Lancaster Gives Local: Fig’s 2021 Giving Back Guide

There’s something about the holiday season that is filled with magic. Maybe it’s the rhythm of gathering with friends and family, the traditions and memories that the chill in the air bring forth, or the twinkle around town. We believe there is also real magic in investing in our community and those who work all year long to make it better. This year’s Giving Guide is a beautiful picture of the impactful nonprofits who continue to make Lancaster a more joyous place for all who call it home. Use this guide to find an organization (or several) to partner with and discover the magic in giving generously.

The 2021 Giving Guide is supported by the Lancaster County Community Foundation.

Anchor Lancaster

The purpose of Anchor Lancaster is to be a good neighbor by providing a hot breakfast and warm showers every weekday while aiding with other essential needs.

The Vision: To love, serving God and our neighbors in practical, concrete ways, remembering the words of Jesus, “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” (Matthew 25:35)

Get Connected: anchorlancaster.org

ASSETS

Gather at the new Southern Market!

ASSETS’ home since 2013, Lancaster’s iconic Southern Market will once again bring people together over food through a world-class food hall featuring 10 diverse chefs—many are their clients! Southern Market sits between a thriving downtown and the underrepresented southern communities, playing a powerful intermediary role. ASSETS’ focus in this space is to fulfill our mission to build an equitable and prosperous economy that works for everyone. Gather as they move to this community space where everyone can thrive.

Get Involved: ASSETS believes that Southern Market is a story of restoration and revitalization—for all. Learn more about how to #GetUsToSouthern through your essential support: Jobany Bedoya, jobany@assetspa.org | 717.696.0259.

Atollo

Atollo is a forward-thinking, yet historically informed organization that unifies high school students from all backgrounds to build a pipeline of diverse leaders. Through educational empowerment, we aim to play our part in ensuring a world whose fabric has been rewoven with threads of equity and inclusion.

Mission: Our mission is to support success-oriented students in their pursuit of academic achievement, empowerment, and social engagement. The many programs we offer are focused on guiding our scholars through introspection, identifying their vision for college and beyond, and becoming contributing members of society.

Get Involved: Attollo will be participating once again in the Extraordinary Give. Keep us in mind on November 19! For additional opportunities surrounding community partnerships and fundraising campaigns, contact Kendall at kendall@attolloprep.org

Central Pennsylvania Food Bank

Too many of our neighbors in central PA face impossible choices between buying groceries or paying for other critical needs such as housing, medicine, and childcare. The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank exists to ensure everyone access to healthy, nutritious food. Each month, the Food Bank serves more than 152,000 neighbors in need through a network of 1,200 partner agencies and programs in 27 counties, including Lancaster.

Mission: Fighting Hunger, Improving Lives, Strengthening Communities

Get Involved: Help make the impossible, possible. A gift of just $1 can help the Food Bank provide up to six nutritious meals for families, children, seniors, and veterans this holiday season.

Clinic for Special Children

While most patients at the Clinic for Special Children are of Old Order Amish or Mennonite descent, they serve people from across the country and as far away as Brazil, Mexico, and Israel. Their staff continually strives to integrate advanced genetic tools into primary care so that genetically vulnerable people have access to affordable and effective healthcare.

Mission: To serve children and adults living with genetic and other complex medical disorders by providing comprehensive medical, laboratory, and consultative services, and by increasing and disseminating knowledge of science and medicine.

Get Involved: Please consider a gift to the Clinic for Special Children during the ExtraGive on November 19, and keep an eye out on their website for the Clinic’s 2022 auction season and 5K event.

Community Action Partnership

At Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County, they work to transform generational poverty into economic prosperity so that all can thrive through our mission to empower community, drive action, and build partnerships to eliminate poverty. This year, CAP entered an organization-wide process to infuse diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout people, policies, and procedures. This process will inform CAP on how to improve its internal infrastructure and become a leading example for the community at large.

