ESSN at Work - ELANCO Social Services Network

If you desire to be added or removed
from our mailing list, please contact
ESSN at 717.354.ESSN.
ELANCO Social Services Network
441 S. KINZER AVENUE, NEW HOLLAND, PA 17557
717-354-ESSN • elancossn.org
441 S. KINZER AVENUE
NEW HOLLAND, PA 17557
SUMMER, 2014
W
“Make It Real”
hile I am a relatively new member of the
board here at ELANCO Social Services
Network (ESSN), I am truly amazed at how
volunteers are offering time, money, and expertise to the
needs that are being met through ESSN.
A couple of years ago the ELANCO Ministerium and
a number of community citizens shared a faith and a vision
to address poverty and needs they saw in ELANCO. They
founded the faith-based, non-profit organization called
ELANCO Social Services Network, (ESSN). These visionaries conceived and shared their faith, shared their vision,
mission, and purpose statements, appointed a board, hired
a director, and found an office to call home located on the
premises at Garden Spot Village.
Our community and the ELANCO Ministerium have
put their faith of helping those in need into action through
ESSN and serve as proof, through their volunteers, that
God is alive and well! Many individuals and families in
I am interested in knowing more about how I can be involved:
____ Committee Member
____ ESSN Ambassador Network ____ Mentor
____ Office/Staff Volunteer
____ Food Pantry Volunteer
____ Van Driver
____ Other
Name ___________________________________________________
ESSN - Vision, Purpose and Mission
Address __________________________________________________
The Vision: Providing hope and assistance for all
who seek it within the ELANCO community.
City/State/Zip _____________________________________________
Phone Number ___________________________________________
Email ___________________________________________________
Monetary donations can be made payable to:
ESSN and mailed to:
ELANCO Social Services Network
441 S Kinzer Ave • New Holland, PA 17557
$ _________
___ weekly
___ monthly
___ yearly
___ one time gift
Continued ON Page 5
ESSN continues to VAN DRIVERS
grow and serve the
ELANCO community. ESSN is searching
for a few volunteer drivers for the New
Holland Food Pantry to make local food
pickups and run miscellaneous errands.
Drivers must possess a current, valid
driver’s license and clean driving record.
This is a great way to serve the local community. Thanks for your consideration.
If interested, please contact Joan Yunginger at 717354-3776 or email [email protected].
ESSN Purchases Van to Service its
Various and Growing Programs
NEEDED
Thank you for your interest in the ELANCO Social Services Network.
We hope that you will choose to take an active role in this endeavor.
If you are interested in knowing more, please indicate below or contact any of the Board members. Please consider the following ways in
which you could contribute to the success of this endeavor.
The Purpose: As people of faith, we strive to
meet the humanitarian needs among us by
providing a coordinated endeavor so that all
available church, business, civic, and educational resources will be made known and accessible
to those in need, assisting in both the short and
long term.
The Mission: As people of faith, responding
to the Biblical call for compassion, justice, and
peace, we will partner together to meet the
many needs in the ELANCO community.
need are encouraged and
grateful for the services provided by ESSN which makes
this faith vision a reality.
ESSN studies poverty and its
effects, prays for and serves
many individuals and families in ELANCO, connects
those in need with counseling, support, and limited
housing assistance, and operJEFF GOOD
ates the New Holland Food
ESSN Vice Chair
Pantry.
The New Holland Food
Pantry currently distributes food every week for approximately 25 individuals and or families of varying size. Each
are served with a variety of grocery items from canned
goods, packaged foods, cereals, snacks, bread and baked
I
Pictured above left to right: Geoff Class, owner of
New Holland Auto Group; Larry Martin, owner of
Martin’s Auto Service in New Holland; and Joan
Yunginger, ESSN Director, stand in front of the
newly lettered ESSN van.
n 2013, the
ESSN Board of
Directors recognized a growing need
to provide a cargo van
to service ESSN’s many
and varied programs.
Since its birth, ESSN
volunteers continued to
use their personal vehicles in serving clients
and transporting service
and program materials. Continued use of
personal vehicles was
proving to be cumbersomely ineffective and
unsafe for the volunteers. In late 2013,
opportunity arose for
ESSN to purchase a
2013 Ford E-250 Cargo
Van with low-mileage
through the New Holland Auto Group.
The van was offered at a discounted
price through Geoff
Class, owner of the
New Holland Auto
Group. The van was
purchased and immediately entered into
ESSN service.
Larry Martin, owner
of Martin’s Auto Service in New Holland,
approached ESSN,
offering to provide the
design and lettering for
the van at no cost.
ESSN now has a
very sharp and professional van on the road
to help service the
clients and programs
of ESSN. Through such
partnerships, as modeled by New Holland
Auto group and Martin’s Auto Service.
ESSN’s need was made
an affordable reality.
Thanks Geoff Class and
Larry Martin for your
generous contribution
to ESSN!!
Providing hope and assistance for all who seek it within the ELANCO community.
Thoughts from the director . . .
ER
AN YUNGING
DIRECTOR: JO
H
appy summer! After a
pretty rough, snowy and
cold winter, I am more excited than usual to welcome warmer
temperatures, green grass and lovely
trees and flowers that offer so many
vibrant colors. The office of ESSN
was busy helping many families keep
their homes warm during some rough
days when the wind and cold temperatures lingered. There were a few
snowy days that walking to work was
my safest option.
