Pantry to Pathway: Pound by Pound. Brick by Brick.

February: A Month of Tangible Impact for ACES💙💛❤️

Nearly 10,000 pounds of food delivered.

A new regional food partnership formed.

A Legacy Brick placed in the Pathway of Inclusion.

Voted Best of Gwinnett 2025.

February was a month defined by action — and by a community that continues to show up.

Supporting Our Local Food Banks 🥫

Food insecurity continues to affect families across Gwinnett County, and autistic adults are disproportionately impacted due to barriers in employment, transportation, and access to reliable resources. Stability matters. Access matters. Dignity matters.

In January, ACES provided 1,829 pounds of food to North Gwinnett Cooperative, bolstering pantry supplies and aiding families throughout our community. That’s 1,829 pounds of meals. 1,829 pounds of support. 1,829 pounds of neighbors helping neighbors.

And on February 19, we returned with an additional 1,268 pounds of essentials — because support isn’t a one-time event. It’s consistency.

It’s showing up when shelves need restocking and committing not just to give, but to keep giving. That second delivery reflects who we are as an organization: steady, dependable, and dedicated to long-term community support.

Growing Our Reach: Hamilton Mill Partnership 🥫🔥

In February, we expanded our impact!

On February 23, ACES delivered 2355 pounds of food and essential groceries to our newest partner, The Pantry at Hamilton Mill — one of the largest food distribution ministries in Northeast Georgia, serving an average of 700 families every Saturday with no eligibility requirements.

This new partnership allows us to reach even more families with dignity and compassion.

A heartfelt thank you to Jimmy and Trace Cannon for providing the truck and helping load and unload 🚛💪 and to Kaitlyn and Ryan Frazier for collecting, coordinating, and managing donations week after week 🥫🙌. Your commitment keeps this mission moving.

With these deliveries, our

SEASON 18 TOTAL HAS REACHED 9,326 POUNDS — SO FAR!

And we’re not finished yet.

There’s still a week left in the season — a week to collect more, give more, and see just how much goodness we can create together.

Every box collected. Every partnership formed. Every family supported.

Pound by pound, we are building something that matters. 💙💛❤️

Building a Pathway of Inclusion 🧱

In February, ACES proudly partnered with Spectrum Autism Support Group as a Project Partner in their new Pathway of Inclusion campaign.

ACES sponsored a Legacy Brick, investing in a future that reflects the values we work toward every day: meaningful opportunity, visible inclusion, and community connection.

For more than two decades, Spectrum has strengthened families through support groups, respite programs, camps, and social development opportunities. We are honored to stand alongside an organization whose impact continues to shape lives across our community.

If this mission resonates with you, we encourage you to consider purchasing a personalized brick and becoming part of this permanent pathway. Every name added strengthens the message that inclusion belongs here. Find out more about Spectrum Autism Support Group's Pathway of Inclusion HERE!

You did it again! 🏆ACES has been voted among the Best of Gwinnett for 2025!

Your votes put us here — but your support is what truly moves our mission forward every single day. From sponsoring supported employment opportunities and creating meaningful pathways to build skills and confidence, to pantry partnerships, inclusion initiatives, and community events — this recognition belongs to everyone who shows up, plays, donates, volunteers, and believes in what we’re building together.

This award isn’t just a title. It’s a reflection of a community that cares deeply and acts boldly.

We are honored.We are grateful. And we are more motivated than ever to keep building opportunity, connection, and impact across Gwinnett County.

Thank you for standing with us — and for voting us among the Best.

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February reminded us that meaningful impact is rarely loud — it is steady.

It is found in quiet acts of generosity and in collective moments of support. In people who care enough to show up again and again.

Because of you, families feel relief.

Because of you, inclusion is visible and lasting.

Because of you, opportunity continues to grow.

We are deeply grateful to be part of a community that believes in building something better — thoughtfully, intentionally, and together.

And if this is what February looks like, we can't wait for what’s next!