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ACA Participation in Community Integration Initiatives

ACA is a strong believer in the importance and benefits of community participation in the administration of public welfare programs and in community integration. Locally, nationally, and internationally, ACA plays a significant role in community integration projects, as a volunteer and as a contributor of consulting services and assistance. For example, Allan Collautt, ACA President & CEO, received, in 2005, an award of a Distinguished Volunteer in appreciation for his efforts to improve the quality of life for the citizens within the Central Region of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The Community Advisory Board (CAB) also recognized and acknowledged the long-term contribution of ACA toward administrative competence and sustainability of the collaborative.

Allan Collautt received the Distinguished Volunteer Award in appreciation for his efforts to improve the quality of life of the citizens within the Central Region of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

The subject and the philosophy of community integration are complex and require much continued development. Dr. Collautt attributes to the issue much of his personal attention and shares his thoughts with the public in his presentations, publications, and the CEO Column on our Website. As stated in the CAB information brochure , the goals of a collaborative initiative may be:

• Determine community priorities.
• Develop innovative solutions for care planning and delivery.
• Encourage voluntary participation and broad representation of community stakeholders.
• Serve communities toward identification of service gaps and work to assure that citizens have adequate access to services.
• Determine redundancy within communities to streamline provision of community services.
• Advocate for resources and be a part of initiatives to garner those resources.
• Promote concepts of self-sustainability and self-determination of the communities.
• Protect cultural heritage and unique profile of the communities.