In the past few months, ESSN
helped with rental assistance, food,
paper products, baby formula, car
repair, transportation, counseling,
money management workshops, etc.
Not only did we provide this type of
assistance but we worked very hard
to listen, encourage and support
those who have become discouraged
as they walk through such difficult
times and struggle to look forward
and upward.
Jeremiah 29:11 from the NIV
translation reads, “for I know the
plans I have for you,” declares the
LORD, “plans to prosper you and not
to harm you, plans to give you hope
and a future.
I cannot begin to understand why
things happen the way they do but I
do know there is a purpose. He has
a specific plan for each of us because
He loves us very much. Each person
matters to Him!
It’s been a little over two years
since ESSN first opened its doors
and it is exciting to see our growth
and how we’ve impacted people in
our community. We want to remain
open to serving our community in
ways that promote positive growth
and healthy behaviors. One way
ESSN hopes to do this is by inviting
individuals to participate in groups
entitled “Getting Ahead.” This will
be a partnership with Cross Connection Ministries and will begin in
August. Stay tuned for details and
updates.
I am blessed to have this opportunity to serve this community I call
home.
ESSN Board OF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE BOARD
CHAIR:
Travis Eby
MH Eby; President
VICE CHAIR:
Jeff Good, Retired;
COO Amelia’s Grocery
Outlet and Retail
SECRETARY:
Rick Boone, BA
Human Resources, retired
TREASURER:
Tim Bender
Coatesville Savings Bank
VP Commercial Lending
BOARD MEMBERS
James Cox
Psychologist, retired
Dr. Jack Estep
Pastor; retired
Garden Spot Village,
Pastor Brad Haws
St John Center UCC
E
rika Messner, volunteering with the Power Packs
Projects (PPP), prepares for the families from Blue
Ball Elementary School receiving weekly food
distribution hosted at Weaverland Mennonite Church.
In June, ESSN completed its second year with the PPP.
Over 35 families are being served through Cross Connection Ministries, Weaverland Mennonite Church, and Petra
Christian Fellowship. A recent contract arranged with
Community Assistance program (CAP) enables ESSN to
provide families with fresh fruits two times a month.
A recent survey with participating families proved to
validate the need and success of the PPP. Lots of helpful
feedback was received as ESSN prepares for the upcoming school year.
Power Packs provide weekend food and nutritional
information to families who are food insecure when the
school’s lunch program is not available to them. Families
are taught how to stretch their limited food dollars using
the food provided by PPP. The goal of the program is to
empower families to regularly provide healthy meals and
that children return to school, well-fed and ready to learn.
Power Packs provide long-term solutions to end childhood
hunger. One participant shares “We have enjoyed the
recipes. It is surprising to find different ways to prepare
food with just a few inexpensive ingredients. I am very
2
grateful for Power
Packs.”
It is through
community collaboration in
Erika Mess
bringing local
ner, volun
teeri
Packs Proje
non-profits tocts, prepare ng with Power
s for the fa
from Blue
milies
Ball Eleme
gether with com- we
ntary Scho
ekly food
o
l
receiving
d
is
tributions
munity organiza- Weaverl
hosted at
and Menn
onite Chu
tions, business,
rch.
and local schools
providing the nutritional benefits of Power Packs to families in need. “I like
the approach of the PPP in that we focus on meals-not
just distributing food items and we offer health tips. The
coordination with the school, Garden Spot Village, Cross
Connection Ministries, local congregations, and ESSN is
exciting” says Joan Yunginger, ESSN Director.
“Relationship building with each other and with the
families picking up the food was very visible and I am
excited to be a part of that” ESSN works in cooperation
with the ELANCO School District and Cross Connection
Youth Ministries in identifying local student needs. Volunteers from Garden Spot Village assist ESSN in preparing
the Power Packs.
Dr. Robert Hollister
ELANCO Superintendent
of Schools
ESSN
Ambassador
Update
O
n April 24, the
third Ambassador’s breakfast
was hosted at Shady Maple
Smorgasbord. Forty-One Ambassadors
were present.
The role of the ambassador is to encourage, resource, and create awareness
of ESSN through their respective spheres
of influence or network. Ambassadors
have been extremely helpful in serving
and volunteering in various programs offered to those in need and to the growth
of ESSN’s outreach in the ELANCO area.
Without the faith and dedication of the
volunteers that we call ambassadors,
there would be no program and little
hope for those seeking the services of
ESSN.
Following a welcome and prayer by
Brian Martin, Pastor at Weaverland Mennonite Church, Travis Eby, Board Chair
and President of M.H. Eby, thanked all
the ambassadors who serve as volunteers
and committee members and introduced
both past and current board members in
attendance. Joan Yunginger, ESSN Di-
Pastor Titus Kauffman
Petra Christian Fellowship
Mentoring Need
and Opportunity
Abby Keiser, MS
COBY’s Family Life
Education Dept.
