Adventist Community Services and Disaster Response Report

Executive Summary

The Northeastern Conference Adventist Community Services (ACS) embodies Christ’s love through practical service, training, and compassion. Ministries include food distribution, disaster preparedness, emotional and spiritual care, senior and prison ministry, after-school and back-to-school programs, Thanksgiving initiatives, and more. Through partnerships, ACS has expanded its reach locally, nationally, and internationally.

Disaster Response and Community Impact

Annual regional and local training equips volunteers in donation management, warehouse operations, emotional and spiritual care, and crisis response. Notably, ACS responded to the Buffalo supermarket shooting (2023) and major snowstorms (2024). NEC ACS has supported recovery efforts in Guam, St. Vincent, Jamaica, Haiti, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Through its MOU with the Red Cross, NEC provides ‘emotional first aid’ and practical support.

Community Development

ACS supports food programs, clothing distribution, Thanksgiving events, senior ministries, mentoring, and tutoring programs. Post-COVID, demand has doubled, particularly with the migrant crisis of 2023. Partnerships with agencies such as the Red Cross, NYDIS, Food Bank of NYC, CT Food Share, and others sustain this work.

Food Program Statistics (2021-2024)

NEC’s Corona, Queens ACS Center served 213,784 individuals, supported by $1.1M in grants. Across 73 local church centers, over 8.6 million people were served during the quadrennium.

Strategic Plan (2025–2029)

• Expand grant writing to sustain and grow food, clothing, crisis, elder care, and mentoring programs.
• Develop Centers of Influence offering holistic services, including gardens, thrift stores, and counseling.
• Increase youth involvement through the YES Initiative to mobilize trained young volunteers.
• Strengthen logistics with vehicles, volunteers, and funding for efficient food and clothing distribution.
• Achieve greater financial self-sufficiency across ACS ministries.

Conclusion

The Northeastern Conference ACS has faithfully served through crises and challenges, sustained by God’s grace. We honor dedicated volunteers and leaders, especially those who served sacrificially during COVID-19. Together, we remain committed to bringing hope, healing, and the love of Christ to all communities.