Succeed & Prosper through Education Ashland, Richland, & Crawford (SPARC)

The Foundation is currently involved in the regional educational council SPARC. This network was created in 2007 to increase prosperity for the entire region, by increasing educational opportunities for every citizen - from pre-kindergarten through grade 16. The initial goals of the SPARC initiative are to improve the flow of regional high school graduates into college or advanced workforce training, and to increase kindergarten students' pre-reading skills. Dr. Lucille G. Ford, ACCF President, is Chair of the 16-member Council.

Ashland County Strategic Planning

ACCF participates and serves as fiscal agent of the Strategic Planning Initiative - a community-based strategic planning process in Ashland County, Ohio. The public-private partnership involves a cross section of community representatives to develop a strategic plan for the City and County of Ashland for the next five-year period. Local government, non-profit organizations and private businesses are involved in this strategic planning process.

Collaborative Effort

A continuing outreach is the Foundation's collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce, Mental Health and Recovery Board and United Way. This ongoing collaboration is intended to provide information and educational opportunities to area non-profit organizations and their board members.

Salvation Army Kroc Center Comes to Life

The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center was dedicated in April 2009 and is now serving Ashland County. It is exciting to see the Center that was years in the making come to life - providing programs and services to all! ACCF was privileged to take part in the fundraising efforts for the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center. With a remarkable $18 million gift of a Kroc Center, the Ashland County community gave generously and graciously of their time, talent and resources. With a $1.5 million local goal, the community responded with $3.2 million to include a $1 million State of Ohio grant. ACCF is honored to hold the local endowment fund for the Salvation Army Kroc Center, as well as serve as agent for the building furnishings and equipment dollars.