Mission, Vision & Values
Did you know a one-page document drives every activity at ACT? Rather than being lofty or dry, three succinct statements “drive virtually all that we do and decisions that we make,” says Executive Director Mark Hassemer. The Vision, Mission and Value statements are:
- Introduced to all new employees and board members
- Used to develop goals and action plans
At ACT’s fall planning retreat, more than 40 staff members reviewed the statements and refined the language slightly. “These are words that are meaningful,” says Hassemer. “They are words that are in our minds in everything we do and across all programs.
“It’s valuable when all employees have a say in the organization,” he adds. “We’re able to work toward our goals because everyone buys into our vision and mission.”
The Mission, Vision and Value statements are:
Vision statement:
ACT’s vision is a community where everyone belongs, is included, participates, and is accepted.
Mission statement:
ACT provides personalized support to individuals with disabilities as they become full and valued members of the community by accessing opportunities available to all citizens.
Value statement:
ACT eagerly and enthusiastically accomplishes its goals through the following areas:
- Assure a competent, well trained, caring, compassionate staff
- Provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to make informed choices and exercise their right to self determination
- Support individuals with disabilities to participate in the community
- Encourage and facilitate the involvement of family members and friends in the lives of people supported by ACT
- Respect and advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities
- Encourage innovation and creativity in administrating and providing supports to people with disabilities
- Provide supports in a safe, healthy and happy environment
- Administer a well managed and cost efficient business oriented organization
- Embrace diversity within the organization
MISSION, VISION, VALUES DRIVE ACT
CELEBRATING FREEDOM
What is more important in life?
We all want to move freely, interact with others and contribute to society. But many with disabilities encounter barriers to such freedom. That’s why ACT exists. ACT helps remove the barriers that limit enjoyment and satisfaction for those with disabilities. Since its inception, the leadership and staff of ACT have believed that knowledge and training could change the worlds of persons with disabilities. Those with blindness, cerebral palsy, deafness, paralysis and other physical and intellectual limitations would experience life much like the rest of society—mobile, active, productive, connected.
CELEBRATING WORK
- The Power of Work.
What separates ACT from many similar organizations is the powerful emphasis on work. If work is possible, ACT makes it happen. - Why is work so important?
Work is powerful. It proves everyone is important. Needed. Wanted. At ACT, work is not an occupation, it’s life. Work brings life meaning and purpose no matter what limitations may exist. Everyone contributes and everyone succeeds. - The rewards are obvious.
At every ACT work station, or job in the community, you see smiles, bright eyes and the passion to excel. By breaking down each task into minute steps, ACT can match an individual’s abilities with the task at hand. Step by step, barriers to the American Dream disappear. Every person — employed with or through ACT — tastes individual freedom like never before.
CELEBRATING THE FUTURE
ACT is all about choices. For 25 years we have recognized the need and desire of people with disabilities to have choices. They want choices usually taken for granted—choices such as where to live, where to work, and how to spend one’s free time. ACT’s desire is to meet our participants’ needs: For relationships.
In addition to the paid caregiver, people must be able to enjoy their family and friends. To contribute to society. Whether it’s through a job or personal contacts, all people want to give. To belong. We all want to be a part of something. That’s why we belong to church communities, civic groups, and social clubs. We join neighborhood associations and participate in recreational and sports teams. So we do not end this report talking about numbers—the numbers of houses we hope to find for people with disabilities or the number of job placements, or work orders we’ll contract. While progress is promised in all key areas, our focus remains choices. We are committed to helping persons with disabilities throughout our community develop relationships, contribute, and belong. By focusing on choices, we will fulfill our mission far into the future.
Mark Hassemer
Executive Director