Get Involved: To learn more about how to get involved with the Community Action Partnership, please visit caplanc.org/support-cap

Crispus Attucks Community Center

The Crispus Attucks Community Center supports the community by empowering youth and families to reach their full potential while preserving and celebrating the African American heritage and experience. Since the late 1980s, the Crispus Attucks Community Center has hosted the annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Breakfast on MLK Day in celebration of the late civil rights leader’s legacy. Throughout the years, the Breakfast has grown into the Center’s primary fundraising event.

Mission: Crispus Attucks Community Center strives to improve the quality of life for youth and families in Lancaster by providing services that promote community prosperity, physical and mental health, and by offering programs and cultural events.

Join Us! Save the date for this year’s live virtual Breakfast, featuring keynote speaker Aiko Bethea, on Monday, January 17, from 8–9am. Visit caplanc.org/mlk for more information and to purchase tickets.

First Presbyterian Church

First Presbyterian Church has deep roots in Lancaster, a big heart for the community, and a vision for the future. They welcome people into the joyful life of Jesus Christ, demonstrating the beauty and wisdom of God’s ways. Their congregation envisions a future where lives are transformed in Christ and people are fully engaged with one another, and in the life and mission of the church.

Connection: Join for worship any Sunday morning or view our services anytime on YouTube. First Presbyterian Church is a welcoming church where we lovingly care for one another, joyfully serve together in the community, and engage in mission at home and abroad.

Community: They are proud to be home to The Lancaster Symphony Orchestra as they bring joy to the community through their glorious music. Find their season schedule at lancastersymphony.org.

First United Methodist

The mission of First Church is to connect people to Jesus Christ and the Church, grow Christian Disciples, and relieve suffering. Join them in person or online at engagegodfirst.org. Come and share in the gift of light that first touched our world so very long ago. Services will embrace the joy that is at the center of the season’s celebrations and provide a welcoming platform for all to attend.

Christmas Cantata: Mystery and Majesty by Joseph Martin December 5, 8:15am & 10:45am

Advent and Christmas Eve Torch Services: Live music and nativity, with candlelit walks ushering in the light of Christ Fridays, November 26–December 17, 7pm Friday, December 24, 7pm

Christmas Eve Candlelight Services: Friday, December 24, 4pm, 7pm, and 10pm

Friendship Heart Gallery

Friendship Heart Gallery & Studio is a Christian ministry cultivating capabilities of individuals with Intellectual Disability and Autism. Imagine a place where adult Artists with Intellectual Disability & Autism can express their capabilities as they engage, learn, and communicate with each other and with those in the Lancaster Arts community and beyond! Heart Artists bring hope, optimism, and wonder to the community through each piece they create, and we celebrate their talent and skill!

Mission: Friendship Heart Studio promotes artistic skills and self-expression through various techniques and both traditional and unconventional media. Participants learn independence while gaining personal worth as an artist.

Get Involved: Donate. We appreciate donations toward our Gallery & Studio operations and for tools and supplies necessary to turn creative dreams into artistic realities. Partner. Host an exhibit in your own space! Contact Gallery Manager for details.

Girls on the Run

At Girls on the Run Lancaster, they envision a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.

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

To learn more about Girls on the Run, visit gotrlancaster.org

Good Samaritan Services

It’s been just over two years since Jess came to us from being incarcerated, and since graduating from our program, she has been able to thrive! Jess took advantage of Good Samaritan Services’ flexible programs and was able to find help specialized to what she needed. Now she’s thriving in her own stable housing and expecting another little one very soon! Good Samaritan Services offers a full spectrum of services to those who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless. Through our Emergency Shelters, Residential Housing Programs, and Housing Support Services, we work with individuals and families to receive and maintain housing stability.

Mission: Good Samaritan Services gives immediate help to people who are experiencing homelessness and helps those at risk of becoming homeless, by restoring their lives to stability. We engage the community to support these efforts.

