ACS: Giving a Second Chance through Community Service

Alternative Community Service (ACS) is a thriving and successful sector of Volunteer Fairfax. ACS places a comprehensive range of court-ordered clients in community service positions in lieu of a fine or jail term. Clients may also be pre-trial, and are completing community service to possibly reduce or dismiss their sentence. This program is a great benefit to the clients it serves, the organizations it helps, and the community as a whole. It allows defendants a chance to steer their lives in a positive direction by contributing to their community. In turn, non-profit organizations gain much needed help, as many defendants are required to complete anywhere from twenty four to one hundred hours of community service for their case.

In 2012, nearly 719 clients completed more than 21,991 hours of service at more than 100 local nonprofit and public agencies. According to the Independent Sector, which values volunteering at $22.14 per hour, ACS clients contributed more than $446,880 to local nonprofits last year.

Besides the statistical evidence that ACS has generated, this program also has an emotional impact on clients and supervisors at the participating agencies. Many clients appreciate the opportunity to re-focus their lives for the better. ACS places importance on the client’s interests in order to place them with an agency that they would enjoy working with. Supervisors have given positive feedback stating that numerous clients are a pleasure to work with, and provide tremendous amounts of help, especially when it is most needed.

If you are a potential client, a non-profit agency, a public agency, an attorney, or a member of the court system, please contact us today if you are interested in the Alternative Community Service Program!