Pastor Brian Martin
Weaverland Mennonite Church
Lucy Parkes, BS
ELANCO School District
Title 1 Tutor,
COBY Family Life Educator
ESSN DIRECTOR
Joan Yunginger, BS
rector, gave the
annual Director’s
report, while Tim
Bender, New Holland Branch Manager of Coatesville
Savings and Loan
updated the
group with a brief
overview of ESSN’s financial report. Jim
Cox, former Chairperson of ESSN Board
presented “The Role of the Ambassador”
and the various service levels that ambassadors contribute their efforts toward
ESSN’s initiatives.
Following the presentation Travis,
Joan, and Jim fielded questions, comments, and feedback from the ambassador group. Titus Kauffman, ELANCO
Ministerium, and ESSN board member
adjourned the meeting with prayer. Special thanks to Garden Spot Village for
sponsoring the Ambassadors breakfast.
Thanks to all our ambassadors!
Look for the launch of
the new ESSN website later this summer.
ESSN currently hosts
a single web page
and a full site is under
construction. Visit us
at elancossn.org
Did you ever consider how your life
was shaped or impacted by a mentor? All of us have been impacted in
life through the positive influence of another. Sometimes
mentoring is very planned and systematic. Other times
mentoring just happens through friendship and time.
ESSN continues to seek and has need for adult mentors,
both men and women, who would offer friendship and
time to help shape the life of another. Some ESSN mentors are encouraging a new skill like reading and writing;
others are encouraging hobbies like gardening and cooking. Mentorees are matched with the gifts and skill sets
of the mentors and training is available. Consider the opportunity to make a new friend and positively shape the
life of another through mentorship. Contact the ESSN
office for more information.
7
T
here are not enough
words to express
the gratitude that
we have for ESSN and
Joan Yuninger. We
(Kathy Kuhn, Home
and School Visitor
and Mindy Menard,
School Social Worker) receive numerous
requests from families for help in
meeting their basic needs. Food,
clothing, utility bills, overdue rent,
transportation, medical insurance,
dental needs and holiday help
are some examples. In the years
prior to the formation of ESSN, we
would seek assistance from social
service agencies in Lancaster, or
ask local clubs, local ministries
and local churches to help meet
these needs. The school district
also formed a Family Assistance
Fund to help with school related
costs and the district also initiated the “Got Teeth Program” to
help meet the dental needs of our
students. Within the student body
at ELANCO School District 35% of
the students are on the free and
reduced lunch program. There are
many needs among this population
and, throughout our time at ELANCO, many generous individuals in
the community have helped
to meet those basic needs.
However, the community was lacking an
organized, structured,
funded, confidential source of
assistance. We
were eager
to participate
in the ESSN
development
committee and to use our voice to
help adequately address the needs
within our community. ESSN has
provided a place where families
can receive assistance along with
respect, education, and mentoring.
This year, some of the students
at ELANCO have shared with their
counselor or teacher that there is
no electricity or no heat in their
home. Some have shared that
there is also not enough food at
home. Some students come to
school feeling hungry and cannot perform well. Other students
needed help with specific areas,
such as sneakers, to participate
in sports programs, or eye exams.
ESSN helped raise money for
student who outgrew his wheel
chair and his insurance would
not cover the entire cost of a new
chair. Many of the referrals this
year have been for families who
Food Pantry
receives high marks from
a recent USDA inpection
A
recent USDA Food Inspector provided the volunteer staff
at the New Holland Area Food Pantry with very high marks
and extended favorable comments. Specific appreciation
was noted for facility cleanliness in which the services and the very
organized presentation the pantry offers its clients. Special thanks to
volunteer Vivian Hertzler for her wonderful leadership and the team
of volunteers which provide this terrific service and ministry for our
community.
6
had no idea where to turn for help.
They were not the families that
chronically lived in poverty. They
were hard working folks who could
not keep up with their bills because
of high heating costs, illness, or job
loss. They were in a temporary
crisis but without assistance, the
temporary problem could have
very easily become chronic. The
families we have referred to ESSN
have appreciated the relationship
they have developed with Joan
Yuninger and greatly appreciated
the help that they have received
from the organization. The nutrition classes, mentoring and money
management education have been
very beneficial to prevent a future
crisis. The help that was offered
before the formation of ESSN was
a “Band-Aid” approach to a serious
issue facing many of the families
in our school district. ESSN is a
wonderful support and we want to
thank everyone involved with this
most worthwhile effort.
Making a Difference!
Children serving in the local community.
H
ow old do you need to be before you are able to
make a difference in your community? Just ask
Jocelyn age six and her sisters Erika, age four, and
Kylie age two. Last year when she was still five years old,
Jocelyn expressed a desire to do something to help others, so she
and Erika with the help of their parents, Kurt and Janelle, set up a
lemonade stand at Blue Ball Days.
They wanted to support a local charity where the girls would
be involved in how the money raised from the sale of the lemonade would be used and the New Holland Food Pantry seemed to
be a natural fit. The girls helped to select the food that was bough
and delivered to the food pantry in time for Christmas.
But that wasn’t the end of their involvement. In April, the
three sisters, with materials supplied by the Food Pantry, filled sixty
bags of Easter candy which were included in the special bags of
ingredients for an Easter dinner given out by the Food Pantry.
Thank you to Jocelyn, Erika and Kylie for sharing your blessings
and your lives with others in your community.
