‘Tis the season for giving back

Giving back is the golden thread that weaves our community together and connects each of us to the causes we care about and to each other. This community comes together to support the many different causes that make Lancaster stronger. In this season, take the opportunity to support those causes that are meaningful to you. Because giving back is personal, it’s passionate, it’s deliberate. And it makes our community a place where magic happens.

This guide is sponsored by Lancaster County Community Foundation. Don’t miss the 2018 Lancaster Extraordinary Give—the community’s biggest fundraiser of the year sponsored by some incredible community builders—and donate to the amazing organizations transforming our City and beyond! It is this Friday, November 16.

Fig Lancaster A-Z Giving Guide Holiday 2018

Browse the 2018 Lancaster Nonprofit Holiday Giving Guide below and find a cause you can impact this season. This is definitely not a complete list of nonprofits in Lancaster, so make sure to keep exploring and discovering the many local organizations making a difference. 

Allegro

Mission:

To expand the appreciation and love for classical music across multiple generations in Lancaster County by making great music accessible in new, friendly, and playful ways.

Community Impact:

Allegro serves the community in Lancaster County and beyond. Their goal is to make music accessible for all, so the organization strives to engage with all ages and interests.

Stats:

• 100% – the organization is 100% run by volunteer support
• $25 – average ticket price for their concerts. Affordability is important to them!

How You Can Give Back

Visit the website at allegrolancaster.org/support to donate and find out more about volunteer opportunities. Also, attend the upcoming concerts to support this organization (find out more about Music In The Round: Pictures of Lancaster and An Allegro Christmas on the website at allegrolancaster.org/concerts).

“All the musicians of Allegro and [its] fine conducting make beautiful music come alive!” – Jean & Richard Vieth, attendees of Allegro concerts

ASSETS

Mission:

To create economic opportunity and cultivate entrepreneurial leadership to alleviate poverty and build vibrant and sustainable communities. Their vision is an equitable, ethical, and prosperous economy that works for everyone.

Community Impact:

ASSETS is a nonprofit focused on changing the ecosystem for business. They offer in-depth training and creative financing for entrepreneurs—especially women, people of color, and impact-focused businesses—and work with established businesses to improve their social and environmental footprint. In addition, ASSETS’ for-profit employment agency, Lancaster Works, helps to connect good jobs with individuals seeking to secure family-sustaining employment.  

Stats:

• 500+ – entrepreneurs and businesses assisted
• 119 – jobs created
• 48 – startup businesses helped
• 23 – loans offered for small businesses in 2017/2018.

How You Can Give Back

It’s ASSETS’ 25th birthday! To learn more about how you can get involved, visit assetspa.org/celebrate25.

“ASSETS’ Measure What Matters program has given us a clear path to assess, understand, and quantify our business practices and business philosophy. It has provided a framework to investigate our own beliefs, recognize our opportunities for improvement, and helped to structure an ongoing commitment to provide more meaningful and impactful results.” Peter Barber and Brian McCaskey, Co-Owners of TwoDudes Painting Company

Bench Mark Program

Bench Mark Program is our Fig 2018 Social Mission Partner. Each year Fig partners with a nonprofit organization working to transform the community. The nonprofit gets a page in each quarterly Fig Lancaster issue in a calendar year, plus digital promotion on FigLancaster.com and Fig Lancaster social media. Help us choose our 2019 Social Mission Partner!

Mission:

To use exercise, academic coaching, and career counseling to propel at-risk youth toward successful futures through offering a strength-based family of mentors.

Community Impact:

Bench Mark Program serves young adults ages 14-24.

Stats:

• 1,125 – hours of community service that have been completed
• 214 – students who have enrolled and/or are still enrolled in programs
• 31 – volunteer mentors ready to help students

How You Can Give Back & Volunteer:

Bench Mark Program is seeking corporate partners, donations, and sponsors. Find out more at benchmarkprogram.com. Contact Executive Director Will Kiefer by calling (717)-339-9766 or emailing willkiefer@benchmarkprogram.org.

