History of Manheim Community Life Group
Manheim Community Life Group was formed after a group of churches in the Manheim area began to seek ways for the committed Christian to connect to needs in the Manheim community. With relationships being the central focus, the group explored various ways for believers to be the hands and feet of Christ to meet physical, practical needs. Several needs were met in the community through the provision of rent assistance, food, clothing, and transportation.
MCLG was established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 2020. As the Board pressed further into God’s calling for the ministry, housing was a need that continued to surface. God graciously provided a property to MCLG that allowed the ministry to pursue providing transitional housing for women and children facing homelessness. The building was transformed through many hours of labor into a beautiful home to serve that specific demographic and was named the Home on Ferdinand.
The Home on Ferdinand opened in November 2021. Since that time, women and children have been blessed to call it their home. The women receive individualized case management and coaching to help them work toward their goals, reach stability, and become more self-sustaining. The need for this type of housing has been overwhelming, and MCLG continues to explore how the organization can meet more needs in the community by providing housing and other resources.
Meet the Staff
Nicole is our House Director. She comes to us with many years of experience working in the Human Services field working with the homeless population and at-risk youth. She is our first hired staff and has been with us since November 2021, opening Home on Ferdinand. Nicole has a passion for helping those in need and enjoys deep meaningful conversations along with lighthearted chats with all of ladies who enter Home on Ferdinand. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephews along with volunteering with several nonprofit agencies. She attends Victory Church, Ephrata campus, and serves on the hospitality team.
Nicole’s life verse: Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; but in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Kaitlyn is our House Coordinator. She has always had a passion for serving others. She served in missions for one year in Central America working with a local church to reach and serve the community. Since returning from Central America, she has made it a priority to help others. Kaitlyn started her journey with Home on Ferdinand before opening by volunteering her time as the home was being renovated and was our first live in staff. She has a desire to continue learning about social services and the ways she can help the community. Kaitlyn enjoys working with others, and creating a safe place where people feel that they can come as they are. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music and discovering new styles of music, along with playing guitar, and spending time with family and friends. She attends Erb Mennonite Church and serves on the worship team and has previously served as a youth advisor.
Kaitlyn’s life verse: 2 Thessalonians 3:3 – But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.
Stefanie is our intern for the 2022-23 school year. She is a senior in the social work program at Lancaster Bible College and is excited to intern at the Home this year as women’s ministry has been a passion of hers for a long time. She is from Mount Joy and anticipates practicing social work in her local community after she graduates in the Spring. She enjoys collecting vintage items, watching live theatre, and spending time with family and friends. She is involved at her church, Mount Joy Mennonite, in worship and youth ministry. She is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn and gain experience here!
Stefanie’s favorite verse: Isaiah 58:10-11 – And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
