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ACAM’s Training and Networking Program convenes Core Network partners to learn from each other, collaborate, and foster collective impact. Guided by carefully curated subject matter experts, partner staff engage in educational and networking sessions to expand knowledge, develop strong leadership, and increase resilience. By offering specialized training, group and one-on-one coaching, and opportunities for continuous feedback, ACAM’s Training and Networking Program ensures that partners have access to the tools, training, and resources they need to advance their mission and impact. These virtual and in-person convenings promote best practices, peer learning and information exchange through e-learning and training products offered to partners for free via webinars, conferences, and training materials. These quality offerings are provided to Core Network partners regardless of their ability to pay. Content stems from needs identified by ACAM’s partners, industry best practice standards, and the network’s commitment to the continuous improvement of client-centered programming. To further the program’s reach, out-of-network agencies can purchase an All-Access Pass (AAP) for $250, which provides a full year membership to ACAM’s virtual and in-person for up to three representatives to attend all trainings as well as access recordings
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The All-Access Pass (AAP) is $250 per agency and provides a full year of membership to ACAM’s Training and Networking Program. Participating agencies may send up to three representatives to attend any training and access recordings. Training sessions are typically $35 per person; at $250 per agency, AAP holders benefit from a deep discount $600 per person for a full years membership to ACAM’s trainings. Sign up for the 2025 All-Access Pass Here! If you have any questions, please contact Zoe Cagan, Training and Development Coordinator at zcagan@acamweb.org
Strategic Outreach and Navigation for Immigrant Populations: Panel and Discussion
Join us for a panel and discussion focused on strategic outreach and navigation for immigrant populations in Greater Houston. We will share information on efficient navigation, how we can identify the clients most likely to complete programs, outreach challenges and successes, and how to build trust with our clients so they are encouraged to reach every goal you set together.
Most of the conversation will cover citizenship programs; however, those who serve high immigrant populations in programs like financial, utility, benefits assistance, etc. are encouraged to attend.
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Building rapport and trust with different communities
Clearly communicating expectations of program participation and finding clients who are the best fit
The effects of strategic outreach and navigation on program outcomes/outputs and funding opportunities
Sharing methods that work
Overcoming challenges in navigation
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Non-profit staff working on citizenship initiatives
Volunteer attorneys and legal workers working on citizenship cases
Non-profit staff working closely with immigrant populations
Case Managers
Program Directors
Program coordinators
Executive leadership
Any client-facing staff who may find this topic relevant to their work
This session is free for all attendees.
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Anne Chandler, Executive Director - Texas Immigration Law Council
Maricela Delcid, Benefits Assistance Team Lead - Epiphany Community Health Outreach Services (ECHOS)
Uchenna Onyekwelu, Case Manager - ECHOS
Mariana Sanchez, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer - Bonding Against Adversity
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You can register for this session by clicking this link: Strategic Outreach and Navigation for Immigrant Populations: Panel and Discussion
Responsible Stewardship: The Art of Fulfillment
Donor stewardship is more than just saying "Thank You." It is everything that goes into building relationships with donors so that they continue to give. It's for sharing stories of how donor gifts help accomplish your mission. It's about shaping personalized and targeted communications that make donors feel seen. It's also about ensuring your donors trust you enough to become loyal advocates for your nonprofit.
Join our discussion on how you can cultivate a thriving donor base and forge long-lasting relationships that are essential for your organization's long-term success.
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Methods of donor stewardship
Consistent and personalized communications
Communicating the impact of donor's gifts
Building effective stewardship plans
Donor cultivation and retention
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Development Directors
Development Staff
Marketing and Communications Directors
Marketing and Communications Staff
Events Management Staff
Grant Writers
Executive Leadership
Participation is free for ACAM Network Partner organizations and 2025 All-Access Pass holders. For all other attendees, the cost to participate is $35.
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Lacey Young serves as a Mission Advancement Vice President, working hands-on with client organizations to grow both annual and capital funds. As part of the DFW region, Lacey has helped raise millions of dollars in annual, major gift, and capital campaign funds for a variety of faith-based and social service organizations. With empathy and energy, Lacey values cultivating relationships with organizations while helping strategically align their donors' passions to advance each organization's mission.
Her experience prior to joining Mission Advancement includes over 10 years of fundraising experience across multiple spaces, including private independent schools, health care and social service organizations, and national nonprofit organizations. Lacey has managed a variety of annual appeals and capital campaigns, as well as marketing and communications elements of a development office. Trained at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy: Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and Independent School Management, she is a certified International Advancement Professional reflecting her dedication to her profession and desire to continually improve her skills.
The 2025 Resource Development trainings are brought to you by Mission Advancement
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You can register for this session by clicking this link: Responsible Stewardship: The Art of Fulfillment
Boosting Profit for Your Store
Profit margins in a thrift store improve as result of making many deliberate decisions about how you handle your inventory, pricing, staff, volunteers, merchandising, and customer experience. When nonprofit thrift stores bring in money, they contribute greatly to the nonprofit's mission; when your mission is funded, the impact of your services is strengthened. Join our conversation on effective ways to boost your sales and grow your store.
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Pricing Strategies
Revenue and Cost Drivers
Marketing Strategies
Customer Loyalty
Successful Sales Strategies
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Thrift Store Managers
Thrift Store Staff
Key Thrift Store Volunteers
CEOs/Executive Leadership
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Evan Crass is the Vice President of SMCo Thrift LLC., a company that is focused on helping non-profit organizations create and grow profitable thrift stores. With over 47 stores currently under management, and over 200 stores in their network, SMCo Thrift has created solutions that are proven to increase profitability at any stage of the process from startup to multiple stores. It is SMCo Thrift's goal to see a community of successful thrift store operators feed into a network that will create industry standards for independent thrift stores.
