Social Services

Motto
Motto
Reaching People, Helping People 

​Alachua County Division of Social Services motto, "Reaching People, Helping People," is the goal that we strive to reach in working with the citizens of Alachua County. The Division of Social Services is funded by the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners and therefore is available only to its eligible citizenry. We look forward to seeing you.

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Our Vision
Our Vision

​All Alachua County residents have access to medical care and affordable housing which sustains our vibrantly diverse and cohesive community.

Our goals are to:

  1. Increase the awareness of services offered to the community 
  2. Improve the quality of customer serivce 
  3. Increase the availability and accessibility of services to citizens 
  4. Develop innovative programs to expand services

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Who We Are
Who We Are

​Alachua County Office of Social Services (ACOSS), is a County agency established by the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners and funded through Alachua County property tax revenue.

We serve eligible low income residents of Alachua County with medical or general assistance needs for which there are no federal, state, or private programs available.  Eligible residents must meet the Core Eligibility guidelines and fall within the established Federal Poverty Level.

ACOSS is committed to helping individuals, either through the direct provision of our services or by referrals to other agencies.  We support individuals in their efforts to achieve or return to self-sufficiency.

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Foster Grandparent Program
Foster Grandparent Program

​The Foster Grandparent Program has joined under Social Services as of October 1, 2012.

The Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) offers volunteer opportunities to lower-income persons who are at least 55 years of age.  The program is funded primarily by a federal government grant, and pairs 55 and over residents with special needs children in a variety of educational child care centers, public schools and afterschool programs.  Foster grandparents are responsible for administering educational support and mentoring to two special needs children.  Administered through the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the program provides a modest hourly stipend and supplemental insurance benefits.  For a more detailed description and for staff contacts, please click on Foster Grandparent Program.​

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If any accommodations are needed for persons with disabilities, please contact the Equal Opportunity Office at (352) 374-5275 or (352) 374-5284 TDD.
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​Contact

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  • Sarai Cabrera
  • Social Services Director
  • 218 SE 24th Street
  • Gainesville, FL 32641
  • Phone: 352-264-6750
  • Fax: 352-264-6756
  • TDD/TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service)
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  • Main Office
  • 218 SE 24th Street
  • Gainesville, FL 32641
  • Phone: 352-264-6750
  • Fax: 352-264-6756
  • TDD/TTY: 352-955-2499

Mission Statement

  • To serve as a safety net and to enhance the health and productivity of low income Alachua County residents by providing information and referrals, access to health services, and short term financial assistance.
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