Introduction
The ACF’s Office of Community Services (OCS) Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) is here. It demonstrates the impact OCS programs have on helping address the root causes and consequences of poverty. The report summarizes priorities, findings, and recommendations, and also showcases how programs enhance opportunities for economic stability for individuals and families and revitalize communities in the United States.
OCS Priorities
1
Ensuring the programs we administer are of the highest quality possible and reach those most in need.
2
Lifting up voices from the field and using lessons learned to be thoughtful and innovative in our approach.
3
Identifying opportunities to break down silos and implement cross-cutting initiatives within OCS and ACF, and across the federal government
4
Amplifying OCS' many connections to HHS’ and ACF’s top priorities to better support families and communities.
Background
In FY21, OCS created its first-ever annual report and established foundational priorities to build upon in subsequent years. Those key priorities guide OCS’ mission and ensure that the programs administered are of the highest quality and reach the greatest number of people and families in need. These priorities are based on stakeholder and recipient feedback and use lessons learned that are thoughtful, inclusive, and innovative. They identify opportunities to break down silos and implement new initiatives within OCS and ACF, and across the federal government. They also amplify and align with Health and Human Services’ (HHS’) and the Administration for Children and Families’ (ACF’s) mission to better support families and communities.
In FY22, OCS staff worked industriously to implement these priorities. OCS began new programs and developed new management tools to enact these priorities and be more efficient.
In FY23, OCS focused on measuring the efficiency of its programs and the progress toward better aligning with the FY21 priorities. OCS was able to track accomplishments more resourcefully, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions that improve program impact and help those in need. By systematically evaluating OCS efforts, OCS demonstrated accountability, optimized resource allocation, and continuously refined strategies to serve communities better. These reports enabled OCS to establish benchmarks to improve upon, highlight achievements, remain focused on the mission, and create lasting economic change for millions of people in the United States.