St. louis Adventist community services

The St. Louis Adventist Community Services (ACS) is proudly connected to both our local network of Seventh-day Adventist churches and the global ACS organization, which began in 1874. This legacy of service guides our mission to provide compassionate support to those in need. With the opening of our new building in St. Louis, we’re excited to expand our reach and serve even more members of our community with food, clothing, and essential resources. Our volunteer program plays a vital role in making this possible, and we welcome individuals who are passionate about making a difference to join us in this meaningful work.

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ACS Mission

At St. Louis Adventist Community Services, our mission is to serve our community in Christ’s name by providing food, clothing, and vital resources to individuals and families in need. Supported by local Seventh-day Adventist churches and grounded in the global ACS tradition, we are committed to holistic ministry—uplifting the whole person through compassion, dignity, and practical support.

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ACS Vision

• Expanding the scope of community services

• Building collaborative partnerships

• Integrating education in leadership development

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ACS Core Values

SHARING – We proclaim the good news of salvation by actively demonstrating the love of God.

CONNECTING – We build relationships by connecting people with their community family and to God.

MINISTERING – We minister to the communities we serve by focusing on their physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being.

DISCIPLESHIP – We empower and engage members to serve their communities by teaching, mentoring, and equipping in holistic ministry.

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Global ACS

In 1874, ACS began as the “Dorcas and Benevolent Association” composed of women providing clothes, food, financial support and services to needy families in churches and in their communities.  This is why until the World War II era, the humanitarian work of local Seventh-day Adventist churches was known as the Dorcas Society. Dorcas was a disciple in the early Christian church in the city of Joppa who was well regarded as a person who was always doing good and helping those in need (Acts 9:36-43).

In 1879, the Dorcas Societies wanted to involve their husbands so the Good Samaritan Society was organized.
In 1953, the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church broadened the concept of service to urban ministry. This new organization was named Seventh-day Adventist Health and Welfare Services (SAWS).
In 1972, the name was changed to Adventist Community Services (ACS).

In 1983, the church organized the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) International to serve societies outside of North America more effectively. ADRA is a church owned non-governmental organization (NGO) that works at a global level sponsored by the Seventh-day Adventist Church to provide international relief and development.

In 2005, ACS expanded its ministry with ACS International under the General Conference Sabbath School and Personal Ministry Department to focus on Adventists in community services and outreach ministries at the local church level.

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Click here for more information about the worldwide Adventist Community Services.