Contributions to the Restart Training Center Ministry (RTCM) building capital campaign and peer-to-peer fundraising program are more than donations.

They are investments in the lives of men who have experienced trauma but have dedicated their lives to becoming productive citizens with the nonprofit group's help.

RTCM, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, purchased a building in Ronks for $1.35 million on June 20 and moved there from its home in East Lampeter Township it had been leasing since 2015.

RTCM accepted a loan for $1.25 million from local businesspeople John and Joyce Wagner, who agreed to terms beneficial to the organization. There is no interest for the first year and 5% interest for the second and third years of the loan. "The faster we can pay knock off the principal in the first year, we could save literally hundreds of thousands of dollars in interest," said RTCM's founder and executive director, Jaime Santiago.

The bigger building will enable RTCM to assist more people. The East Lampeter group home accommodated 12 clients and up to six staff members. The Ronks residence holds up to 20 clients.

"It's surrounded by farmland and woods," said Jaime's wife, Pam, who is RTCM's office manager, bookkeeper, and events director. "There are donkeys and goats."

"It's very therapeutic," Jaime added.

Men in the program pay a monthly rate determined by RTCM's board of directors. The cost includes an evening meal, internet, electric, and trash disposal. RTCM provides therapy, vocational training, and life-skills training such as having a bank account. Scholarships are available for qualifying clients.

There are numerous heartwarming success stories. One RTCM graduate works for a construction company, got married, and recently became a father. Another program graduate, who had battled a drug addiction, is now a college graduate and RTCM administrative assistant.

"The money people give is going to keep on giving," Jaime said. "For example, people supported a program when I was a student back in 1991. The money that they gave to supporting channels helped me change my life. Here it is, 2025, and they're still getting a return on it, from my own life and then from the people that I'm investing in myself."

People can donate by going to https://restartministry.org, calling Pam at 717-304-3291, or texting RTCMCC to 41444.

RTCM will also hold a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign from Friday, Aug. 1, to Saturday, Aug. 16. The goal is to generate $100,000 for four projects: the building capital campaign, the care and discipleship fund, the client scholarship fund, and the vehicle fund.

The care and discipleship fund provides biblical counseling and life-skills support. Scholarships assist men who cannot afford the intake fee, and the vehicle fund will help ensure reliable transportation to church, jobs, and appointments.

"Each team in the campaign will aim to raise $25,000, with an option for donors to support the ministry as a whole under the Where Needed Most team," said social media manager Querida Carrington.

Carrington added that the public can get involved by making a donation; joining a fundraising team or becoming a peer-to-peer fundraiser; and sharing the campaign with friends, family, and community members.

To participate, go to https://restartministry.org/hope25 or text HOPE25 to 71777. The prizes for those who raise the most funds include a platinum table at a 2026 RTCM event and free advertising for a business, a Sight & Sound gift card and local restaurant gift card, and a gift card plus RTCM merchandise.

RTCM is also accepting donations of metal bunk beds, pillows, sheets, and kitchen supplies and is planning to put together an Amazon wish list.