One of the original students recently stopped by at Bench Mark Program. He is featured in a website video from 2014 when he was just a young man. He graduated high school while still a part of BMP, all the while working to care for his infant daughter. Reggie decided that a military career was the right fit for him and left for the military in 2016. When he recently returned to the gym, he presented himself as an incredibly mature adult and commented on how Bench Mark helped. “It was my time at BMP, listening to adults talk to each other in the gym, that I learned how to communicate effectively and professionally. Ever since I’ve been in the service, I remember what you guys taught me about how adults communicate. I can see a huge difference between myself and the new recruits based off of the training that I received from you guys, maybe without you even realizing what you were teaching me.”

Community First Fund

Mission Statement:

To create sustainable prosperity for low wealth communities and individuals, especially people of color and women, by aligning capital, knowledge, and advocacy to advance business ownership, housing, and community development.

Community Impact:

Community First Fund transforms communities by providing financing for job-creating businesses to start up and grow, developing affordable housing units, turning blighted and vacant buildings into community assets, increasing access to healthy foods and quality healthcare, and creating educational opportunities for children, youth, and adults.

Stats:

• 1,710 – business and community development projects financed
• 8,190 – jobs created and retained through financing
• 1,769 – housing units developed through financing
• 49% – of loans go to businesses owned by people of color
• 37% – of loans go to women owned businesses

How You Can Give Back:

Those wanting to donate can visit communityfirstfund.org/community-impact/donate.

Video:

Watch the new video to learn more.

“Community First Fund was there for us when no else was. This business would not be open if they didn’t help us.” – Heather Kreider, Owner of Makes Scents Natural Spa Line

Central Pennsylvania Food Bank

Mission:

To fight hunger, improve lives, and strengthen communities.

Community Impact:

More than 60% of those served by the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank are working families with children. The Food Bank also provides direct distribution programs to children (BackPacks, Kids Café, Summer Feeding), seniors (ElderShare), and veterans (MilitaryShare).

Stats:

• $1 – each dollar donated helps to provide 6 meals
• 46 million – meals, or 50 million pounds of food, distributed across central PA in 2017
• 140,000 – people served each month

How You Can Give Back & Volunteer:

Visit the website centralpafoodbank.org or call (717)-564-1700, or visit facebook.com/CentralPAFoodBank.

“The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank was a blessing. I knew in my heart we were having trouble making ends meet and people might not think that having a cart of food will help anything, but it does—it really does. Knowing you have something in your cupboards is a great relief.”—Becky, a single mom of 2. 

Clare House

Mission:

To serve homeless women and children in a caring environment through life skills training and support, leading to self-sufficiency.

Community Impact:

Clare House serves single women with children that are experiencing homelessness. Over 65% of women served have a mental health diagnoses, and 68% are survivors of domestic violence.

Stats:

• 78% – of the Lancaster County inquires about homelessness in 2017 were women with children
• 29 – families in the last two years Clare House has served, with an 80% success rate
• $2.30 – the Clare House employment based program helps the families make, on average, $2.30 more per hour than they were initially making

How You Can Give Back & Volunteer:

Meaningful monetary donations, business sponsorship, or in-kind donations of wish list supplies like: laundry detergent, disinfecting spray, over the counter medicine for adults and children, and diapers (size 5,6, 2T, 3T). Visit clarehouselancaster.org for more details. To volunteer, contact Lauren, House Manager at Clare House, at laren@clarehouselancaster.org about weekly childcare volunteering (clearances needed), adopt-a-room opportunities, home improvement/DIY/repair work, donation drives, and more.

