilled to be able to give back to the area for 50 years.

“When we reflect on our past, it’s hard to imagine that 50 years ago, when our founding members Dr. John Greenaway, David Goldman, Rev. John Burkhart and Hazen Price, our first president, came together to discuss the nutritional needs of local seniors and the barriers they faced trying to get health meals, that they were forming an agency that 50 years later would not only still exist but is thriving and a much-needed resource to the community,” said DiBartolomeo.

ACS was originally called the Social Planning Council, DiBartolomeo pointed out, with it being given its current name in February 1976.

DiBartolomeo stated they have changed locations numerous times over the years but have no plans on doing so again.

“We’re not moving again,” she said. The not-for-profit agency is “filled with pride” to offer over 25 services to the community, ones she said address support, subsidies, government programs and health concerns.

“We know we cannot do this alone and we are so grateful for all of our partnerships, collaborations and the community,” said DiBartolomeo.

ACS believes “the sky is the limit” for our future.

“We envision an agency that provides services that are accessible, inclusive, diverse and open to everyone,” she said. “We know it takes a village to raise a child, but it also takes everyone in that village to take care of each other if we are not only to continue growing, but thrive.”

People past and present have done an amazing job getting everyone to ACS, DiBartolomeo said, but “now it’s time to get to know each other.”

DiBartolomeo thanked her staff and volunteers for their work, comparing it to a relay race. She said they are running the race now after taking the baton from those before them, but will pass the baton to future generations.

All three levels of government were present and each representative presented ACS with a plaque to commemorate the milestone.

Mayor Michael Prue said it was “a delight to be here today” and that he wanted to share how proud the community is of the work ACS is doing.

“I don’t think there is anyone who pulls the community together like your group,” Prue told ACS staff and volunteers.

Prue recalled the anticipation ACS had of moving to their new home and said it is “a great space” for them.

“I can’t imagine you being anywhere else,” he said.

Prue remarked to the crowd in attendance that he was told by Essex Mayor

“I just want to say thank you for doing what you do,” said Lewis. “It truly doesn’t go unnoticed.”

Essex MPP Anthony Leardi said he is familiar with the work done by Amherstburg Community Services and many of the faces behind it because it is in his hometown. He spoke highly of the services offered by ACS and offered his congratulations to them and those who make it happen. Leardi added their work is making the community “an amazing place.”

In addition to Amherstburg residents, they also provide services to residents in LaSalle, Harrow and McGregor.

For more information on Amherstburg Community Services, call their office at 519-736-5471 or visit their website at www.amherstburg-cs.com.