VIVIAN HERTZLER
New Holland Area Food Pantry Coordinator
KATHY KUHN, M.ED.
Home and School Visitor
MINDY MENARD, MSW, LSW
School Social Worker
ELANCO School District
Host a Food Drive!
Adopt the Food Bank for a Month
SPEAKERS BUREAU
ESSN
ESSN at Work
Want to learn more of the work and
ministry of ESSN? Are you part of a
civic organization, congregation,
Sunday school class, or small group
which could benefit from learning
more of the local needs within the
ELANCO community?
A speaker’s bureau is available from within the Board of Directors to come, share,
and engage with your group or organization. Please contact ESSN at 354-ESSN.
Association
nd Ambulance
la
ol
H
ew
N
e
Th
r the New
a food drive fo
ed
st
ho
ly
nt
rece
g the food
od Pantry fillin
Fo
a
re
A
nd
la
Hol
flowing.
pantry to over
One of the primary challenges in the New Holland Area
Food bank is maintaining a constant and diverse food supply throughout the calendar year. Most often the fall and
holiday season creates a natural increase in volume in food
and cash donations. However, the need reaches throughout the calendar year and often requires food purchases.
If your civic organization, business, church, Sunday school
class, small group, or extended family which you are part
of, would like to “adopt” the New Holland Area Food Bank
for a specific month and host a food drive, this will greatly
assist the needs and food stream needed to maintain the
demand. ESSN will provide your group with the needed
brochures, collection info, and food collection boxes. For
more information, contact the ESSN office.
3
ESSN Housing Update
T
he ESSN Housing Committee continues to consider direction and goals
to address affordable housing and
homelessness in the ELANCO area.
The committee feels the first step
to this complex issue is to educate
ourselves and the larger ELANCO
community on the causes, terms,
and definitions of the housing issue.
Along with education of the subject, we are beginning to identify
the multi-faceted needs and collect
comparable baseline information
as a point of reference to discuss
our purpose and common direction
within and outside of the ELANCO
area.
Our plan is to create materials
and presentations that would inform
our municipalities, our school district, churches, businesses, landlords, and civic organizations and
make aware the housing needs and
ESSN’s initiatives.
Currently, ESSN addresses housing needs by guiding and referring
our clients (those in need) to local
agencies or landlords for housing
and support assistance and also by
offering emergency rental and utility
assistance in specific instances as a
preventative measure for ‘at risk’
homeless cases.
The committee envisions connecting clients with willing landlords
and offering support programs for
both landlords and clients, with our
ultimate purpose helping persons
regain their self-sustainability and
independence in a safe and secure
environment. Some of the support
programs that have been envisioned
are landlord and tenant workshops,
a tenant certification program, mentor volunteers, and partnerships and
referral contact with landlords. Additionally, partnering with churches,
local agencies, and organizations
working towards housing solutions for both short and long term
situations is sought. Services could
include employment referrals, personal banking assistance, monetary
rental and utility assistance, counseling and support follow up as clients
it real. “To have faith is to
be sure of the things we
hope for, to be certain of
the things we cannot see.” (Hebrews 11:1) We imitate James who
says, “I will show you my faith by
my actions.” (James 2:17).
ESSN and the New Holland
Area Food Pantry is a great example
of how our community faith in
serving Jesus Christ is made real.
For Jesus said, “As you do unto the
least of these, you have done it
unto me.” We are reminded that
our faith and actions together in
His name become reality today and
into the future.
ESSN continues to “make it
real,” by putting faith into action.
We endeavor to meet those in need
by building trust and relationship.
Let’s make our faith real
through actions and service.
Making it Real continued from Page 1
4
foods and meats, refrigerated foods
and dairy, and non-foods like detergents, paper products, and personal
hygiene items.
The operation consists of
sourcing food donations from local
churches, business collection points,
food producers, farmers, and
partners such as Central Penn Food
Bank, Lancaster County Council
of Churches, Blessings of Hope,
and Community Action Program.
Collecting food products, receiving, sorting, storing, and re-stocking
pantry shelves takes a huge amount
of coordination. Frankly there exists
no business plan that could duplicate these efforts, and only can be
accomplished by the hands and feet
of God through these volunteers
filled with the faith of Jesus Christ.
Faith and action together make
progress
toward independence.
As mentioned earlier,
the housing
challenges
are immensely complex they will
require much study, much prayer,
much effort, however, consider the
rewards for our community and
those in need of a place to call
home and find safety, security, and
peace.
If you have expertise in property
management, real estate, or municipal administration and would
consider becoming a partner with
the housing committee, or would
consider becoming a mentor, or you
simply have a heart to offer your
time, service, or a donation to this
cause, please contact the ESSN office. Thanks be to God.
JEFF GOOD
EESN Housing Committee Chair
ESSN Board Vice-Chair
Strategic Planning
Earlier this
spring, the Board
of Directors embarked in a series
of strategic planning exercises by
utilizing the professional services of Kate Gallagher and
Bree Gillespie. Though ESSN is only
three years old, the need to evaluate
progress since its birth and forward
vision was timely and necessary. Core
values, mission, and vision were revisited and sharpened. Strategic priorities
were developed. Upcoming plans
include tapping into the ELANCO
constituency and supporters to further
shape and develop the strategic priorities. Stay tuned!