“At Clare House, I realized that I can save money, and doing so actually helps take care of my needs and the needs of my 3 children. We moved into Clare House with little to no resources in place, and now I am looking at expanding my education, and continuing to improve my income. At the encouragement of Clare House staff, I was able to come up with a plan for my future and actually discipline myself to follow through with those plans.” – Clare House-inspired Mom

Friendship Heart Gallery

Mission:

To support Individuals with Intellectual Disability and Autism express capabilities and impact the world through creative art, and to encourage these Artists to share their innermost thoughts, feelings, and dreams with the world through their creativity.

Community Impact:

Friendship Heart Gallery and Studio is an extension of Friendship Community, a ministry cultivating capabilities of Individuals with Intellectual Disability and Autism since 1972. The retail Gallery and Creative Arts Studio are designed to celebrate personality and talent through artistic expression and collaboration.

Stats:

• 74 – Artists currently enrolled in the program
• Heart Artist work has traveled to 17 different countries around the world

How You Can Give Back & Volunteer:

Buy their art! Make a purchase through the Gallery to actively impact the Artists and help them reach their goals. Also, you can donate by visiting friendshipcommunity.net/donate. Perspective Volunteers and Interns may fill out an interest form at friendshipcommunity.net/donate/volunteer.

One of the Heart Artists, Candace C., expressed the significance of Friendship Heart Gallery as part of her life when asked, “What is something are you grateful for?” Her reply,“My family…my two families. One is my real family and the other is the Heart Gallery.”

Fulton Theatre

Mission:

To create and produce exceptional theatre that moves the collective soul of the community and that honors their national historic landmark.

Community Impact:

From on-stage musical productions and experimental studio plays to workshops and apprenticeships, the Fulton Theatre provides a space for Lancaster, and the surrounding areas, to experience the theatre. Large-scale productions on the main stage gather a diverse community while one-hour musicals are performed to bring families together. The Fulton also offers classes for children, teens, and adults as well as numerous community engagement programs across the region.

Stats:

• 150,000 – people who have visited the Fulton during the 2017/2018 season
• 13,500 – students who are involved in their educational and community outreach programs
• 2,000 – individuals and businesses who choose to support the Fulton Theatre and all its endeavors
• 350 – actors, directors, designers, and educators employed annually

How You Can Give Back & Volunteer:

Donations may be given at thefulton.org/support/individual-support, in person at the box office, or over the phone at 717-397-7425. Interested volunteers should visit thefulton.org/support/volunteer/. The Fulton typically looks for volunteers in administration and development, education and community engagement, guest customer service, and accessibility. If you have a different skill or desire, reach out and discuss—the team is open for more ideas. 

“The Fulton is an essential part of not just Lancaster city, but Lancaster County and the region beyond. Mark Twain, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Sarah Bernhardt, George M. Cohan, all performed on its stage. It’s the venerable anchor of our ever-burgeoning arts scene.” – LNP Editorial Board

Gifts That Give Hope

Mission:

To promote meaningful gift giving and support for nonprofit organizations by helping communities host Alternative Gift Fairs. Gifts That Give Hope plans events to raise awareness of needs in a local or global area, secure donations, and encourage volunteerism, while providing unique shopping and giving opportunities.

Community Impact:

Gifts That Give Hope primarily serves nonprofit participants ranging from local organizations to global, fair trade, and social enterprise organizations, giving shoppers a way of giving back with the purchases they make. The 11th Annual 2018 Gifts That Give Hope fair is on Saturday, December 8.

Stats:

• $200,000 – funds raised from the fair
• 1,000 – people who attend the fair each year

How You Can Give Back & Volunteer:

The main way to make an impact is attend the fair and give to organizations that speak to you and shop for ethically sourced, fair trade, social enterprise gifts. Interested volunteers can email lancastergiftfair@gmail.com with subject line “Volunteer.”

“One of my favorite stories is when one of our committee members purchased a gift for her daughter’s violin teacher that went towards the work of SWAN: Scaling Walls A Note At a Time. They coordinate and implement music lessons for children of incarcerated parents. The teacher’s response was just sheer gratitude and surprise—he had never received a gift like that before and was so glad to know that the gift given to him was going to spread hope via the conduit of music to a vulnerable child.” – Jennifer Knepper, Founder of Lancaster’s Gifts That Give Hope

Girls On The Run

Girls on The Run is proudly supported by Lancaster Orthodontic Associates. Their knowledgeable doctors and dedicated team will take care of your orthodontic needs while having fun and spreading joy every step of the way.

