Alpha Community Services was born from the unwavering compassion and vision of Francis C. Bruce, whose life’s work was rooted in service to individuals with serious mental illness and developmental disabilities. In 2004, alongside his devoted wife Bobbie Bruce and their sons Derrick Bruce and Joseph McDonald, Mr. Bruce founded ACS with a single home—and a singular mission: to create safe, nurturing spaces where every individual could be seen, supported, and empowered.
What began as one residence in Hampton Roads has grown into a network of six homes, serving up to 24 individuals at a time. But the true measure of Mr. Bruce’s legacy lies not in numbers—it lives in the lives transformed, the dignity restored, and the community built through his tireless dedication.
In 2018, his daughter Kathron Nichols joined the leadership team, bringing fresh energy and strategic insight to support ACS’s continued expansion. Her commitment to her father’s vision and her own passion for community care have helped strengthen the agency’s foundation and deepen its impact across Hampton Roads.
Mr. Bruce believed that every person, regardless of ability, deserves the opportunity to thrive. His commitment to quality care, respectful relationships, and individualized support continues to shape ACS’s values and practices today. We remain steadfast in our mission to help each resident reach their fullest potential for independent living, honoring the spirit and service of the man who started it all.
Though Mr. Bruce is no longer with us, his legacy lives on in every home, every staff member, and every life touched by Alpha Community Service.