5
ESSN Housing Update
T
he ESSN Housing Committee continues to consider direction and goals
to address affordable housing and
homelessness in the ELANCO area.
The committee feels the first step
to this complex issue is to educate
ourselves and the larger ELANCO
community on the causes, terms,
and definitions of the housing issue.
Along with education of the subject, we are beginning to identify
the multi-faceted needs and collect
comparable baseline information
as a point of reference to discuss
our purpose and common direction
within and outside of the ELANCO
area.
Our plan is to create materials
and presentations that would inform
our municipalities, our school district, churches, businesses, landlords, and civic organizations and
make aware the housing needs and
ESSN’s initiatives.
Currently, ESSN addresses housing needs by guiding and referring
our clients (those in need) to local
agencies or landlords for housing
and support assistance and also by
offering emergency rental and utility
assistance in specific instances as a
preventative measure for ‘at risk’
homeless cases.
The committee envisions connecting clients with willing landlords
and offering support programs for
both landlords and clients, with our
ultimate purpose helping persons
regain their self-sustainability and
independence in a safe and secure
environment. Some of the support
programs that have been envisioned
are landlord and tenant workshops,
a tenant certification program, mentor volunteers, and partnerships and
referral contact with landlords. Additionally, partnering with churches,
local agencies, and organizations
working towards housing solutions for both short and long term
situations is sought. Services could
include employment referrals, personal banking assistance, monetary
rental and utility assistance, counseling and support follow up as clients
it real. “To have faith is to
be sure of the things we
hope for, to be certain of
the things we cannot see.” (Hebrews 11:1) We imitate James who
says, “I will show you my faith by
my actions.” (James 2:17).
ESSN and the New Holland
Area Food Pantry is a great example
of how our community faith in
serving Jesus Christ is made real.
For Jesus said, “As you do unto the
least of these, you have done it
unto me.” We are reminded that
our faith and actions together in
His name become reality today and
into the future.
ESSN continues to “make it
real,” by putting faith into action.
We endeavor to meet those in need
by building trust and relationship.
Let’s make our faith real
through actions and service.
Making it Real continued from Page 1
4
foods and meats, refrigerated foods
and dairy, and non-foods like detergents, paper products, and personal
hygiene items.
The operation consists of
sourcing food donations from local
churches, business collection points,
food producers, farmers, and
partners such as Central Penn Food
Bank, Lancaster County Council
of Churches, Blessings of Hope,
and Community Action Program.
Collecting food products, receiving, sorting, storing, and re-stocking
pantry shelves takes a huge amount
of coordination. Frankly there exists
no business plan that could duplicate these efforts, and only can be
accomplished by the hands and feet
of God through these volunteers
filled with the faith of Jesus Christ.
Faith and action together make
progress
toward independence.
As mentioned earlier,
the housing
challenges
are immensely complex they will
require much study, much prayer,
much effort, however, consider the
rewards for our community and
those in need of a place to call
home and find safety, security, and
peace.
If you have expertise in property
management, real estate, or municipal administration and would
consider becoming a partner with
the housing committee, or would
consider becoming a mentor, or you
simply have a heart to offer your
time, service, or a donation to this
cause, please contact the ESSN office. Thanks be to God.
JEFF GOOD
EESN Housing Committee Chair
ESSN Board Vice-Chair
Strategic Planning
Earlier this
spring, the Board
of Directors embarked in a series
of strategic planning exercises by
utilizing the professional services of Kate Gallagher and
Bree Gillespie. Though ESSN is only
three years old, the need to evaluate
progress since its birth and forward
vision was timely and necessary. Core
values, mission, and vision were revisited and sharpened. Strategic priorities
were developed. Upcoming plans
include tapping into the ELANCO
constituency and supporters to further
shape and develop the strategic priorities. Stay tuned!
5
T
here are not enough
words to express
the gratitude that
we have for ESSN and
Joan Yuninger. We
(Kathy Kuhn, Home
and School Visitor
and Mindy Menard,
School Social Worker) receive numerous
requests from families for help in
meeting their basic needs. Food,
clothing, utility bills, overdue rent,
transportation, medical insurance,
dental needs and holiday help
are some examples. In the years
prior to the formation of ESSN, we
would seek assistance from social
service agencies in Lancaster, or
ask local clubs, local ministries
and local churches to help meet
these needs. The school district
also formed a Family Assistance
Fund to help with school related
costs and the district also initiated the “Got Teeth Program” to
help meet the dental needs of our
students. Within the student body
at ELANCO School District 35% of
the students are on the free and
reduced lunch program. There are
many needs among this population
and, throughout our time at ELANCO, many generous individuals in
the community have helped
to meet those basic needs.
However, the community was lacking an
organized, structured,
funded, confidential source of
assistance. We
were eager
to participate
in the ESSN
development
committee and to use our voice to
help adequately address the needs
within our community. ESSN has
provided a place where families
can receive assistance along with
respect, education, and mentoring.
This year, some of the students
at ELANCO have shared with their
counselor or teacher that there is
no electricity or no heat in their
home. Some have shared that
there is also not enough food at
home. Some students come to
school feeling hungry and cannot perform well. Other students
needed help with specific areas,
such as sneakers, to participate
in sports programs, or eye exams.