Mission:

To inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.

Community Impact:

Girls On The Run of Lancaster and Lebanon serves all girls in 3rd-8th grades who choose to participate in the program. The organization offers girls the opportunity to participate, regardless of limitations.

Stats:

• 2,300 – girls that were served by Girls On The Run on over 160 teams
• 4,800 – girls, buddies, family members, coaches, and community members who will cross the Girls on the Run 5K finish lines in 2018.
• 1,150 – girls that will benefit from the financial assistance program

How You Can Give Back & Volunteer:

Donate on the website at gotrlancaster.org/Donate. Be a SoleMate: gotrlancaster.org/SoleMates. Become a sponsor: gotrlancaster.org/Partner.

“If you are a girl that is bad at making friends, nobody listens or understands how you’re feeling, and you sit alone every day, that was me. I was that person out of the crowd. Then I joined Girls on the Run. It changed my life. Now I have way more than one friend by the second week of school and I have people who understand me. I used to yell out when I got angry, now I can hold in my temper. I love my life because of Girls on the Run.” – Colleen, age 9.

Habitat For Humanity

Mission:

Their vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

Community Impact:

Habitat For Humanity is a Christian ministry that serves people in need, regardless of race or religion. The nonprofit organization builds, renovates, and repairs homes, as well as revitalizes neighborhoods, throughout Lancaster and Lebanon Counties. Through education, counseling, mentor support and affordable housing costs, families are put in a position for future success in homeownership.

Stats:

• 95% – of the Habitat For Humanity homeowner families are still living in their Habitat homes today
• 67% – of the Habitat For Humanity homeowners that have increased their income
• 1 Million+ – houses the global Habitat For Humanity has built, renovated, or repaired in the last 30 years

How You Can Give Back & Volunteer:

Donate and explore volunteer opportunities on the website at lancasterlebanonhabitat.org. You can also donate used items to Habitat’s ReStore program to help create new living spaces for others—find more information on the website. 

Melonia and her two young boys were somehow getting by in their dilapidated rental in an unsafe neighborhood. With multiple problems unaddressed by her landlord, she had been trying to rid the unit of rodents and mold, and addressing the floor replacements from flooding and heater dysfunctions at her own cost. Her drive to create a better environment for her sons to grow up in prompted Melonia to seek better housing, but obtaining a mortgage as a single mom is easier dreamed than done. Enter Habitat – who is giving her the hand up she needs to move her family into a safe, decent and warm home which she can afford.

Horizon: Empower the Orphaned

Mission:

To create culturally relevant, self-sustainable Micro Communities that empower orphaned children to become happy, healthy, and purposeful adults who ultimately impact the broader community for the greater good.

Community Impact:

Horizon empowers orphaned children to long term self-sustainability. Their vision is to expand their Micro Community model around the world—expanding from Kenya to Guatemala in 2019. The goal: to empower one child, one day, one country at a time to break the cycle of poverty.

Stats:

• 100s – orphaned children and young adults impacted by Horizon because of their Micro Communities
• 80% – Horizon’s children that will break the cycle of poverty, positively impacting thousands of children for generations to come, by empowering children to self-sustainability,
• 140 million – orphaned children around the world. Horizon seeks to help minimize that number

How You Can Give Back & Volunteer:

Visit empowertheorphaned.org/donate. All of Horizon’s administrative costs are covered by philanthropic investors, which means 100% of your donations go directly toward caring for the children. To volunteer, call (717)-390-9950 or email volunteer@empowertheorphaned.org. For an alternative holiday gift visit EmpowerTheOrphaned.org/gift.

