By Marian Pontz
There was a need, and a group of community members decided to fill that need. As an organization, SEEDS has only existed for a little over two years, with clear guiding principles and a vision of providing their Conestoga Valley neighbors with a healthy, thriving community by connecting them to housing resources, educational support, and health services. They repeatedly state, “Our heart is to walk alongside our neighbors and help them remove barriers.”
The breakfast was held in the beautiful, sun-soaked meeting room, graced with dignitaries, neighbors, and so many supporters of SEEDS. The excitement for this incredibly effective organization was palpable. The word had spread about SEEDS growing free ESL classes that provide dinner before and free child care during the classes, their drive to find jobs and housing for the new neighbors, to help their children join school sports teams and receive academic support, to help their neighbors thrive in their community after they have experienced so much to reach our safe community.
A prayer was said, and the prayer asked the Lord to continue showing us ways to love our neighbor. For the next hour, co-directors Michelle Kime and Kirsten Hershey and more told us their plans to fulfill their hopes and dreams for the organization's growth. They have begun by making community member aware of the struggles of their new neighbors and then sharing with them the partnerships and opportunities we have to support these endeavors.
From babysitting to meal prep, teaching ESL(no teaching degree required), and providing transportation, the list of opportunities to serve abounds. Volunteers expressed the joy they found serving and finding a new community. Their needs also expanded as the list of ESL classes expanded from the beginning to serving seven adults, now to 75 adult students. Ms. Kime and Ms. Hershey have invited bankers, medical professionals, art therapists, and social workers to guest lectures for their ESL students. Together, they are trying to empower the whole person.
Conestoga Valley ranks second only to Lancaster City in terms of the largest population of unhoused individuals. SEEDS wants to help address this issue and, in the meeting, shared the exciting news of a possible multi-family property in Bridgeport. If the future favors the endeavors of this incredible organization, the multi-unit will house 12-15 families. Their support would continue beyond housing as daytime ESL classes are in the planning phase, as well as playgroups with an occupational therapist. “We will, as Ms. Kime states, be a one-stop shop. We will tell the story of SEEDS over and over as word of mouth about our organization spreads and our relationships build.”
You can volunteer, financially support, and learn more about SEEDS by visiting co-directors Michelle and Kirsten at the SEEDS booth at the Gifts that Give Hope Fair on Dec. 1 at the Farm and Home Center, visiting their website seedscv.com, or following them on Facebook at Conestoga Valley Seeds.