Get Involved: Volunteer! We have lots of options that are family-friendly. Make a meal, provide childcare, teach a skills class, hold a gift card drive, host a Giving Tree, or become a mentor! Learn more at goodsamservices.org/volunteer.

Historic Rock Ford

Located in the southeast corner of Lancaster County, Historic Rock Ford is a 33-acre enclave of gardens, grounds and woods featuring the circa 1794 General Edward Hand Mansion and the newly opened John J. Snyder, Jr. Gallery of Early Lancaster County Decorative Arts located in the fully renovated upper-level of an 18th century bank barn. The Hand Mansion is open for guided tours and the Snyder Gallery for self-guided tours April through November 21st. Visit Historic Rock Ford’s website for information about upcoming programs and special events.

Mission: The mission of the Rock Ford Foundation is to provide opportunities to connect with and explore the life of Edward Hand, the diverse communities and material culture of early Lancaster County, and the complex issues that shaped our nation in its formative years by preserving and interpreting Historic Rock Ford and its collections.

Get Involved: Become involved at Historic Rock Ford by visiting our website and becoming a member of The Rock Ford Foundation. After becoming a member, consider volunteering either as a tour guide, a gardener, helping with educational and school programs, becoming a member of the open-hearth cooking group or period dance group, or getting involved in one of the other opportunities that are more fully described on our website.

Horizons at Lancaster Country Day School

Horizons helps close the gaps of achievement and opportunity for public school students in Lancaster by making a long-term commitment to each student, providing high-quality academics to fight summer learning loss, and creating opportunities for new and enriching experiences. Their goal is to help students build a brighter future and end the cycle of poverty for Lancaster families. Horizons National is a network of public/private school partnerships providing educational interventions, summer enrichment opportunities, and year-round support for children and families. Horizons at Lancaster Country Day School (LCDS) is the Lancaster affiliate serving the School District of Lancaster (SDoL). LCDS donates the use of its classrooms, recreational space, and technology resources to Horizons during the summer months. All other aspects (meals, swimming lessons, transportation, teacher salaries) of the program are 100% donor funded.

Mission: To advance educational equity by building long-term partnerships with students, families, communities, and schools to create experiences outside of school that inspire the joy of learning.

Get Involved: Your financial support during ExtraGive will go directly to an evidence-based program that benefits at-risk and under-resourced students in SDoL. Horizons will welcome 120 students in grades K-7 in the summer of ‘22 and serve more than 10,000 meals, recruiting 50+ volunteers from LCDS.

Lancaster City Alliance

Meet Sarita, the new Lancaster City Alliance Outreach Specialist. Sarita has a passion for people and is here to assist individuals in the City experiencing homelessness, addiction, and mental illness. She will serve as a friendly face to listen and connect people with the support and services they need to safely leave the streets and benefit from the support our community provides. She will also be checking in with business owners, documenting interactions with panhandlers, and connecting with residents. We hope you will join us in welcoming Sarita as an important part of our vibrant City. Thank you to the City of Lancaster for funding the start-up of this important new position.

Mission: Lancaster City Alliance Flourishes and Everyone Shares in its Success.

Get Involved: You can support Sarita’s work with a donation to the Lancaster City Alliance. Go to lancastercityalliance.org. Other ways to help: please support CAP Lancaster, Lancaster County Food Hub, LancCoMyHome, Tenfold, The United Way, and Water Street Mission.

Lancaster County Food Hub

First established as the Lancaster County Council of Churches, the Lancaster County Food Hub was founded in 1947 by a collection of churches who unified their community service efforts for neighbors in need. The organization developed into a large social service agency providing food, clothing, and winter shelter for neighbors who were struggling to make ends meet. In 2016, in response to growing community needs, a new building was acquired that expanded service capacity five times over. Recently renamed, the Food Hub is the only county-wide service organization to offer free food, clothing, and emergency shelter under one roof in a low-barrier infrastructure. It now manages more than 1 million pounds of food and 60,000 pounds of clothing for thousands of people annually and provides emergency shelter 365 nights a year. A large core of dedicated volunteers share over 11,000 service hours yearly—equivalent to five full-time staff to keep expenses low and resources focused on client needs.