“Who can fathom that there are over 140 million orphaned children around the world—children with no one to turn to for care and love, no one to look after their safety or to ensure they have enough food to eat, or a warm bed to sleep in? Horizon exists to rescue these children, to restore their identity and purpose, and give them hope for the future. Donate today: Be their difference. Change their world.” Jack E. Eans, Horizon President & COO.

Humane League Of Lancaster County

Mission:

To empower people in communities to increase their capacity to care for animals so that all animals are healthy, safe, and treated humanely.

Community Impact:

The Humane League of Lancaster County combines efforts and resources to provide the communities and animals it serves with no kill animal shelters, a nationally accredited veterinary hospital, community-focused veterinary clinics, emergency animal rescue services, animal welfare management services, canine enrichment centers, and a free public dog park.

Stats:

• 6,000 – clients the nationally accredited veterinary hospitals served in 2017  
• 1,000 – animals who received spay and neuter services in 2017
• 1,400 – animals that found their forever homes or were reunited with their owners in 2017

How You Can Give Back:

From their Amazon Wish List option to corporate giving levels, you can find the best giving opportunity for you to give to the Humane League Of Lancaster County by visiting humanepa.org/donations/paws-for-a-cause. Visit humanepa.org/volunteer-options to be a pawsome volunteer.

“Performance Toyota continues to be impressed with the growth and positive impact Humane League of Lancaster County has on our communities. Their nationally accredited animal hospitals provide affordable health care to pet owners and shelter animals alike so that all animals can live long and healthy lives. In addition, their exceptional community programs are systematically reducing animal suffering throughout the communities. We are thrilled to support this organization!” – Karen Linder, Charitable Giving Coordinator, Performance Toyota.

Lancaster City Alliance

Mission:

To cultivate a strong community, strong economy, and vibrant City to unleash Lancaster’s future.

Community Impact:

Lancaster City Alliance manages the Downtown Investment District and partners with residents, small and large businesses, local communities, educational institutions, nonprofits, and government entities to ensure Lancaster is a clean, safe, and vibrant City for all.

Stats:

• The Lancaster City Alliance works with partners across the City to implement the Building On Strength Economic Development Plan for the City. The work has resulted in 75 active investment sites citywide, representing nearly $550 million in private-sector investments in all phases of development. This includes $333 million investments occurring outside of the downtown area. Work on the plan has also resulted in 150 amenities added throughout the City—including bike racks, trees, and trash receptacles.

How You Can Give Back & Volunteer:

Call (717)-394-0783 or email info@teamlanc.org.

“I’ve been doing urban economic development now for 25 years in communities across the country and it is really astounding to see a community do what I call, ‘work the plan,’” Tripp Muldrow, Building On Strength Plan Consultant, Arnett Muldrow and Associates, LTD.  

Lancaster County Community Foundation

The Lancaster County Community Foundation is a proud sponsor of this Giving Back Guide. 

Mission:

The Community Foundation works side by side with people who care about Lancaster County. Together, they turn ideas into action and investments into legacy that will strengthen the community for generations.

Community Impact:

LCCF partners with community builders, nonprofit organizations, local businesses, and transformative projects to strengthen our community’s legacy and cultivate equitable and inclusive opportunities for residents across Lancaster County.

Stats:

• $8.6 million – funds raised in 2017’s Extraordinary Give online giving day.
• $31 million – dollars generated for more than 450 local organizations since the ExtraGive started in 2012.
• $115 million – endowed community assets that help support Lancaster every year.

How You Can Give Back & Volunteer:

Visit the website at lancfound.org/giving/ to find out more and also get ready for this year’s Extraordinary Give on November 16 at extragive.org. Explore volunteer and ambassador opportunities at lancfound.org/getting-involved/

“We love how the Extraordinary Give has created a community-wide celebration of giving! This is a day people are excited to share about the organizations they love and the causes they care about. This is a day people encourage each other to learn more about how we can work together for a stronger community. This is what inspired philanthropy looks like.” -The Community Foundation Team

Lancaster Public Library

Mission:

To inspire, empower, and strengthen the community by connecting people with information, ideas, and enriching experiences.