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You can register for this session by clicking this link: Boosting Profits for Your Store
Building a Relational Grant Model
ALL THE THINGS that keep us grant writers and strategists up at night like:
How do we align our mission with funder’s strategies – and not lose integrity?
What does it look like to co-create solutions instead of just pitching projects?
Is it possible to sustain multi-year, trust-based relationships with a revolving door of program officers?
Success with these and other critical questions makes all the difference when it comes to effective funder partnerships. Join like-minded colleagues for a strategic discussion led by the team from Mission Advancement.
Come ready for solutions that work!
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Communicating the aspects of your mission that compliment funder priorities
Showing the impact of your programs
Sustaining multi-year, trust-based relationships with grant makers and foundations
Creating a solution-based proposal
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Development Directors
Grant Writers
Development Coordinators
Program Directors
Fundraising Professionals
Executive Leadership
Participation is free for ACAM Network Partner organizations and 2025 All-Access Pass holders. For all other attendees, the cost to participate is $35.
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Josh Plumley has over 20 years of hands-on professional development and fundraising experience, and he relishes the opportunity to work with nonprofits. His experience working in nearly every seat in the development office has positioned him to counsel a variety of organizations and schools. As a managing consultant with Mission Advancement, he leads projects in several capacities.
As the former Sr Director of Development with Children At Heart Ministries (CAHM), Josh oversaw multimillion-dollar campaigns, led the mid-major gifts program, and focused on strategic affairs and board development with leaders from affiliates across Texas. Josh has worked with a variety of social service and humanitarian causes. He is a former executive board member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Houston Chapter. In that role, he chaired the Strategic Change Committee.
The 2025 Resource Development trainings are brought to you by Mission Advancement
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You can register for this session by clicking this link: Building a Relational Grant Model
The N-400: A Case Manager’s Review
Citizenship is an important step for immigrants who wish to enjoy all the rights and responsibilities it confers. However, the process of obtaining citizenship can also be overwhelming. In this session, we will dissect the N-400, review required documents, understand how to cover costs, and learn ways to put our clients at ease in the process.
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Outlining the N-400 in a manageable way for clients
Reviewing key documentation
Review of the best practices screening toolkit of the New Americans Campaign
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Non-profit staff working on citizenship initiatives
Volunteer attorneys and legal workers working on citizenship cases
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Adrian Izaguirre serves as the Interim Director of Civic Engagement at NALEO Educational Fund. NALEO stands at the forefront of efforts to ensure that naturalization is accessible and affordable. Their advocacy draws on NALEO's extensive experience on promoting U.S. citizenship and helping newcomers with the application process, which includes leadership of the nationally recognized "ya es hora ¡Ciudadanía!" campaign and the Naturalization Working Group.
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You can register for this session by clicking this link: The N-400: A Case Manager's Review
Maximizing the Value of Volunteers with Smart Placement Assignments
Volunteer managers strive to assign their volunteers to tasks they are best suited for. However, nonprofits find themselves needing to rely more on volunteers to upkeep service offerings in the wake of dynamic national funding policies. In this session, we discuss the ways we can get the most out of our volunteers' time by supporting programmatic needs while still providing a fulfilling experience that encourages volunteers to keep coming back.
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Understanding best practices in volunteer placement
Surveying programmatic needs from nonprofit staff
Communicating programmatic needs to volunteers
Reviewing and updating position descriptions
Getting to know your volunteers
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Executive Leadership
Volunteer Program Directors
Volunteer Program Coordinators
Marketing & Communications Staff
Community Engagement Staff
Thrift Store Managers
Food Pantry Managers
Any other staff that engages with Volunteers
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Mark C. Osborne III, CVA is an experienced professional in volunteer services and museum management. Currently serving as Volunteer Services Manager at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Mark previously held the role of Director of Visitor and Volunteer Services at Holocaust Museum Houston, where oversight of a team of six and over 100 volunteers contributed to a high-quality visitor experience. Mark's diverse background includes positions as Lead Educator/Interpreter at the Texas Historical Commission, Park Ranger I at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and Director roles at both The Printing Museum and Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum. Education includes a Master’s degree in Public History from American Public University System and a Bachelor's degree in History and Public Relations from the University of Texas at Tyler.
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You can register for this session by clicking this link: Maximizing the Value of Volunteers with Smart Placement Assignments
Generational Trends in the Workplace
Have you ever been curious about why it can be a struggle working with your colleagues at times? It could be that your team is experiencing the dynamics of generational trends. This workshop engages your team in learning about generational trends, understanding how to work more productively with different generations, and creating an action plan that will help your team work more productively together to get results!
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Understanding the career goals and desires of each generation
Understanding strengths and breaking down stereotypes of each generation
Bridging communication styles among generations
Building synergy and connection among generations
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Executive Leadership
Department Directors
Program Managers
Program Coordinators
Human Resources
Operations Directors
Anyone who finds this topic relevant to their work
Participation is free for ACAM Network Partner. This session is $35 for all other attendees.
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Christine Gravelle, Ph.D., is a leadership coach, trainer, and consultant who supports people in finding their agency to lead the life they want to live. We all have to navigate challenges, and Christine uses concepts of emotional intelligence and leadership strategies to help you get results so you can live your best life!
Christine is a Gallup-Certified Strength Coach, and uses her talent themes of Connectedness, Input, Intellection, Individualization, and Strategic to help you identify strengths in yourself and others to maximize potential. She offers both individual and group coaching options, as well as courses using a cohort model, so you can engage with others to solve challenges.