Mission: The Lancaster County Food Hub strives to help neighbors meet basic human needs and operates under three core values:

• Serving anyone in need
• Upholding the dignity of every individual
• Practicing inclusivity and nondiscrimination

Get Involved:

• Fill the Bag! Donations of food and clothing accepted 9:30–3:30pm, Monday-Friday
• Join the Virtual Food Drive! Contributions help to obtain the basic staples needed at this trying time.
• Don’t be a stranger! Come for a tour, follow us on Facebook and Instagram and volunteer!

Lancaster Downtowners

Lancaster Downtowners is a growing community of vibrant older adults from Lancaster City and beyond who organize for support, assistance, and social connection while appreciating all the city has to offer. Meet one of their members, Janice Stork, who has lived in Lancaster since 1976. After operating a successful gourmet cheese shop downtown, she began serving in City Government —first as City Treasurer in 1982 and then serving two terms on City Council and two terms as Mayor. Janice says one of her proudest achievements as Mayor was helping the economic development ball get rolling in Lancaster, giving way to what we see today as a diverse, rapidly growing small city. Janice has been a Downtowner for over eight years and is proud to be a part of a group committed to the community, supporting one another and the place they love. Learn more about Downtowners today and share your Loving Lancaster story.

Lancaster Farmland Trust

Lancaster Farmland Trust is committed to preserving the farmland that makes Lancaster County a wonderful place to live. Every year, 1,200 acres of Lancaster farmland is lost to development. Lancaster County is home to some of the richest, most productive soils worldwide. If we give up this land, we can’t get it back.

Mission: LFT’s mission is to preserve and steward the beautiful, productive farmland of Lancaster County that reflects our heritage, supports our economy, protects our environment, nourishes our health, and enhances our quality of life.

Get Involved: When you give to Lancaster Farmland Trust, you shape the future of our community. Preserving Lancaster County farmland allows what we love about Lancaster to thrive by supporting our farmers, environment, food, and land. To make an impact on your community, learn more about our work, and join us in protecting our land, visit lancasterfarmlandtrust.org.

Lancaster Public Library

Read any good books lately? In 2019, more Americans went to the library than to movie theaters. In fact, visiting the library outpaced participation in eight other common activities including attending live music events, visiting museums, and going to amusement parks. For Lancaster Public Library lovers, these findings are no surprise: libraries offer an endless array of educational and entertainment options for people of all ages. Lancaster Public Library is proud to serve as the heart of the Lancaster’s community betterment. Every day, we have the privilege of interacting with children, teens, and adults who visit us in person or online looking for equitable access to exceptional programming, vital educational resources, and community building opportunities.

Get Involved: With little public funding, Lancaster Public Library asks the community to play a role in securing the library’s future successes, growth, and excellence. To learn more about Lancaster Public Library’s current programing or to show your support, visit LancasterPublicLibrary.org.

Lancaster Safety Coalition

Lancaster Safety Coalition is an independent non-profit focused on enhancing Lancaster’s public safety through their 170-camera system, advocacy, and community engagement.

Mission: Since 2005, Lancaster Safety Coalition has been a proven and cost-effective source of objective third-party accountability within the realm of public safety and an essential element of the community-wide effort to build up and sustain Lancaster City’s quality of life.

Get Involved: A campaign was launched in 2021 to replace all components of Lancaster City’s public safety camera system. Lancaster Safety Coalition is proud to report that the community has risen to the challenge and the campaign goals are almost met! To help meet the goal and forward efforts to build a safer Lancaster City, please consider donating to LSC at this year’s LCCF ExtraGive. Or donate at lancastersafetycoalition.org.

