Known for its social action services, Adventist Community Services of Greater Washington's ( ACS ) mission is to help the disadvantaged and grief stricken in our community by empowering individuals through compassionate interaction and sustainable services. Established in 1983 in Silver Spring, Maryland, ACS offers a plethora of services ranging from emergency assistance, education, workforce development, medical services and dental services with a solid case management component. In the early 1990's, the Executive Director and the Board of Directors recognizing the increasing needs for literacy services for non-English speakers developed the Family Literacy Project. The Family Literacy Project began in 1992 as a Literacy/English as a Second Language ( ESL ) and tutoring program. ACS has continually been on the cutting edge of Family Literacy for decades. Today, our Workforce Development Program consisting of ESL and Family Literacy and Computer Literacy with Adult Basis Education ( ABE ) and Life Skill classes provide the basis for educational services. It provides a non-threatening environment where adult learners needing to enhance their skills or acquiring new skills are able to achieve personal goals. From 1998 2002, ACS experienced a growth of 26% for all clients served. Of the clients served during that time, 15.7% reported some sort of abuse and 86% of all served were below the poverty level. Records show that 55% were unemployed, and 33.4% of that group never completed high school. ACS, a recognized advocate for at-risk families, served more than 6000 clients in 2002. Of that number more than 55% were under 35 years old and 80% were below the poverty level.