The role of volunteers is to give students a safe space, interact with them, and get to know them," said Sarah Ortiz, youth center manager with CrossNet Ministries. "Let (youth center night attendees) know they matter and they are seen," she stated, adding that building relationships with local youths is one of the main goals of the program.

Ortiz has overseen the CrossNet Ministries Youth Center, 110 W. Franklin St., New Holland, for nearly two years. Part of her job is to organize and hold youth center nights held each Wednesday and Thursday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. In that capacity, Ortiz is in need of volunteers - she likes to have several male and female volunteers to work with the 12- to 18-year-old youths who attend. In that respect, she is dealing with a rather unusual problem. "We have enough male volunteers," reported Ortiz. "We are in deep need of female volunteers. It's very unusual." Currently, one female volunteer and Ortiz are the only women present on youth center nights. "Our female volunteers from 2024 transitioned out for good reasons," she noted. "I think I would love to have the same number of females as males," said Ortiz, who currently has more than five male volunteers. She would like to add at least six female volunteers over the two nights.

Students who visit on youth center nights may take part in open gym activities such as volleyball and basketball. "We have a cafeteria area where we like to set up board games," Ortiz noted, adding that electronic game platforms are available for students to enjoy as well.

Volunteers must be at least 21 years old and are required to have all necessary clearances to work with youths. "(Volunteers) must complete an onboarding process, and we go over a handbook with them," said Ortiz, who noted that an evening of training is required for new volunteers. "(Youth center volunteers) learn about youth culture to prepare them to work with the students and get to know them better," said Ortiz.

According to Ortiz, the youth center nights average attendance of about 30 youths; however, that number could be lower during basketball season. "One night, we had 15 because there was a home game," she said, adding that the high school becomes the youth center on those evenings. She added that when attendance is high - as it is when events are held at the youth center - up to 45 students might attend.

Volunteers have reported that working with youths impacts them as well as giving them a chance to be a positive influence. "Volunteering with CrossNet has impacted and strengthened my faith," said a former female volunteer. "It has shown me God's heart for us and for the students. (God) really pursues us and loves us."

Ortiz joined CrossNet in March of 2023. "It feels like I'm still new," said the Akron resident, who has lived in the county since she was in elementary school. Ortiz has a degree from Millersville University, and she is currently studying for her master's at Lancaster Bible College, but she has been working with children since she graduated high school. Ortiz worked with elementary school-aged children and then with older youths through the ministry of New Beginnings Church in Lancaster.

CrossNet Ministries, which began as Cross Connection Youth Center, has been a fixture in New Holland since it was formed in 1988 by members of Weaverland Mennonite Church. In 2006, the ministry purchased a building on Franklin Street to house the youth center. Since that time, the ministry has grown to include a food and nutrition center, a variety of social services and programs, and a housing program. More information about CrossNet may be found at https://elancocross.org. Individuals who are interested in volunteering at the youth center may email Grant Gehman, director of youth programs, at grant@elancocross.org or call 717-355-2454.