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You can register for this session by clicking this link: Generational Trends in the Workplace
Ethics in Volunteer Management
Ethics are particularly important in the context of mission-driven organizations who provide services for the most vulnerable populations. Volunteers and volunteer leaders are often the face of these organizations to the people they serve, and that makes ethical characteristics like honesty, integrity, transparency, confidentiality, and equity that much more important. In this session, participants will learn a process for ethical decision-making that can be applied in any situation related to volunteers.
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Understanding the difference between personal, organizational and professional ethics
Understanding a process for ethical decision-making
Strategies for increasing awareness of ethics within an organization and helping both volunteers and staff become more effective at handling ethical dilemmas
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Executive Leadership
Volunteer Program Directors
Volunteer Program Coordinators
Marketing & Communications Staff
Community Engagement Staff
Thrift Store Managers
Food Pantry Managers
Any other staff that engages with Volunteers
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Tony Richardson, CVA currently leads the volunteer program for the County of San Diego’s Department of Parks and Recreation. He serves on the board of directors for both AL!VE and National Association of Volunteer Program Leaders in Government(NAVPLG) where he received the Exemplary Leader Award. A Certified Volunteer Administrator (CVA) and AmeriCorps alumnus, Tony brings over 20 years of experience in volunteer administration, having managed diverse programs across sectors—from nonprofit car shows to local government volunteer centers. His work includes designing unaffiliated volunteer plans for government and emergency management, including CERT programs, United Ways, and parks and recreation agencies.
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You can register for this session by clicking this link: Ethics in Volunteer Management
Best Practices on Building Relationships with Funders
Securing grant funding is more than just writing a persuasive proposal; it's about building meaningful relationships with your funders. A strong relationship with funders can unlock opportunities for collaboration, impact, and long-lasting positive change. In this training we discuss top strategies to cultivate these crucial partnerships and how authentic and transparent communication will take your organization a long way.
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Understanding the funder's mission and priorities
Transparent and engaging communication
Personalizing interactions
Demonstrating impact and success
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Development Directors
Development Staff
Grant Writers
Executive Leadership
Participation is free for ACAM Network Partner organizations and 2025 All-Access Pass holders. For all other attendees, the cost to participate is $35.
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Lacey Young serves as a Mission Advancement Vice President, working hands-on with client organizations to grow both annual and capital funds. As part of the DFW region, Lacey has helped raise millions of dollars in annual, major gift, and capital campaign funds for a variety of faith-based and social service organizations. With empathy and energy, Lacey values cultivating relationships with organizations while helping strategically align their donors' passions to advance each organization's mission.
Her experience prior to joining Mission Advancement includes over 10 years of fundraising experience across multiple spaces, including private independent schools, health care and social service organizations, and national nonprofit organizations. Lacey has managed a variety of annual appeals and capital campaigns, as well as marketing and communications elements of a development office. Trained at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy: Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and Independent School Management, she is a certified International Advancement Professional reflecting her dedication to her profession and desire to continually improve her skills.
The 2025 Resource Development trainings are brought to you by Mission Advancement
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You can register for this session by clicking this link: Best Practices on Building Relationships with Funders
Volunteer Management: Sharing What Works and Working Out What Doesn't
Volunteering is not just about contributing your time and skills to causes you care about; it's also about building meaningful connections. Please join us for this guided networking session where attendees have the opportunity to connect on their experiences, share resources, and find creative solutions to programmatic needs.
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Outreach and Recruitment Strategies
Data Management
Volunteer Appreciation
Retaining Volunteers
Conflict Management
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Executive Leadership
Volunteer Program Directors
Volunteer Program Coordinators
Marketing & Communications Staff
Community Engagement Staff
Thrift Store Managers
Food Pantry Managers
Any other staff that engages with Volunteers
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You can register for this session by clicking this link: Volunteer Management: Sharing What Works and Working Out What Doesn't
Preparing for Politically Motivated Attacks
The more successful nonprofit advocates become, the more their organizations are placed under the microscope by individuals and groups who would like to see them fail. Nonprofits (and their staff) are sometimes attacked for political reasons as they engage in successful advocacy and civic engagement efforts, such as voter registration and education. After this workshop, you will have a clear understanding of how to identify and prepare for politically motivated attacks.
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How to identify politically motivated attacks
Best practices for responding to false narratives
How to protect yourself on social media
How to train your staff and volunteers to respond to situations
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Executive Leadership
Program Directors
Program Coordinators
Case Managers
Care Coordinators
Marketing & Communications Staff
Community Engagement Staff
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Victor Rivera Labiosa is a Bilingual Counsel for the Bolder Advocacy team and the Alliance for Justice’s Texas office, where he works with Spanish-and English-speaking nonprofit organizations to ensure they are maximizing their lobbying and advocacy efforts. He is passionate about amplifying the voices of the Latino community here in Texas and across the United States. Prior to working for AFJ, Victor served as a Corporate and Real Estate associate for a full-service law firm in Puerto Rico.
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You can register for this session by clicking this link: Preparing for Politically Motivated Attacks
This training is brought to you by Bolder Advocacy - Alliance for Justice with the support of the Houston Endowment.
Appealing to Your Donor’s Hears: Building Genuine Connection with Your Community
We know the saying "Logic leads to conclusions, and emotion leads to action." In this session, we will discuss the emotional aspect of fundraising by connecting your donor's hearts to your mission. At the end of the day, fundraising is about relationships, and nurturing those relationships are key to growing and maintaining your donor base. When you prioritize those relationships, you can build a community of dedicated donors who want to give again and again.
