I want to introduce myself as the new Program Director for Action Centered Tutoring.  The former Director retired at the end of 2025, so I am now taking up the responsibility for running, expanding, and improving ACTS programs.

We were able to say a warm farewell and express our thanks to the former Director, Dr. Headly, upon her retirement.  ACTS is grateful to Barbara for her work in re-opening programs that closed during the pandemic, and for the progress she made in expanding programming.

A little about me; I had a whole previous career as an environmental consultant up until 2016, when I decided that I needed a change. I started volunteering as a coach with an organization called Girls on the Run, which pairs physical activity with social-emotional learning and support. One thing led to another, and I had found my new niche. After coaching for 6 seasons, I became a staff member in 2019, charged with supporting and expanding programs, including the recruitment of volunteers and kids, community outreach, and training volunteers.

ACTS’ search for a new Program Director came to my attention in October 2024, and I enthusiastically pursued the opportunity. The way that the ACTS program lifts children’s confidence and competence by helping them reach their academic goals, as well as bolstering each student’s compassion for others, community connections, ability to make positive choices, and encouraging them to be good humans through Club Time demonstrates a strong alignment with my personal and professional objectives.

I am thrilled to be here, and I’ve been busy behind the scenes, supporting Board Members and Site Directors, doing outreach, organizing materials, information and files, and updating some procedures and features of the ACTS program. I hope my work thus far, and going forward, will make a positive difference in how people experience and interact with our organization.

I’ve been able to meet and speak with many supporters, and it is my hope to meet and speak with many more of you in the coming months!

As we are entering the last few months of the 2024-2025 school year, please be on the lookout for news from us regarding our programming, events we will be attending or hosting, and ways you can support ACTS in making a difference…one child at a time.

With gratitude,

Jennifer R. Helfrich, Program Director