ESSN helped raise money for
student who outgrew his wheel
chair and his insurance would
not cover the entire cost of a new
chair. Many of the referrals this
year have been for families who
Food Pantry
receives high marks from
a recent USDA inpection
A
recent USDA Food Inspector provided the volunteer staff
at the New Holland Area Food Pantry with very high marks
and extended favorable comments. Specific appreciation
was noted for facility cleanliness in which the services and the very
organized presentation the pantry offers its clients. Special thanks to
volunteer Vivian Hertzler for her wonderful leadership and the team
of volunteers which provide this terrific service and ministry for our
community.
6
had no idea where to turn for help.
They were not the families that
chronically lived in poverty. They
were hard working folks who could
not keep up with their bills because
of high heating costs, illness, or job
loss. They were in a temporary
crisis but without assistance, the
temporary problem could have
very easily become chronic. The
families we have referred to ESSN
have appreciated the relationship
they have developed with Joan
Yuninger and greatly appreciated
the help that they have received
from the organization. The nutrition classes, mentoring and money
management education have been
very beneficial to prevent a future
crisis. The help that was offered
before the formation of ESSN was
a “Band-Aid” approach to a serious
issue facing many of the families
in our school district. ESSN is a
wonderful support and we want to
thank everyone involved with this
most worthwhile effort.
Making a Difference!
Children serving in the local community.
H
ow old do you need to be before you are able to
make a difference in your community? Just ask
Jocelyn age six and her sisters Erika, age four, and
Kylie age two. Last year when she was still five years old,
Jocelyn expressed a desire to do something to help others, so she
and Erika with the help of their parents, Kurt and Janelle, set up a
lemonade stand at Blue Ball Days.
They wanted to support a local charity where the girls would
be involved in how the money raised from the sale of the lemonade would be used and the New Holland Food Pantry seemed to
be a natural fit. The girls helped to select the food that was bough
and delivered to the food pantry in time for Christmas.
But that wasn’t the end of their involvement. In April, the
three sisters, with materials supplied by the Food Pantry, filled sixty
bags of Easter candy which were included in the special bags of
ingredients for an Easter dinner given out by the Food Pantry.
Thank you to Jocelyn, Erika and Kylie for sharing your blessings
and your lives with others in your community.
VIVIAN HERTZLER
New Holland Area Food Pantry Coordinator
KATHY KUHN, M.ED.
Home and School Visitor
MINDY MENARD, MSW, LSW
School Social Worker
ELANCO School District
Host a Food Drive!
Adopt the Food Bank for a Month
SPEAKERS BUREAU
ESSN
ESSN at Work
Want to learn more of the work and
ministry of ESSN? Are you part of a
civic organization, congregation,
Sunday school class, or small group
which could benefit from learning
more of the local needs within the
ELANCO community?
A speaker’s bureau is available from within the Board of Directors to come, share,
and engage with your group or organization. Please contact ESSN at 354-ESSN.
Association
nd Ambulance
la
ol
H
ew
N
e
Th
r the New
a food drive fo
ed
st
ho
ly
nt
rece
g the food
od Pantry fillin
Fo
a
re
A
nd
la
Hol
flowing.
pantry to over
One of the primary challenges in the New Holland Area
Food bank is maintaining a constant and diverse food supply throughout the calendar year. Most often the fall and
holiday season creates a natural increase in volume in food
and cash donations. However, the need reaches throughout the calendar year and often requires food purchases.
If your civic organization, business, church, Sunday school
class, small group, or extended family which you are part
of, would like to “adopt” the New Holland Area Food Bank
for a specific month and host a food drive, this will greatly
assist the needs and food stream needed to maintain the
demand. ESSN will provide your group with the needed
brochures, collection info, and food collection boxes. For
more information, contact the ESSN office.
3
Thoughts from the director . . .
ER
AN YUNGING
DIRECTOR: JO
H
appy summer! After a
pretty rough, snowy and
cold winter, I am more excited than usual to welcome warmer
temperatures, green grass and lovely
trees and flowers that offer so many
vibrant colors. The office of ESSN
was busy helping many families keep
their homes warm during some rough
days when the wind and cold temperatures lingered. There were a few
snowy days that walking to work was
my safest option.
In the past few months, ESSN
helped with rental assistance, food,
paper products, baby formula, car
repair, transportation, counseling,
money management workshops, etc.
Not only did we provide this type of
assistance but we worked very hard
to listen, encourage and support
those who have become discouraged
as they walk through such difficult
times and struggle to look forward
and upward.
Jeremiah 29:11 from the NIV
translation reads, “for I know the
plans I have for you,” declares the
LORD, “plans to prosper you and not
to harm you, plans to give you hope
and a future.
I cannot begin to understand why
things happen the way they do but I
do know there is a purpose. He has
a specific plan for each of us because
He loves us very much. Each person
matters to Him!
It’s been a little over two years
since ESSN first opened its doors
and it is exciting to see our growth
and how we’ve impacted people in
our community. We want to remain
open to serving our community in
ways that promote positive growth
and healthy behaviors. One way
ESSN hopes to do this is by inviting
individuals to participate in groups
entitled “Getting Ahead.” This will
be a partnership with Cross Connection Ministries and will begin in
August. Stay tuned for details and
updates.