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Best practices for building fulfilling relationships with donors
Crafting strong emotional call-to-actions
Understanding donors' passions and how to connect them to your mission
Building a long-term donor base
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Development Directors
Development Staff
Marketing and Communications Directors
Marketing and Communications Staff
Events Management Staff
Grant Writers
Executive Leadership
Participation is free for ACAM Network Partner organizations and 2025 All-Access Pass holders. For all other attendees, the cost to participate is $35.
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Lacey Young serves as a Mission Advancement Vice President, working hands-on with client organizations to grow both annual and capital funds. As part of the DFW region, Lacey has helped raise millions of dollars in annual, major gift, and capital campaign funds for a variety of faith-based and social service organizations. With empathy and energy, Lacey values cultivating relationships with organizations while helping strategically align their donors' passions to advance each organization's mission.
Her experience prior to joining Mission Advancement includes over 10 years of fundraising experience across multiple spaces, including private independent schools, health care and social service organizations, and national nonprofit organizations. Lacey has managed a variety of annual appeals and capital campaigns, as well as marketing and communications elements of a development office. Trained at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy: Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and Independent School Management, she is a certified International Advancement Professional reflecting her dedication to her profession and desire to continually improve her skills.
The 2025 Resource Development trainings are brought to you by Mission Advancement
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You can register for this session by clicking this link: Appealing to Your Donor’s Hearts: Building Genuine Connection with Your Community
Employment Services in Greater Houston: Panel Discussion
The employment services nonprofits offer are vital to maintaining that workforce the shapes the economic landscape of our region. From collaborative initiatives to adaptive outreach strategies, employment services continue to grow and evolve, serving more people each day. For this Panel we are joined by Nikki Agwuenu, CEO at Career and Recovery Resources, Inc, Paul Landa, Program Director at Community Family Centers, and Billy Reddick, Workforce Optimization Network Director at Workforce Solutions.
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Client challenges and barriers
Outreach and engagement strategies
Services for special populations
Adapting to environmental/economic changes
Short-term and long-term program goals
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Employment Program Directors
Employment Program Coordinators
Employment Program Staff
Case Managers
Enrollment and Navigation Specialists
Employment/Career Coaches
Executive Leadership
Participation is free for ACAM Network Partner organizations and 2025 All-Access Pass holders. For all other attendees, the cost to participate is $35.
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You can register for this session by clicking this link: Employment Services in Greater Houston: Panel Discussion
The Art of the Newsletter: Crafting Stories that Connect
Compelling subject lines, quality content, effective call-to-actions, mobile compatibility, and a personal touch are just a few ways to create a newsletter that resonates with your audience. Newsletters are one of the most common kinds of marketing emails, yet their execution remains one of the hardest to get just right. In this session, we will discuss all the ways you can craft a successful newsletter that provides value for your readers and cultivates an audience of people who are excited to hear from you.
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Best practices in crafting newsletters
Encouraging higher interaction with your Call-to-Action
Building consistent engagement
Adding personalization to your content
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Development Directors and Coordinators
Community Events and Outreach Directors and Staff
Marketing and Communications Directors and Staff
Volunteer Managers and Coordinators
Executive Leadership
Participation is free for ACAM Network Partner organizations and 2025 All-Access Pass holders. For all other attendees, the cost to participate is $35.
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Josh Plumley has over 20 years of hands-on professional development and fundraising experience, and he relishes the opportunity to work with nonprofits. His experience working in nearly every seat in the development office has positioned him to counsel a variety of organizations and schools. As a managing consultant with Mission Advancement, he leads projects in several capacities.
As the former Sr Director of Development with Children At Heart Ministries (CAHM), Josh oversaw multimillion-dollar campaigns, led the mid-major gifts program, and focused on strategic affairs and board development with leaders from affiliates across Texas. Josh has worked with a variety of social service and humanitarian causes. He is a former executive board member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Houston Chapter. In that role, he chaired the Strategic Change Committee.
The 2025 Resource Development trainings are brought to you by Mission Advancement
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You can register for this session by clicking this link: The Art of the Newsletter: Crafting Stories that Connect
Workplace Mental Health and Well-Being
It is important to work for an organization that values employees' emotional and psychological well-being. As reported by Mental Health America, almost 80% of workers agree that workplace stress affects their relationships with other people and their mental health. In this training lead by Anthony Sartori, CEO of Evolving Minds, workplace leaders will practice resilience skills that build social support and connections and learn the former U.S. Surgeon General's, Dr. Vivek Murthy, Workplace Mental Health and Well-Being framework.
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The U.S. Surgeon General's Workplace Mental Health and Well-Being Framework
Actionable step towards workplace social connection and support
Integrating stress-reduction practices
Application of workplace mental health knowledge to improve work environment
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Executive Leadership
Department Directors
Program Managers
Client-Facing Staff
Program Coordinators
Anyone who finds this topic relevant to their work
Participation is free for ACAM Network Partner organizations and 2025 All-Access Pass holders. For all other attendees, the cost to participate is $35.
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After graduating from the University of Maryland with a degree in psychology, Anthony Sartori started working in a grocery store in March 2020, just as the pandemic created shopping panic. During every shift for over two years, he felt the impact of a stressful work environment that did little to support worker wellbeing or nourish co-worker relationships. Always on the verge of quitting, he started thinking about how things could be done differently.
What began as a fifteen-minute Culture-Building meeting in his grocery store has evolved into innovative programs that consistently demonstrate compelling outcomes: employees feeling valued as whole people, increased workplace empathy and trust, and reduced anxiety, stress, burnout, and absenteeism.
Since founding Evolving Minds in 2020, Anthony has been at the forefront of workplace mental health, training thousands of leaders across America. His work spans diverse sectors—from nonprofits and philanthropy to universities, public education, government, retail, and corporate environments.