Meals on Wheels

Since Meals on Wheels opened their doors in 1967, the number of meals served daily is ever-increasing and, as a result, they have outgrown their current location. The new facility, formerly Mick’s All American Pub at 1411 Columbia Ave, will be equipped with larger kitchens, offices, and a small event space where they can engage the community further—not to mention a larger parking lot for all the volunteers and visitors who extend support to the work that they do. This new space will allow them to further their efforts to alleviate food insecurity in Lancaster County through exciting plans for weekend meal services, medically tailored diets, and more. Join them as they serve our community—all you need is a set of wheels and a heart of gold.

Mission: Meals on Wheels provides freshly prepared home-delivered meals at a reasonable cost to those residing within the delivery territory who are unable to prepare meals for themselves.

Get Involved: It takes a community to alleviate food insecurity, so we invite you to take advantage of volunteer opportunities, sign up a loved one to receive service, or make a financial contribution today. Please visit their website to learn more: mealsonwheelsoflancaster.org or contact: 717.392.4842 info@LancasterMOW.org Monday–Friday 8-4pm.

North Museum of Nature and Science

At the North Museum of Nature and Science, hands-on activities, captivating exhibits, and interactive programing will inspire the whole family to let their inner scientist come out to play! Creativity and curiosity thrive here! Whether it be observing coral under the microscope in the Nature Gallery, learning more about Monty the python’s diet in the Live Animal Room, or exploring the vastness of our universe in the Planetarium, visitors will experience the awe and wonder of our natural world. Visit to learn and play today! The museum is at the corner of College and Buchanan in Lancaster’s Chestnut Hill Neighborhood.

Mission: Our mission is to inspire scientific curiosity in the community by promoting learning through the museum’s exhibits and the recently added North Museum @Home program, which brings science to you!

Get Involved: Want to get involved? Visit our website, northmuseum.org, for volunteer opportunities, information on our STEM programs, ways to donate, and how to sign up for a museum membership.

Penn Square Music

Penn Square Music Conservatory is a teaching place for music students of all ages from young beginner to adult. They offer lessons on piano, voice, strings, guitar, woodwinds, and brass.

Conservatory Mission: Our mission is to offer high quality music and music instruction to the Lancaster Community.

Get Involved: Recommend their great faculty for lessons.

Penn Square Music Festival is the all professional platform for young, talented singers at the beginning of their career.

Get Involved: Get involved with the festival by volunteering.

Power Packs Project

Power Packs Project‘s mission is to empower families with education and ingredients to create nutritious weekend meals, so their children return to school fed and ready to learn. Find out more at powerpacksproject.org.

*The Fig Power Packs Project page was sponsored by Blakinger Thomas Law Firm.

SACA

SACA programming addresses affordable housing, workforce development, behavioral health services, public radio, senior citizens services, and community meals. SACA works to foster and perpetuate the cultural, social, and economic well–being of Lancaster. Communities supported by SACA are all-inclusive, empowered to prosper through sustained social and economic transformation, and the belief that diversity is to be embraced and celebrated.

Mission: SACA uplifts and restores marginalized communities through human, economic, and social services, while supporting cultural identities.

Get Involved: Among the most important and impactful ways to support SACA and its mission is through financial support. There are opportunities available at every level and SACA welcomes a conversation with anyone interested in partnering. Contact Jose R. Lopez, President of SACA & SACA Development, at 717.509.2011 or jrlopez@sacapa.org

Salvation Army

In partnership with Barley Snyder

To continue its tradition of community involvement, Barley Snyder works closely with the Salvation Army—from participating in its annual Angel Tree gift giving initiative to Barley Snyder partner Don Geiter serving on its Lancaster Advisory Board and chairing the scholarship committee, which awards roughly $30,000 in scholarships to deserving high school seniors pursuing higher education.

Learn how to get involved with Salvation Army by donating or volunteering for its holiday initiatives—Red Kettles, Coats For Kids, or Angel Tree—at pa.salvationarmy.org/lancaster-pa.

