Pequea Valley townlively.com
JANUARY 29, 2025
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LXI • NO 6
Keys to accomplishment BY ANN MEAD ASH
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early 10 years ago, Keystone Church Compassion Ministry member Beth Ranck met in a local coffee shop with Shira Zimmerman, senior director of adult services with The Factory Ministries. “(Members of the Compassion Ministry) had been reading ‘When Helping Hurts: (How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor ... and Yourself),’” recalled Ranck, who noted a section of the book laid out ideas for doing a match program with struggling community members. “We had this idea to see if we could work better (at alleviating poverty by working) with The Factory,” said Ranck, who noted that the discussion with Zimmerman preceded a number of meetings, conversations, and proposals about the subject. Before 2020, a program known as Keys to Savings had kicked off, partnering Keystone with The Factory. Keystone helps provide
funds for local residents who need to save for a specific purpose through a match program. Adult advocates at The Factory work with savings participants through one of two goal tracks. The client must take part in certain meetings and complete a budgeting class among other requirements. The three entities - Keystone, The Factory, and the client - work together to achieve a savings goal for the program. Keys to Savings has now graduated at least a dozen participants, with some clients returning to successfully complete the program a second time. Bethany Miller, adult advocate with The Factory Ministries, explained that Factory clients who are working to achieve goals by participating in specific Factory programs are given the opportunity to take part in Keys to Savings when they meet certain criteria. She explained that the client’s need might involve an item they must save toward, such as a vehicle. “(Items that are See Keys to Savings pg 8 Laurent Pelletier (standing) teaches a budgeting class to Keys to Savings participants.
More than man’s best friend
Celebrating Cavod at 20 PEQ
BY ANN MEAD ASH
Connie Dienner, founder of Cavod Performing Arts, holds the book she has written, which tells her story and the story of Cavod.
At the heart of Cavod Performing Arts is executive director and founder Connie Dienner’s heart for children and young adults. “The arts are a vehicle for kids’ lives to be changed,” said Dienner. “(The goal is) for them to find their identity by taking classes and finding their giftings and their talents.” On Saturday, Feb. 8, Cavod will celebrate 20 years of existence with an extravaganza called Lifetime Tour at Worship Center, 2384 New Holland Pike, Lancaster, from 2 to 5 p.m.
There is no charge to attend, but registration is requested by Wednesday, Feb. 5, by visiting www.cavod.org or calling 717-354-3355. Guests will receive a passport and a bag upon entry. More than 10 stations will be available in the foyer area. As attendees have their passports stamped at each station, they will receive a gift. “The first station will (represent) the barn where we started on the Welsh Mountain,” said Dienner, who added that the second station will represent the location at 501 E. Main St., in New Holland. “We were there
BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
If you walk into the headquarters of United Disabilities Services (UDS), located at 2270 Erin Court, Lancaster, you’ll find more than a few reasons that dogs are commonly referred to as man’s best friend. The nonprofit organization provides highly trained service dogs for clients throughout Lancaster County and its surrounding areas, and each UDS dog is equipped with a special skillset to meet its owner’s needs. In early January, an office on the second floor of UDS’ main building was temporarily converted into a
See Cavod pg 5
kennel for a litter of young golden Labs. The six puppies were less than 3 months old and, like all new arrivals at UDS, adorable but unruly. After a 22-month training program, each dog will be obedient enough to accomplish tasks such as opening a door and picking up a TV remote from the floor. Outside the room of puppies, UDS volunteer Linda Rineer worked with CJ, a black Lab that is almost ready to be paired with a client. While a chorus of yelping and whining echoed from the temporary kennel, Rineer praised and encouraged CJ as he pulled a walker and opened doors on command. See UDS pg 10
Philadelphia Flower Show - 2 Days to Choose From -
Mon., March 3rd or Sat., March 8th
• Historic Charleston, SC & Savannah, GA April 7th-12th
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