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You can register for this session by clicking this link: Workplace Mental Health and Well-Being
Motivational Interviewing
This training will briefly review the foundational concepts and methods used in practicing Motivational Interviewing (MI): 4 component tasks, ambivalence and fixing reflex, reflective listening, change talk vs. sustain talk, ask-offer-ask. The majority of the training will focus on practicing the above methods through the use of exercises and real-plays with fellow trainees, while coaching is both elicited from the trainees for each other and offered by the facilitator. Jordan Press, LCSW, a Clinical Housing Case Manager at SEARCH Homeless Services will be leading this training.
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Review of foundational concepts and methods of MI
Hands-on coaching and exercises
Practice of 4 Component Tasks
Practice of Ambivalence and Fixing Reflex
Practice of Reflective Listening
Practice of Chang Talk vs. Sustain Talk
Practice of Ask-Offer-Ask
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Case Managers
Direct Care Staff
Program Managers
Program Directors
CEOS/Executive Leadership
Participation is free for ACAM Network Partner organizations and 2025 All-Access Pass holders. For all other attendees, the cost to participate is $35.
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Jordan Press, LCSW, is a Clinical Housing Case Manager at SEARCH Homeless Services. She has been practicing Motivational Interviewing (MI) for 15 years, starting in Los Angeles’ Skid Row and becoming a trainer in the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) in 2016. She provides MI trainings, coaching, and skill-building groups, and seeks to help new learners bring their own voice and intuition into their MI practice.
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You can register for this event by clicking this link: Motivational Interviewing
Managing Overflow Stock Before It Manages You
Donations, donations, donations! In non-profit resale stores, it's so easy for a mole hill of donations to turn into a mountain. J.R. Slack, Founder and Owner of SMCo Thrift leads this session as we discuss best practices for transforming your mountain of inventory into revenue and tips to shorten the time it takes for inventory to reach the sales floor.
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Prioritizing timely product turnover and rotating inventory regularly
Streamlining a donation sorting process
Offering promotions and bundled products
Performing regular inventory audits
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Thrift Store Managers
Thrift Store Staff
Key Thrift Store Volunteers
CEOs/Executive Leadership
Participation is free for ACAM Network Partner organizations and 2025 All-Access Pass holders. For all other attendees, the cost to participate is $35.
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J.R. Slack is the Founder and Owner of SMCo Thrift LLC., a company that is focused on helping non-profit organizations create and grow profitable thrift stores. With over 47 stores currently under management, and over 200 stores in their network, SMCo Thrift has created solutions that are proven to increase profitability at any stage of the process from startup to multiple stores. It is SMCo Thrift's goal to see a community of successful thrift store operators feed into a network that will create industry standards for independent thrift stores.
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You can register for this session by clicking this link: Managing Overflow Stock Before It Manages You
Show Your Auditors Some Love! Stay Audit-Ready All Year Round
Whether you’re new or seasoned, join us for tips to keep your auditors happy by staying audit-ready all year-round. In this webinar, we’ll focus on ways to leverage the month-end close to confidently prepare for and navigate the financial statement audit process. Matthew Guilliam and Adam Weaver from Your Part Time Controller lead us in this discussion.
Participants will earn 1.0 CPE credit in Auditing.
To receive credit, attendees must respond to three out of the four poll questions asked during the program.
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Review the objectives, goals, and stages of a financial statement audit
Define the types of procedure performed and items requested by auditors during a financial statement audit
Summarize how to utilize the month-end close process to effectively prepare for an audit
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Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this program.
Advanced Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: Group Internet Based
Field of Study: Auditing
CPE will be provided by Your Part-Time Controller, LLC. CPE credit can only be provided to participants who attend the live program.
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Finance Directors
Accounting Managers
Finance Staff
Operations Directors
CEOs, CFOs, COOs
Participation is free for ACAM Network Partner organizations and 2025 All-Access Pass holders. For all other attendees, the cost to participate is $35.
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Matthew Guilliams is a Manager in Your Part-Time Controller, LLC’s (YPTC) Houston Market. Before joining YPTC, Matthew began his career in tax specialty consulting providing cost segregation studies to the Auto Dealership and Medical Facility sectors. He also spent significant time in the credit union space managing finance and operations functions. Matthew continues contributing to the credit union movement as a volunteer supervisory committee member.
Adam Weaver is a Manager in Your Part-Time Controller, LLC’s (YPTC) Houston Market. Before joining YPTC, Adam worked primarily with non-profits in the Austin area in accounting management roles and was an auditor for a brief period before being called back to industry accounting work. YPTC has allowed Adam to continue working with non-profits where he enjoys having a mission behind his work.
Your Part-Time Controller, LLC is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org
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You can register by clicking this link: Show Your Auditors Some Love! Stay Audit Ready All-Year Round. General Admission is $35 per attendee.
Refunds and Cancellations:
Refund requests for webinar purchases must be received via e-mail a minimum of 24 hours before the start time of the webinar training you’ve booked. Cancellations with less than 24-hours notice before the start time of the webinar training are eligible for credit for the next webinar they register for. Credits are redeemable until September 30, 2025. Refunds will not be issued once the webinar has passed.
Contact Zoe Cagan, Training and Development Coordinator at zcagan@acamweb.org for questions related to refunds.
Volunteer Appreciation and Why It Matters
Volunteers give so much of their time and talent to nonprofit organizations and giving them a positive experience increases the chance they return. Going the extra mile to show genuine appreciation to your volunteers deepens their commitment to your mission, and, in turn, strengthens the impact your organization makes in the community. Nikki Eliason, CVA, from Make-A-Wish Gulf Coast and Louisiana and their Volunteer of the Year, Kelly Pitts leads us in conversation.