I am blessed to have this opportunity to serve this community I call
home.
ESSN Board OF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE BOARD
CHAIR:
Travis Eby
MH Eby; President
VICE CHAIR:
Jeff Good, Retired;
COO Amelia’s Grocery
Outlet and Retail
SECRETARY:
Rick Boone, BA
Human Resources, retired
TREASURER:
Tim Bender
Coatesville Savings Bank
VP Commercial Lending
BOARD MEMBERS
James Cox
Psychologist, retired
Dr. Jack Estep
Pastor; retired
Garden Spot Village,
Pastor Brad Haws
St John Center UCC
E
rika Messner, volunteering with the Power Packs
Projects (PPP), prepares for the families from Blue
Ball Elementary School receiving weekly food
distribution hosted at Weaverland Mennonite Church.
In June, ESSN completed its second year with the PPP.
Over 35 families are being served through Cross Connection Ministries, Weaverland Mennonite Church, and Petra
Christian Fellowship. A recent contract arranged with
Community Assistance program (CAP) enables ESSN to
provide families with fresh fruits two times a month.
A recent survey with participating families proved to
validate the need and success of the PPP. Lots of helpful
feedback was received as ESSN prepares for the upcoming school year.
Power Packs provide weekend food and nutritional
information to families who are food insecure when the
school’s lunch program is not available to them. Families
are taught how to stretch their limited food dollars using
the food provided by PPP. The goal of the program is to
empower families to regularly provide healthy meals and
that children return to school, well-fed and ready to learn.
Power Packs provide long-term solutions to end childhood
hunger. One participant shares “We have enjoyed the
recipes. It is surprising to find different ways to prepare
food with just a few inexpensive ingredients. I am very
2
grateful for Power
Packs.”
It is through
community collaboration in
Erika Mess
bringing local
ner, volun
teeri
Packs Proje
non-profits tocts, prepare ng with Power
s for the fa
from Blue
milies
Ball Eleme
gether with com- we
ntary Scho
ekly food
o
l
receiving
d
is
tributions
munity organiza- Weaverl
hosted at
and Menn
onite Chu
tions, business,
rch.
and local schools
providing the nutritional benefits of Power Packs to families in need. “I like
the approach of the PPP in that we focus on meals-not
just distributing food items and we offer health tips. The
coordination with the school, Garden Spot Village, Cross
Connection Ministries, local congregations, and ESSN is
exciting” says Joan Yunginger, ESSN Director.
“Relationship building with each other and with the
families picking up the food was very visible and I am
excited to be a part of that” ESSN works in cooperation
with the ELANCO School District and Cross Connection
Youth Ministries in identifying local student needs. Volunteers from Garden Spot Village assist ESSN in preparing
the Power Packs.
Dr. Robert Hollister
ELANCO Superintendent
of Schools
ESSN
Ambassador
Update
O
n April 24, the
third Ambassador’s breakfast
was hosted at Shady Maple
Smorgasbord. Forty-One Ambassadors
were present.
The role of the ambassador is to encourage, resource, and create awareness
of ESSN through their respective spheres
of influence or network. Ambassadors
have been extremely helpful in serving
and volunteering in various programs offered to those in need and to the growth
of ESSN’s outreach in the ELANCO area.
Without the faith and dedication of the
volunteers that we call ambassadors,
there would be no program and little
hope for those seeking the services of
ESSN.
Following a welcome and prayer by
Brian Martin, Pastor at Weaverland Mennonite Church, Travis Eby, Board Chair
and President of M.H. Eby, thanked all
the ambassadors who serve as volunteers
and committee members and introduced
both past and current board members in
attendance. Joan Yunginger, ESSN Di-
Pastor Titus Kauffman
Petra Christian Fellowship
Mentoring Need
and Opportunity
Abby Keiser, MS
COBY’s Family Life
Education Dept.
Pastor Brian Martin
Weaverland Mennonite Church
Lucy Parkes, BS
ELANCO School District
Title 1 Tutor,
COBY Family Life Educator
ESSN DIRECTOR
Joan Yunginger, BS
rector, gave the
annual Director’s
report, while Tim
Bender, New Holland Branch Manager of Coatesville
Savings and Loan
updated the
group with a brief
overview of ESSN’s financial report. Jim
Cox, former Chairperson of ESSN Board
presented “The Role of the Ambassador”
and the various service levels that ambassadors contribute their efforts toward
ESSN’s initiatives.
Following the presentation Travis,
Joan, and Jim fielded questions, comments, and feedback from the ambassador group. Titus Kauffman, ELANCO
Ministerium, and ESSN board member
adjourned the meeting with prayer. Special thanks to Garden Spot Village for
sponsoring the Ambassadors breakfast.
Thanks to all our ambassadors!
Look for the launch of
the new ESSN website later this summer.
ESSN currently hosts
a single web page
and a full site is under
construction. Visit us
at elancossn.org
Did you ever consider how your life
was shaped or impacted by a mentor? All of us have been impacted in
life through the positive influence of another. Sometimes
mentoring is very planned and systematic. Other times
mentoring just happens through friendship and time.