Community Impact:

The Lancaster Public Library provides free library services to the residents of 14 townships and boroughs in Lancaster County through three locations: Mountville, Leola, and Lancaster City.

Stats:

• 350,000 – visitors of all ages
• 700,000 – educational and media items borrowed
• 25,000 – answers to reference questions
• 70,000 – computer and Wi-Fi sessions

How You Can Give Back & Volunteer:

Donate on the website at lancasterpubliclibrary.org/donate and see volunteer opportunities at lancasterpubliclibrary.org/volunteer

“Every time I walk into the library I feel a thrill of exhilaration. I love having access to so many books and DVDs. If I could, I’d spend all day at the library. It’s my favorite place to be.”  Anonymous Lancaster Public Library Patron

Lancaster Education Foundation

Mission:

To support teaching excellence and student success in the School District of Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Community Impact:

Lancaster Education Foundation by providing enrichment opportunities for students and teachers, engaging the community in ways to partner with the District, leveraging resources, and being an advocate for public education.

Stats:

• 11,300 students total
• 39 – total languages spoken in a variety of dialects throughout the school systems
• 952 – homeless students
• 452 – refugee students

How You Can Give Back:

Donations may be mailed to Lancaster Education Foundation, 445 N. Reservoir St., Lancaster, PA 17603 or given online by clicking the “Donate” button on the website – lancasteredfnd.org. 

“I was thrilled when I read your e-mail this morning! I am so excited to be able to shop for some items to enhance my reading and math instruction… I can’t believe our class received this award and I am so extremely appreciative and grateful.” – Debra Sisko, Hamilton Elementary School. Debra is the recipient of the award through the Adopt-an-SDOL Classroom Program. The program gives opportunities for businesses, individuals, or groups to “adopt” a district classroom for $250. This money helps to enrich the classroom environment. 

Lancaster Health Center

Mission:

To deliver high-quality and compassionate healthcare to all—regardless of economic status.

Community Impact:

Lancaster Health Center serves all in our community seeking a medical or dental home. They are dedicated to understanding and respecting each patient’s unique needs, culture, values, and preferences.

Stats:

• 22,000 – patients who were provided care in the City
• 40% – patients who were better served in a language other than English

How You Can Give Back & Volunteer:

Visit the website give.classy.org/GiveToLHC and email connect@lanchc.org for a volunteer application and more information.

“I feel like a person who matters. I use a wheelchair now, and I’ve lost most of my connections to the world. I like coming to Lancaster Health Center because everyone is so nice to me. Every staff member I’ve talked with seems like they really care, and they take their time with me.” –Debbie B., healthcare recipient.

LancasterHistory.org

Mission:

To engage and educate the public about the people, places, and events that shaped Lancaster County within the broader context of the history of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the United States of America. As custodians of a complex past, they collect, preserve, exhibit, and make accessible materials chronicling Lancaster County’s heritage and seek to engage audiences in multi-layered stories of that past.

Community Impact:

Lancasterhistory.org serves all ages, and both local residents of Lancaster County and visitors to the region.

Stats:

• 40,000 – individuals who visit LancasterHistory.org each year
• 16 school districts served including, private schools, homeschool groups, and IU-13 in Lancaster County by way of field trips, in-classroom talks, workshops, and National History Day support.

How You Can Give Back & Volunteer:

Donations are accepted by mail at 230 N. President Avenue, Lancaster PA 17603, over the phone by calling (717) 392-4633, or online at lancasterhistory.org. Volunteer opportunities are available—find out more on the website or by calling the above listed number. 

“I visited frequently and found important clues to my family history. Returned recently and was amazed at the fine exhibition, presentation and research rooms. Excellent.” – Recent visitor to LancasterHistory.org

Lancaster Recreation Commission

Mission:

To provide quality and affordable recreation and learning opportunities to Lancaster residents.