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Setting expectations with volunteers to understand what motivates them
Impact on organization programs and return on investment
Hosting appreciation events
Budgeting for volunteer appreciation
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Volunteer Managers and Coordinators
Resale Store Managers
Food Pantry Managers
Program Directors
CEOS/Executive Leadership
Participation is free for ACAM Network Partner organizations and 2025 All-Access Pass holders. For all other attendees, the cost to participate is $35.
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Nikki Eliason, CVA - Volunteer Manager at Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana
As a transplant to Texas in 2008 from central Indiana, I found myself longing to join the Houston community. I naturally gravitated toward meaningful engagement that was familiar to me as a previous volunteer with Make-A-Wish in my hometown and attended wish granter volunteer training in 2009. Little did I know that I would soon have the opportunity to take on a full-time staff position, and 14 years later have the joy of continuing to serve and learn in new ways each day while sharing in the transformational power of a wish. I'm an active wish-granting volunteer, have served in staff roles within our mission delivery, fundraising and development teams, and now serve as Volunteer Manager. I truly believe that wishes are not just nice but necessary. For a wish child, the opportunity to step outside of their current limitations and experience the hope, strength, and joy that only a wish can provide is integral to their journey of battling a critical illness.
The CVA is the only internationally recognized credential in the profession of volunteer administration and is valid for a 5-year period before renewal. To earn this designation, applicants demonstrate the achievement of 80 points in the areas of education, professional experience and the application of core competencies. Successful applicants become candidates for the CVA who then complete a two-hour examination testing knowledge, application and analysis of skills in six competencies related to the mobilization and leadership of volunteer engagement. Successful CVAs also pledge to work within the professional code of ethics. They join a select group of over 1100 professionals worldwide who currently hold this credential as of November 2024.
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You can register for this training with the following link: Volunteer Appreciation and Why It Matters
Doing More Together in Client Services
Nonprofit and grassroots collaboration across our region becomes more vital each day. As uncertainty about the economy, federal funding, and the availability of basic goods and services rise, so does the community need for nonprofits- nonprofits that are often the difference between clients satisfying their needs or going without. Please join us for this guided networking session where attendees have the opportunity to share needs, share resources, and coordinate services together.
Refreshments and light bites will be provided.
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Current regional challenges
Federal funding updates
Status of client services in our organizations
Networking and information exchange
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Case Managers
Direct Care Staff
Program Managers
Program Directors
CEOS/Executive Leadership
Participation is free for ACAM Network Partner organizations and 2025 All-Access Pass holders. For all other attendees, the cost to participate is $35.
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You can register for this event by following this link: Doing More Together in Client Services
Thrift Store Field Trip: Staging Your Merchandise
Staging your merchandise is all about creating an engaging customer experience in your store, and effective merchandising entices customers to make purchases and keep coming back for more. Please join us for an in-person event where we share the best strategies and see the real-time implementation. This session discussion will be guided by Cindy Husband who is VP of Operations and Resale at Memorial Assistance Ministries and has over two decades of experience in retail management.
Refreshments and light bites will be provided.
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Standardizing inventory and merchandising policies for volunteers
Best use of your high-value locations within the store
Appealing to your customers' senses
Staying ahead of the curve for special events and holidaysxt goes here
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Thrift Store Managers
Thrift Store Staff
CEOS/Executive Leadership
Participation is free for ACAM Network Partner organizations and 2025 All-Access Pass holders. For all other attendees, the cost to participate is $35.
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Cindy Husband serves as the VP of Operations at Memorial Assistance Ministries. With over two decades of retail management in nonprofit resale stores, Cindy's expertise as a consultant and as a coach is highly sought after by nonprofits in our region. As an active member of NARTS: The Association of Resale Professionals, Cindy fosters connections with resale professionals across the country and incorporates innovative methods to improve the success of her stores. Under her leadership, MAM's Resale Store has grown into an operation that brought in over $2 Million dollars last year.
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You can register for this event following this link: Thrift Store Field Trip: Staging Your Merchandise
Spaces are limited for this event, so please register so we may have an accurate headcount.
Make Them Want to Stay: Best Practices to Retain Your Best Employees
Employee retention is a very real challenge non-profit organizations face. In this session we will dive into the life cycle of an employee, how to create effective dialogue, enacting restorative problem solving, acknowledging your rockstar employees, building a fulfilling culture, and investing in your organization's talent.
Come prepared to share your challenges and/or scenarios and for real conversations lead by leadership trainer, coach, and professor Dr. Christine Gravelle.
About the Speaker
Dr. Christine Gravelle
I have over 15 years of experience leading different types of teams and am a certified coach and trainer. From interns, new professionals, people leaders, individual contributors, and executive leaders; I have made it my job to help people unleash their potential so they can be a highly performing team member and thrive. Currently, I coach leaders to maximize their potential, I train teams to be more emotionally intelligent, and I work in executive leadership development.
My passion for learning about new cultures and global leadership development led me to work with international and domestic non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Africa and South America. I served as a representative to the United Nations on behalf of an NGO, and provided global leadership training to NGO representatives. I also served as a board member for a leadership organization that trained leadership trainers. My love for life-long learning led me to earn a Ph.D. in Comparative and International Education, M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, and a B.S. in Social Sciences. My research interests include leadership education and facilitation, global leadership, emotional intelligence, and organizational development. The combination of my life-long learning and growth mindset creates an opportunity for me to train, design, consult, and/or coach for and with hundreds of people on their own leadership development journey. I love to facilitate team sessions, and pinpoint each person’s unique strengths.
