Chic Spotlight: ACT’s Carol Gibbs

Cincy Chic: How did you get involved with ACT?
Carol Gibbs: I created ACT to be a positive reaction to Welfare Reform in 1996. I'm now the president and CEO of ACT.

Cincy Chic: What does ACT stand for?
Gibbs: Accountability & Credibility Together, ACT started in 1996 to move families from welfare to self- sufficiency. To be eligible for ACT's services, a family must have at least one child under the age of 18 in the home and an income at or below 150 percent of federal poverty guidelines. ACT provides services such as counseling, GED classes, budgeting, goal setting, career preparedness and on-site college courses through the University of Cincinnati.

Cincy Chic: Tell me about the upcoming Collecting for Kids event..
Gibbs: ACT eases the financial burden for low-income families is by providing school supplies through the Collecting for Kids campaign. On August 1 and 2, we are going to set-up “camp” in the Sycamore Staples parking lot to collect school supplies.

ACT is Hamilton County's exclusive welfare diversion agency, it serves nearly 1,300 families each year, including more than 3,700 school- aged children. By supporting Collecting for Kids, you're helping families who have fallen on hard times, but are working hard to make positive life changes. They haven't given up; and neither are we. They deserve our support.

Cincy Chic: How can others help you out with this event?
Gibbs: Donations can be dropped off at ACT (1005 Walnut Street), the Cincinnati Herald, Cincinnati Bell locations, Sycamore Staples and Sylvan Learning Centers. Tax deductible checks can be made out to ACT and sent to: 1005 Walnut St. Cincinnati, OH 45202. For more information call Phil Kanet at 345.1734 and visit www.ACThelps.org.

Cincy Chic: On a personal note, what's your favorite thing about Cincinnati?
Gibbs: The beautiful hills and views along with the wonderful fine dining.