Community Impact:

Lancaster Recreation Commission serves children, families, and seniors in the City of Lancaster and Lancaster Township with recreation programs.

Stats:

• 1,000s – Lancaster residents served each years from their free summer wading pool programs to their annual Open Streets Lancaster event.
• $50,000 – in scholarships awarded to low-income families to keep kids healthy and active each year

How You Can Give Back & Volunteer:

You can send a check directly to the office or give online at lancasterrec.org. Lancaster Recreation Commission relies on nearly 300 volunteers to keep programs thriving. Interested volunteers can call (717)-392-2115 for more information.

“My daughter loves to dance and has so much pride and confidence when she learns something new! Being a single parent, I wouldn’t be able to afford to enroll my children in youth sports without the scholarships they provide. Thank you, Lancaster Recreation Commission!” – Lancaster Recreation Commission Participant

Meals On Wheels

Mission:

To support independent living among homebound individuals through delivering daily, freshly prepared nutritious meals to those unable to reasonably prepare meals for themselves.

Community Impact:

Meals on Wheels serves homebound seniors, independently living adults with disabilities, and any individual of any age recovering from surgery or acute care.

Stats:

• 32% – meal recipients that participate in Meals On Wheels who rely on that delivery as their only regular social interaction.

How You Can Give Back & Volunteer:

Visit mealsonwheelsoflancaster.org/donate or Facebook.com/lancastermow, and to volunteer visit mealsonwheelsoflancaster.org/volunteer

“Meals on Wheels means that I do not have to risk spills, burns, and falls while cooking. I enjoy meeting the volunteers. As long as I stay safe in my apartment I can take care of my precious cat, Molly, who is my heart. I appreciate the nutritious variety of Meals on Wheels.” Cheryl Greenawalt, Meals on Wheels recipient  

Power Packs Project

Mission:

To provide weekend food and nutritional information to families who are food insecure so that children can go to school well fed.

Community Impact:

Stats:

• 715,368 – meals provided during the 2017-2018 school year
• 238,456 – individuals who received a meal
• 1 – there is only one full time staff member! And 4 part time staff.
• 300+ – volunteers making the program thrive

How You Can Give Back & Volunteer:

“Power Packs means to me and my girls a life link. It provides us with food. But it’s more than food, it’s knowing that someone cares for you and understands what you and your family are going through. We cook the meal together and we sit down and talk.” – A mom from the Columbia School District

Tabor Community Services

Mission:

To help strengthen the Lancaster County community by giving people the tools and inspiration to meet their housing and financial challenges and by revitalizing the community’s surroundings.

Community Impact:

Tabor plays a central role in Lancaster County in preventing and responding to homelessness, assisting those who aspire to home ownership, and in counseling those struggling to manage their personal finances. Tabor serves over 5,000 primarily low and moderate income individuals annually. Tabor also offers specialized programs which serve the specific needs of veterans, disabled persons, women exiting prison, and individuals experiencing mental illness.

Stats:

• 64,000 – individual nights of shelter
• 1,384 – households helped who were experiencing homelessness receive assessments to coordinate assistance
• 298 – households assisted in obtaining permanent housing
• 286 – individuals that received interim housing 
• 530 – households that received financial counseling (with $763,358 of debt paid back to creditors by clients), 120 – households helped to obtain mortgage relief packages

How You Can Give Back:

Tabor accepts cash at office (308 E. King St. Lancaster, PA 17608-1676), checks sent to office, and credit card donations through the website at tabornet.org. Go to tabornet.org under “How Can I Help” and complete online application if interested in volunteering or interning.

“Tabor gives everyone an opportunity; they listen. They are dedicated.” – Karen, a Tabor client.

United Way of Lancaster County

Mission Statement:

To mobilize the caring power of our community to achieve impactful, systemic social change within the community.

Community Impact:

United Way of Lancaster County fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community.