I also enjoy traveling, singing, reading, putting together puzzles, and spending time with family and friends.
A Guide to Loss and Theft Prevention (OPEN TRAINING)
Retail is a complex, busy and ever-changing environment that is brought to life through merchandising of inventory, fixtures and displays, customer interaction, employee engagement and even theft. As crime increases in our expansive retail landscape across the United States, attendees of this webinar can look forward to actionable insight to help prepare their stores and their teams to realistically combat theft. Among the details to be revealed will include tips on what to look for in customers who may be prepping to shop lift, habits of employees who may also contribute to this problem, ways stores can set up their spaces to avoid theft occurrences and affordable or no-cost solutions to help aid in this unfortunate yet realistic reality of modern retail.
Nicole Leinbach Hoffman
Nicole Leinbach Hoffman is the Founder of RetailMinded.com, a well-respected industry resource for merchants and vendors alike founded in 2007.
With a core concentration on independent retailers, small businesses, community, and how the various touchpoints of commerce influence modern merchants, Leinbach is a frequent guest and contributor to various media outlets that have included The Today Show, Forbes, Entreprenuer.com and countless B2B publications. Additionally, Leinbach has supported American Express’s Small Business Saturday as a Spokesperson and is the Author of the book “Retail 101: The Guide to Managing and Marketing Your Retail Business” from McGraw-Hill.
In 2022, Leinbach was recognized as one of Women Wear Daily’s “25 Most Inspiring Women in Retail” and has been on the list of the world’s most influential retail leaders from Rethink Retail since 2015. In 2023, Leinbach was recognized by American Eagle on a billboard in retail for being a Global Change Maker with her work in retail.
She’s a mom of 4, 3 dogs and also a Professor at Columbia College where she teaches Retail Marketing. Leinbach proudly describes herself as a “retail geek”.
Best Practices in Utilizing ChatGPT and AI for Development Optimization (OPEN TRAINING)
Join us for a dynamic virtual session where you'll gain a deeper understanding of how artificial intelligence (AI) can revolutionize your organization's operations. We’ll explore the practical applications of AI in the nonprofit sector, from time-saving tools to innovative strategies for fundraising and grant writing. Learn both the potential and limitations of AI, and leave equipped with practical ways you can use AI right now.
This session is free to the ACAM Network and All-Access Pass Holders.
This session is $35 for all other attendees.
Participants will discover how to use AI tools to:
1) Understand the Practical Applications of AI in the Nonprofit Sector: Participants will gain insights into how AI can be leveraged to enhance operational efficiency, streamline communication, and support fundraising and grant writing efforts.
2) Identify the Limitations of AI: Attendees will learn about the potential challenges and limitations of AI to make informed decisions when implementing AI solutions.
3) Implement AI Tools to Achieve Immediate Results: Participants will leave the session with practical knowledge and actionable strategies on how to use AI tools to save time, find funders, and automate tasks, resulting in immediate benefits for their organizations.
All registrants will receive an exclusive AI Prompts and Resources guide.
About the Speaker
Margit Brazda Poirier
Margit Brazda Poirier, GPC, M.S., Owner and Founder of Grants4Good LLC® (grants4good.com), created the company in 2009 to help nonprofit organizations and businesses find and get grant funding. She is one of 400 or so nationally certified Grant Professionals and 1 of only 30 Approved Trainers in the U.S. on this topic.
Margit and her team have written and received millions in grants for nonprofits and businesses – and she has the unique perspective of understanding both grant seeking and grant making, given her experience leading a prominent New York foundation.
Her passion is teaching others to secure grant funding through public speaking and her online course, All About Grant Writing.
She’s spoken at national and international conferences of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Grant Professionals Association, and others.
ACAM Training Focus Group
Thank you all for participating in ACAM's Training and Networking Program so far! We would be grateful to have your attendance for a quick focus group. Our goal each year is to serve you, and your input is the most important part of it all. All responses are anonymous, and we encourage you to freely share your thoughts about your experience and about what you hope to see next.
**There will be a raffle at the end where two lucky people will walk away with a prize!**
Asking the Right Questions: Finding the Right Services
This interactive session gives attendees the opportunity to use the knowledge gained from the previous training sessions, Understanding Immigration Status and Benefit Eligibility and Resources and Services Available to Greater Houston Immigrant Community. Using hypothetical case studies, attendees practice understanding their clients’ situations and correctly assessing their needs, avoiding incomplete service.
Lunch will be provided.
In Collaboration with
Houston Immigration and Legal Services Collaborative
Learning Objective(s)
Hands-on application of immigration processes using hypothetical case studies
Target Audience
Interns, new staff, and community organizations will benefit the most from this training.
Attendance required for Connect for Healthcare Network and Pathways to Citizenship Cohort.
The ACAM Network thanks HILSC for their commitment and their passion for Immigration and Citizenship and for sharing their extensive knowledge and expertise. Together, we do more to strengthen the network of service providers working to naturalize the 300,000 people eligible for citizenship in Greater Houston.
Offering and Leveraging Wrap Around Services: Panel and Networking
Please join us for a panel discussion and networking session on wraparound services! We will speak about best practices, implementation, successes and challenges, legal compliance requirements, how to reach and educate those in need about your services, and any other relevant discussion points regarding the topic. The networking goal is that everyone in attendance leaves with new perspectives and tools they can implement into their own programs and increase wraparound services in Greater Houston.
Lunch will be provided.
ACAM Training Focus Group
Thank you all for participating in ACAM's Training and Networking Program so far! We would be grateful to have your attendance for a quick focus group. Our goal each year is to serve you, and your input is the most important part of it all. All responses are anonymous, and we encourage you to freely share your thoughts about your experience and about what you hope to see next.
