The Factory plans for the next five years

"We know why we exist and how to do it," said Adam Nagle, executive director of The Factory Ministries, 3293 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise. "(But) what do we want to see done (in the future)? What is the clear vision?"

The Factory Ministries, which provides resources for children, youths, and adults from the Together Community Center, formerly the Paradise Elementary School, underwent a reassessment four years ago when Nagle came on board. "In the fall of 2019, the board and the executive team worked through our mission and our values to clarify our mission," said Nagle. "We are all about empowerment of people, connecting them to resources, and building community by walking with those who are underresourced."

Now, the ministry is looking ahead five years beginning with a listening phase that has already included meetings with The Factory staff members and focus groups including donors, volunteers, community members, business owners, and local pastors. "We are listening and talking through needs they see in the community and what do they understand The Factory to be," said Nagle, who noted that the next step is to go wider in the process. "We would love to hear from the community," said Nagle. "We want a broad response." Nagle noted that questions would center on needs, issues area residents are facing, and more. He added that the ministry ventures beyond the bounds of the Pequea Valley School District, reaching into the Strasburg area.

Ellie Green, executive assistant with The Factory, said she wants area residents to feel invited to complete the survey, which will be available online. "Questions will be multiple choice," she said, noting that the final question will require a longer answer, but that survey takers need not complete each question to move forward. "Questions will be about what The Factory does and the impact it has, along with the three most urgent needs the ministry should tackle in the (next) five years." Readers may access the survey at https://tinyurl.com/y88mdh35. The survey may also be found by searching for "The Factory Ministries" on Facebook.

The results of the surveys and focus groups will help the team to craft a statement that describes where the organization is going and what it will look like when it gets there. Green noted that major community needs, emerging needs, and biggest challenges are among the issues the organization hopes to identify.

Both Nagle and Green said that they hope to have results of the work available for area residents early next year. "The goal is to have a statement by Leap Day, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024," said Nagle. "We will share that with everyone who participated to let them know what their input has led to."

Nagle noted that The Factory currently offers educational assistance through the kindergarten readiness program and the Braves Learning Center. "That's a key part of helping people thrive and overcome poverty," said Nagle, who added that The Factory Youth Center continues to support students as they move to adulthood and that adult advocates and a food pantry are offered.

Readers who would like to learn more about The Factory Ministries, which is located at 3293 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise, may visit http://www.thefactoryministries.com or call 717-687-9594.