Stats:

Since 2015, progress has been made toward United Way’s Four Bold Goals for the county in the following areas:

• 26% – of children achieved benchmarks for kindergarten readiness
• 54% – of adults have a post-secondary credential
• 87% – of individuals live above the poverty level
• 88% – of adults have a health care provider

How You Can Give Back & Volunteer:

Learn more at LiveUnitedLancaster.org/Give for numerous ways to give, and LiveUnitedLancaster.org/Volunteer to volunteer.

“Volunteering is part of what makes our society great, and unified, as we Live United. Some of us have been more fortunate than others, so those of us who have the time and the energy to be able to donate should definitely do it.” – Brad Peterson, VP Strategic Communications at United Way of Lancaster County

Water Street Mission

Mission:

To advance the Kingdom of God through the gospel of Jesus Christ and to do missionary, relief, and rescue work of all kinds.

Community Impact:

Since 1905, Water Street Mission has provided an environment of hope and healing where Lancaster County’s at-risk men, women, and children can find a hand up and complete restoration with God through teaching leadership skills, providing food, caring for medical needs, health support, shelter provision, and more.

Stats:

• 64,000 – individual nights of shelter
• 148,000 – meals served in their kitchen
• 11,388 – individuals in the community provided with food through the Outreach Center
• 1,808 – medical visits coordinated
• 1,376 – dental visits coordinated

How You Can Give Back & Volunteer:

Visit the website at wsm.org/donate or Text GIVE to 484-430-3527. Visit wsm.org/volunteer for volunteer info. 

“I don’t know that I can imagine what would need to happen if Water Street didn’t exist and how we would need to come together to try to fill the gap that they actually fill not only in a token way, but in an extraordinary way.” Alice Yoder, Director of Community Health, LGH

YWCA

Pictured above: Cathleen and Michelle are heroes. Through their journey, they’ve lifted up themselves, each other, and those around them. Watch their story at ywcalancaster.org/hero.

Mission:

To eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

Community Impact:

The YWCA provides childcare to low income families, counseling to sexual assault victims, subsidized housing, and offer an emergency shelter.

Stats:

• 543 – children who received affordable, quality care while their parents worked
• 217 – children who received subsidized care
• 3,000 – runners of the 20th Race Against Racism to help raise funds
• 140 – women and families that were provided with supportive housing
• 777 – survivors of sexual assault and abuse who were assisted through counseling programs
• 5,308 – children and adults who receive preventative education in sexual assault

How You Can Give Back & Volunteer:

Visit the website at ywcalancaster.org/give. Volunteers are the backbone of YWCA Lancaster—learn more at ywcalancaster.org/get-involved/volunteer.

“After the allegations and (she) came forward, she received counseling from the YWCA and I think it made such a difference in her journey to recovery…it was a really valuable resource for her healing.” – YWCA Lancaster SAPCC Client

Donate, support, and volunteer at these great organizations looking to transform the Lancaster community. This is not a complete list—continue to explore resources (such as Lancaster County Community Foundation) to discover the many other nonprofits working hard to make a big impact.

Don’t miss this year’s 2018 Extraordinary Give fundraising event this Friday, November 16! Many of these organizations listed will be open for donations, as well as hundreds more!

This holiday season, give back and watch your impact create success and help to transform the community you love.

Our 2018 Giving Guide is sponsored by Lancaster County Community Foundation. The Community Foundation helps people who love Lancaster County invest in the future of our community. Since 1924, the organization has been helping people establish permanent funds for the causes they care about and making grant investments to organizations that create a stronger and more vibrant quality of life for all of us. Today, the organization holds more than $100 million in community assets that help support Lancaster every year. These resources are unique because they mean that this year, and every year, the Community Foundation will invest a portion of this money back into community benefit organizations and the emerging opportunities and needs of Lancaster County. Don’t miss this year’s 2018 Extraordinary Give fundraising event this Friday, November 16!