**There will be a raffle at the end where two lucky people will walk away with a prize!**
Benefits Application Assistance and Navigation for Special Populations
Enrolling in benefits can be complicated and may cause unintended consequences. This becomes more apparent with those who lack permanent immigration status. This training provides a better understanding of how to identify what programs they are eligible for and assist these special populations to ensure they receive the services they need in a timely and appropriate manner.
Lunch will be provided.
Learning Objectives
Learn the eligibility requirement and process to apply for insurance coverage under Affordable Care Act.
Learn the eligibility requirement for federal means-tested programs
Learn the eligibility requirement for Medicaid and Children Health Insurance Program (CHIP),
Learn about Harris Health, eligibility and application process
Target Audience
Interns, new staff, and community organizations will benefit the most from this training. Attendance required for Pathways to Citizenship Collaborative.
About the Presenters
Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative
In 2013, local organizations working with immigrant communities came together to address the lack of legal service capacity in the Houston region. These early meetings eventually became the Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative (HILSC or the Collaborative). Collaborative allies include non-profit legal services providers, outreach and advocacy organizations, the business community, law school legal clinics, public agencies, and private foundations.
The Collaborative plays a critical role convening, coordinating, and communicating in the legal services community. Through our work, more immigrants are receiving low-cost, high-quality legal services for immigration issues in Houston. Our work has become even more urgent in the last few years, as the policy environment in which we work becomes increasingly hostile to immigrants. We have seen a dramatic increase in the demand for immigration legal services and education & outreach efforts in Houston’s diverse immigrant communities.
Ephipany Community Health Outreach Services (ECHOS)
In 2001, in response to the dramatic change in southwest Houston’s demographics the parishioners of the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany established Epiphany Community Health Outreach Services (ECHOS). To this day, ECHOS remains a ministry of the church and the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. ECHOS became a non-profit corporation in 2001. The doors opened to provide health and social services to the growing population of immigrants and refugees living in the area surrounding the Church. ECHOS Benefits Application Assistance Program provides on-site help to families who are unable to access affordable health care and who do not have medical insurance coverage. Staff assists them with completing and submitting applications for healthcare and social services.
Clients are not simply “handed” applications for services but are assisted in completing their application with staff checking the accuracy of their supporting documentation. New applicants receive a follow-up phone call to confirm program acceptance or to provide additional guidance when needed.
Boat People SOS (BPSOS)
Boat People SOS (BPSOS) - Houston is a non-profit social and legal services provider whose purpose is to empower, organize, and equip immigrant communities in their pursuit of liberty and dignity. Our branch provides education, information, and direct assistance to immigrant and refugee families on potential health and legal issues prevalent in the immigrant communities. BPSOS services range from health awareness prevention programs, legal services for low-income families and victims of violence and crime, ESL, citizenship, and digital literacy classes, senior services programs to encourage community engagement, advocacy, and volunteerism.
Helping Clients Navigate a Successful Citizenship Application Process
The process of acquiring U.S. citizenship for immigrants can be daunting and complex. In this session, we will explore the civics examination and conduct a mock citizenship interview, share information about the spectrum of services available to support clients through the citizenship application process, and the importance for case managers to follow up with clients after the citizenship interview to identify issues that help improve service for future clients.
Lunch will be provided.
Learning Objective
Learn what happens after the citizenship application has been submitted and how to best support the client.
Target Audience
Interns, new staff, and community organizations will benefit the most from this training. Attendance required for Pathways to Citizenship Collaborative.
The Pathways to Citizenship Collaborative is made possible due to the generosity provided by The Houston Endowment. The ACAM Network is so grateful for the opportunity to carry out this vital work!
About the Presenters
Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative
In 2013, local organizations working with immigrant communities came together to address the lack of legal service capacity in the Houston region. These early meetings eventually became the Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative (HILSC or the Collaborative). Collaborative allies include non-profit legal services providers, outreach and advocacy organizations, the business community, law school legal clinics, public agencies, and private foundations.
The Collaborative plays a critical role convening, coordinating, and communicating in the legal services community. Through our work, more immigrants are receiving low-cost, high-quality legal services for immigration issues in Houston. Our work has become even more urgent in the last few years, as the policy environment in which we work becomes increasingly hostile to immigrants. We have seen a dramatic increase in the demand for immigration legal services and education & outreach efforts in Houston’s diverse immigrant communities.
NALEO Educational Fund
NALEO Educational Fund is the nation’s leading 501(c) (3) non-profit, non-partisan organization that facilitates full Latino participation in the American political process, from citizenship to public service. Founded in 1981, NALEO Educational Fund achieves its mission through integrated strategies that include increasing the effectiveness of Latino policymakers, mobilizing the Latino community to engage in civic life and promoting policies that advance Latino political engagement. NALEO Educational Fund provides national leadership on key issues that affect Latino participation in our political process, including immigration and naturalization, voting rights, election reform, the Census and the appointment of qualified Latinos to top executive and judicial positions.
National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA)
NPNA's mission is to advance an immigrant equity and inclusion agenda at the state, local and federal level through policy, advocacy and service programs that create vast opportunities for immigrant and refugee communities to achieve full civic, social and economic justice. We achieve our mission through these 5 pillars of impact. The National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA) is a multi-ethnic, multiracial coalition of 70 of the nation's largest immigrant and refugee rights organizations with reach across 40 states. Together with our members, we advance immigrant equity and inclusion policies, build and expand immigration legal services and integration programming capacity, and drive campaigns that strengthen democracy through increased civic participation.