Our Mission is to Empower
We fundamentally believe that when people are provided with the right tools, positive role models, and accessible opportunities, they can transform their lives and the greater community.
Alliance for Community Empowerment (ACE) is a community-based 501(c)3 organization located in the West San Fernando Valley. Since its inception in 2013, ACE has assisted thousands of individuals whose lives have been impacted by trauma and poverty. To support empowerment, ACE provides education, workforce development, gang intervention and prevention programming integrated with counseling, mentoring, case management, and other support services for marginalized individuals and families.
Our Vision
We aspire to transform the San Fernando Valley into a region where everyone is equipped to overcome systemic challenges and empowered to create a future of health, wellness, stability, and long-lasting community support.
Our Mission
ACE’s mission is to empower San Fernando Valley residents by providing education, workforce development, housing support, behavioral health, violence intervention/prevention, and advocacy — to build resilience, achieve stability, and strengthen our communities.
Our Service Model
All ACE Programs are delivered in a holistic, integrated manner, touching eight critical elements of development.
1
Mentorship
Mentorship through the ACE model provides our participants with a 1:1 pairing that enables them to form a meaningful connection with their mentor.
2
Character Development
We all develop differently. At ACE, our goal is help you become the best version of yourself, so you can tackle any obstacle that comes your way.
3
Advocacy & Service
ACE is more than a school. As part of the core curriculum we push students to be civically involved and stand up for what they believe in.
4
Education
Our Educational process goes beyond just learning facts and figures. Our teachers weave real life skills into their lessons. Students leave ACE with the knowledge to survive in an ever increasingly complex world.
5
Leadership
Being a leader is about making the best decision for yourself and your community. At ACE we focus on teaching our participants how their decision making impacts the world around them.
6
Career Development
The future can be a scary place, but our ACE staff is focused on participant success. Before any participant leaves ACE, their care managers and counselors will work with them to develop a roadmap they can achieve.
7
Health & Well-Being
Mental and physical health is always important in the daily life of every individual. ACE is focused on ensuring that no participant feels isolated, and that each can feel comfortable talking to our counselors and mentors. A healthy participant will be the most productive participant!
8
Graduate Support
ACE is a family. Long after participants leave ACE we will be always open to them. We are part of the community, when our participants do well in the world, we all do well.
Programs & Services
RUTH YOUTHBUILD
RUTH YouthBuild is a leadership development program offering a high school education, job training, and community service, empowering participants with personal growth and career readiness.​
COMMUNITY VIOLENCE INTERVENTION
ACE’s Community Violence Intervention (CVI) Program connects resources directly to the communities and individuals most affected by violence. CVI provides crisis response, mediation, and support services to individuals ages 15-25 to build safer, more resilient neighborhoods.
SECTOR
Our SECTOR program, which stands for Skills and Experiences for the Careers of Tomorrow, provides reentry services, education, workforce development, support services, and job placement for individuals impacted by the justice system.​
PARENTING
ACE’s multi-lingual Parenting Program supports parents and caregivers of all ages with trauma-informed resources. This program equips families with tools for their children’s healthy development and helps parents navigate their parenting journey confidently.​
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT ZONE (YEZ)
Our YEZ program supports youth ages 10-15 with mentorship and community activities. Participants develop social and emotional skills to face challenges and reduce gang involvement.​
DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
ACE's Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) provides mental health services tailored for individuals ages 10 and over. Through therapy and resilience-focused workshops, DBH empowers our participants to achieve emotional well-being.​