SWAN: Scaling Walls a Note at a Time

On any given day in Lancaster, it is estimated that 4,600 children have a parent in prison. The trauma associated with that experience has an impact on them physically, emotionally, behaviorally, and scholastically. SWAN is using music to empower children to rise above their present and difficult circumstances. Music teachers cultivate their students’ talents, and the joy that music gives promotes healing, improves focus, and enhances the ability to learn. SWAN provides lessons as an after-school program within the School District of Lancaster and at the Youth Intervention Center. It is a PA state-certified Education Improvement Organization.

Mission: SWAN offers free music lessons, ensemble training, and performance opportunities for children affected by parental incarceration. Their students serve the Lancaster community and beyond through their performances.

Get Involved: Your gift will provide music lessons and give joy to children in crisis. Businesses can receive PA state tax credits by supporting SWAN via the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC).

Tenfold

Tenfold is committed to sparking the power in all people to achieve equitable housing and financial security.

Every day the Tenfold team walks alongside their clients to serve as:

Coaches, providing a supportive word or guiding hand to help people overcome homelessness, and gain skills to achieve housing stability.

Educators, offering workshops and counseling services related to homeownership, budgeting, saving, improving credit, debt reduction, navigating landlord/ tenant relationships, and more.

Lenders, equipping first-time homebuyers with closing cost down payment assistance, and developers with funds to increase the supply of affordable housing units.

Advocates, collaborating with key community partners to address critical housing issues and advance fair housing access for everyone.

Want to join Tenfold in empowering people to unlock a brighter future? Visit WeAreTenfold.org

United Way of Lancaster

United Way sets the stage for progress by connecting innovative people with new and existing opportunities to create, fund, advocate, and volunteer to help remove barriers for people. By increasing nonprofit organizations’ capacity to do good work. And by helping businesses more actively participate in this work so more people can live healthier, happier lives. This is all accomplished through United Way’s signature programs, VITA, PA 211 East and One United Lancaster as well as initiatives like Project SOS and Warm Home, Warm Hearts.

Mission: To advance the education, economic mobility, and health of our community by mobilizing resources, people, and organizations.

Get Involved:

Give.

Advocate.

Volunteer.

Water Street Mission

In the month of December, all proceeds from MOMS Pretzels at Kitchen Kettle Village will go to Water Street Mission. MOMS Pretzel stand was started by Michelle’s four kids as a way to give back to the community.

“The spirit of giving was passed on to me by my grandmother and parents, whether it be a contribution of time or money. We are so fortunate to work and live in this community, and my husband and I see it as our responsibility and pleasure to share that passion for giving back with our four children.” –Michelle Rondinelli , CEO of Kitchen Kettle Village

Mission: Our mission is to advance the kingdom of God through the gospel of Jesus Christ and to do missionary, relief and rescue work of all kinds.

Get Involved: When you give to Water Street Mission, you join in with families who since 1905 have made this organization what it is and what it will continue to be — a place where the most needy in Lancaster can come off the street and receive food, shelter, and life-transforming care. Consider joining this incredible movement of generosity today by going to wsm.org.

YWCA Lancaster

YWCA Lancaster serves our community through advocacy, leadership, and commitment to justice every day. Their mission lives in the hearts of their allies because they demand a world of equity and human decency. Each day, they open their doors to answer the cry of justice. Now, it’s your turn. Services include: Early Childhood Development, Parent Empowerment, Workforce Development, Affordable Housing and Emergency Shelter, Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling, Center for Racial and Gender Equity to support their mission. For 130 years, YWCA has been led by Lancaster women and evolved to meet critical needs. Today their mission is clear—Eliminate Racism and Empower Women and promoting peace, freedom, justice, and dignity for all.

Mission: YWCA Lancaster is dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering women.

Get Involved: The Lancaster community thrives when everyone thrives. Support the work of YWCA by donating, volunteering, or taking a class. We all have a part to play.