FOUNDER, Dr. Linda Cowels
Anointed Community Services Int'l (ACSI) is a distinguished 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Groveland, Florida, USA. It was officially established on April 26, 2010, through the tireless efforts of its founder, Dr. Linda D. Cowels, and the support of her elder sister, Saida Cowels-Watson. The inception of ACSI was driven by a profound commitment to leave a lasting legacy, paying tribute to their late mother, who tragically succumbed to breast cancer at the tender age of 49, and their grandmother, who played a pivotal role in rescuing them from the brink of foster care during their childhood.
The overarching mission of ACSI is to enlighten, empower, and raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by various marginalized members of society. These include single women with children, youth and teenage girls, homeless veterans, seniors, and individuals with developmental disabilities.
Dr. Linda's journey towards this noble cause was catalyzed by the untimely loss of her mother in 1978. Faced with the necessity of assuming adulthood responsibilities prematurely, Linda embarked on her professional journey by securing employment at Seminole State College at the age of 18. During a span of 31 years, Linda climbed the organizational ladder at the college, culminating in her tenure as the Executive Assistant and Office Manager for the College President and the District Board of Trustees. Simultaneously, she bore the weight of single parenthood for nearly two decades, raising three children with unwavering determination and resilience. Her life journey has been led by the wisdom of God as she created various businesses and built four homes, to date.
In the twilight of her career, just before retiring, Dr. Linda embarked on a transformative journey by founding ACSI. The organization's inception marked the commencement of her life's purpose: extending a helping hand to those in dire need. Together with her sister, Linda initiated the distribution of essential care packages to mentally ill clients residing in transitional homes in Jacksonville, Florida.
The journey of Anointed Community Services International's (ACSI) founder, Dr. Linda Cowels, is a remarkable testament to unwavering dedication and faith in the pursuit of a greater purpose. Dr. Linda's story is one of resilience, selflessness, and the enduring belief in making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. In 2013, Dr. Linda rented a small office suite in Minneola. She used her retirement funds to offset the cost of the building as she served the vulnerable residents. Eventually the money dried up. She could not afford two rents, one for her apartment and one for the Minneola building. By 2015, she considered closing the center but was soon met by her loyal clients who literally begged her not to close the doors. Determined to make it work and keep the doors open, Dr. Cowels decided to give up her apartment and live in the center. For seven months, she lived in that small building. At the end of the day, she would pull six chairs together and make a small bed. It wasn’t the most comfortable situation, but she made it work with the joy of the Lord. Her steadfast commitment to community service has resulted in a remarkable testimony culminating with the operation and management of the new Elese Tomlin Empowerment Center in Groveland. Dr. Linda's educational career began with her attaining a two-year degree in Paralegal Studies, complimented by an Associate in Business Management, and an Associate, Bachelor, Master and ultimately Doctorate in Christian Theology. Dr. Linda's life challenges and her unwavering commitment to humanitarian work, has given her the ability to lead with compassion, wisdom, and a deep understanding of the needs of the vulnerable individuals in the communities she serves.
Over the years, many single women who were once homeless have transitioned into stable housing, become entrepreneurs, and gained the skills needed to successfully parent their children. Disadvantaged or underserved youth have received the tools for academic success and meaningful life transformation. The organization has extended its support to vulnerable youth, elderly, and women, both in the United States and internationally. Through education, vocational training, social services, and entrepreneurial opportunities, ACSI has helped countless individuals overcome barriers and achieve personal success.
In memory of Linda's mother, the organization creaated a subsidiary program, Women's Ignite Network. This program reflects ACSI's commitment to promoting healthy lives for women and supporting fatherless and orphaned children in their journey of life. The organization extends services globally with the establishment of a legal NGO in Africa, called Anointed Community Initiative, which focuses on educating orphans and underprivileged street children and in Pakistan, with the establishment of a church and school, under the auspices of Miracles In Christ Ministry International.
Dr. Linda Cowels' is an ordained pastor and apostolic woman. She authored several books, serves as the dean of the River Bible Institute and is a co-host on the radio with Brother Zee Ministries. Her dedication to humanitarian aid has taken her to eight (8) different countries, spreading the gospel message of hope and love.
About Us
ACSI is a 501c3 non-profit community-based organization that provides services to citizens of Florida and abroad.
Our primary focus is on youth, single women with children, and the elderly who are economically and technologically disadvantaged.
We provide training and development to our target population in order to promote self-sufficiency. We empower our clients with the necessary knowledge to promote lasting change, by teaching the principles to become small business owners and entrepreneurs in order to create and maintain jobs in their local communities.
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