ESSN continues to seek and has need for adult mentors,
both men and women, who would offer friendship and
time to help shape the life of another. Some ESSN mentors are encouraging a new skill like reading and writing;
others are encouraging hobbies like gardening and cooking. Mentorees are matched with the gifts and skill sets
of the mentors and training is available. Consider the opportunity to make a new friend and positively shape the
life of another through mentorship. Contact the ESSN
office for more information.
7
If you desire to be added or removed
from our mailing list, please contact
ESSN at 717.354.ESSN.
ELANCO Social Services Network
441 S. KINZER AVENUE, NEW HOLLAND, PA 17557
717-354-ESSN • elancossn.org
441 S. KINZER AVENUE
NEW HOLLAND, PA 17557
SUMMER, 2014
W
“Make It Real”
hile I am a relatively new member of the
board here at ELANCO Social Services
Network (ESSN), I am truly amazed at how
volunteers are offering time, money, and expertise to the
needs that are being met through ESSN.
A couple of years ago the ELANCO Ministerium and
a number of community citizens shared a faith and a vision
to address poverty and needs they saw in ELANCO. They
founded the faith-based, non-profit organization called
ELANCO Social Services Network, (ESSN). These visionaries conceived and shared their faith, shared their vision,
mission, and purpose statements, appointed a board, hired
a director, and found an office to call home located on the
premises at Garden Spot Village.
Our community and the ELANCO Ministerium have
put their faith of helping those in need into action through
ESSN and serve as proof, through their volunteers, that
God is alive and well! Many individuals and families in
I am interested in knowing more about how I can be involved:
____ Committee Member
____ ESSN Ambassador Network ____ Mentor
____ Office/Staff Volunteer
____ Food Pantry Volunteer
____ Van Driver
____ Other
Name ___________________________________________________
ESSN - Vision, Purpose and Mission
Address __________________________________________________
The Vision: Providing hope and assistance for all
who seek it within the ELANCO community.
City/State/Zip _____________________________________________
Phone Number ___________________________________________
Email ___________________________________________________
Monetary donations can be made payable to:
ESSN and mailed to:
ELANCO Social Services Network
441 S Kinzer Ave • New Holland, PA 17557
$ _________
___ weekly
___ monthly
___ yearly
___ one time gift
Continued ON Page 5
ESSN continues to VAN DRIVERS
grow and serve the
ELANCO community. ESSN is searching
for a few volunteer drivers for the New
Holland Food Pantry to make local food
pickups and run miscellaneous errands.
Drivers must possess a current, valid
driver’s license and clean driving record.
This is a great way to serve the local community. Thanks for your consideration.
If interested, please contact Joan Yunginger at 717354-3776 or email [email protected].
ESSN Purchases Van to Service its
Various and Growing Programs
NEEDED
Thank you for your interest in the ELANCO Social Services Network.
We hope that you will choose to take an active role in this endeavor.
If you are interested in knowing more, please indicate below or contact any of the Board members. Please consider the following ways in
which you could contribute to the success of this endeavor.
The Purpose: As people of faith, we strive to
meet the humanitarian needs among us by
providing a coordinated endeavor so that all
available church, business, civic, and educational resources will be made known and accessible
to those in need, assisting in both the short and
long term.
The Mission: As people of faith, responding
to the Biblical call for compassion, justice, and
peace, we will partner together to meet the
many needs in the ELANCO community.
need are encouraged and
grateful for the services provided by ESSN which makes
this faith vision a reality.
ESSN studies poverty and its
effects, prays for and serves
many individuals and families in ELANCO, connects
those in need with counseling, support, and limited
housing assistance, and operJEFF GOOD
ates the New Holland Food
ESSN Vice Chair
Pantry.
The New Holland Food
Pantry currently distributes food every week for approximately 25 individuals and or families of varying size. Each
are served with a variety of grocery items from canned
goods, packaged foods, cereals, snacks, bread and baked
I
Pictured above left to right: Geoff Class, owner of
New Holland Auto Group; Larry Martin, owner of
Martin’s Auto Service in New Holland; and Joan
Yunginger, ESSN Director, stand in front of the
newly lettered ESSN van.
n 2013, the
ESSN Board of
Directors recognized a growing need
to provide a cargo van
to service ESSN’s many
and varied programs.
Since its birth, ESSN
volunteers continued to
use their personal vehicles in serving clients
and transporting service
and program materials. Continued use of
personal vehicles was
proving to be cumbersomely ineffective and
unsafe for the volunteers. In late 2013,
opportunity arose for
ESSN to purchase a
2013 Ford E-250 Cargo
Van with low-mileage
through the New Holland Auto Group.
The van was offered at a discounted
price through Geoff
Class, owner of the
New Holland Auto
Group. The van was
purchased and immediately entered into
ESSN service.
Larry Martin, owner
of Martin’s Auto Service in New Holland,
approached ESSN,
offering to provide the
design and lettering for
the van at no cost.
ESSN now has a
very sharp and professional van on the road
to help service the
clients and programs
of ESSN. Through such
partnerships, as modeled by New Holland
Auto group and Martin’s Auto Service.
ESSN’s need was made
an affordable reality.
Thanks Geoff Class and
Larry Martin for your
generous contribution
to ESSN!!
Providing hope and assistance for all who seek it within the ELANCO community.