In 1977, far-sighted citizens of Plano, including the future State Senator, Florence Shapiro, formed the Center's first Board of Directors. Initially called the Information & Referral Center of Collin County, the Center was established as a not-for-profit organization that "Informs, Guides, Directs, and Links people to appropriate human service resources."
ACCC addresses medical/dental needs, employment/job training, adoption, arts organizations, volunteer opportunities, housing, food, clothing utilities assistance, and other services. In the year 2000, the Center received its current name in recognition of the broad range of assistance that it provides.
ACCC is the primary contact point for all Collin County residents who need social services.
The Center has had four locations since opening; 1111 Avenue H, in the historic Douglas community of Plano, 2416 Park in the Park Mall Shopping Center, 1569 Avenue K in Plano and the current location at 900 18th Street in Plano. The current location provides central access for clients. ACCC is in the process of rapidly paying off its remaining debt on its building. Ownership of the building will insure a permanent home for the center with good facilities for support of our clients.
In many cases, ACCC is the organization that can best provide the direct support needed by a caller. Within the geographic area of the Plano Independent School District, ACCC is able to provide direct support to 301,000 people, over 49% of the county population. Through funding from the United Way, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Congressional Emergency Food and Shelter program, the TXU Electric Aid, Heating assistance for people in need program and City of Plano contributions, ACCC directly helps defray expenses for citizens with valid needs.
With the continuing work by our volunteer specialists and staff, and the continuing support of our individual and civic donors, we will be here to meet the increasing demand for assistance in our area. Economic and demographic studies indicate that the growth of population, the negative changes in income levels of our population and the continuing influx of immigrants into our area will only increase the need for the services of the Assistance Center. We are working to be here to help in the future, as we have for the past 30 years.