WILLIAMSBURG-JAMES CITY COUNTY — Advancing Community Excellence (ACE) will conduct community forums, virtual focus groups, and an online survey to assess community needs for education, childcare, employment, transportation, health, housing, and civic engagement.
Formerly known as the Williamsburg-James City County Community Action Agency, which was founded in 1968, ACE responds to community needs and promotes economic security for individuals and families who have been historically underserved within Williamsburg-James City County (WJCC) communities.
“We are making steady progress as we work to positively influence the Williamsburg and James City County communities,” ACE Interim President and CEO Cheryl Finch said. “The Community Needs Assessment will provide an opportunity for residents and community partners to provide input that will guide the future direction of the agency. I am grateful to staff and the board of directors for their tireless support in this effort.”
ACE, along with other Community Action agencies like it, fight poverty and build economic security for families in communities across the Commonwealth.
The needs assessment will include surveys, community forums, focus groups, and interviews with residents and partners throughout Williamsburg and JCC.
Results will be tallied, analyzed, and used to produce a report which will be presented to the community later in the year. Once completed, the report will highlight strengths and opportunities for growth in the community, according to ACE.
The report will also guide the development of the agency strategic plan, program funding expansion, and future advocacy efforts.
Those who reside and work in WJCC are encouraged to complete the online survey and attend an event.
In-person community forums will be limited to 20 participants and will take place across the region with COVID-19 protocols in place. Virtual focus groups will be scheduled in February and early March, and will be limited to 10 participants.
ACE Community Forums will take place on Feb. 17 at the Blayton Building at 5 p.m.; Feb. 22 at the Abram Frink, Jr. Community Center at 5 p.m.; February 23 in a virtual forum at 11 a.m.; on Feb. 25 at the JCC Recreation Center at 11 a.m.; March 8 at the Quarterpath Recreation Center at 5:30 p.m.; and March 14 at the JCC Recreation Center at 2 p.m.
There will also be virtual focus groups on Feb. 17 at 2 p.m., Feb 18 at 11 a.m., Feb 24 at 2 p.m, March 1 at 11 a.m., March 3 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. (in Spanish), and March 4 at 11 a.m.
