According to Ellie Green, communications director with The Factory Ministries, when some Factory staff members heard Dr. Irvin Scott speak through Harvard University's Leadership Institute for Faith and Education (L.I.F.E.) Convening event, they were impressed with the educator's teaching. "His work has inspired and shaped us," shared Green, who added that the recent publication of Scott's book "Leading With Heart and Soul" seemed to indicate that the time might be right to invite Scott to Paradise. "We thought (Scott) would be the perfect fit for a Community Leadership Summit (CLS) designed to encourage leaders," she explained.

The third annual CLS to be hosted by The Factory Ministries will be held on Friday, March 7, at The Factory, 3293 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise, from 8 to 10:30 a.m. There is a cost to attend the CLS, which includes a hot breakfast and coffee from Speckled Hen, a copy of Scott's book, a question-and-answer session, and networking with local leaders. Because tickets are limited, organizers request that those wishing to attend register by Monday, March 3, using the "CLS" event link on the home page at http://www.thefactoryministries.com.

Scott is considered an expert in organizational leadership, as well as entrepreneurship and educational reform. "This event is for all leaders, whether or not their focus is education," noted Green. Scott's experience in education includes teaching, as well as serving as principal and assistant superintendent. He was principal at McCaskey High School in Lancaster for four years. Scott was the deputy director for kindergarten through 12th-grade education at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as well as the chief academic officer for Boston Public Schools. Currently, he is a member of the faculty of Harvard's Graduate School of Education.

Scott's new book is based on his experience in the classroom, school, and district education and as a nonprofit leader, as well as spiritual principles. Readers may find motivation in the stories Scott tells and the strategies he recommends. Answers to questions such as "How do we empower innovative, servant-hearted leaders?" and "How do we inspire communities to support the learning journeys of local youths?" are spotlighted along with information of how to reach the goal of offering equitable opportunities to learning so that each student has the necessary resources to thrive.

"(CLS events are held) as a way to support and encourage our local leaders and give back to the community," said Green.

The Factory Ministries began more than 30 years ago as a youth center located in a building that had previously been a sewing factory. More recently, the ministry moved to the former Paradise Elementary School and began to remake the building into a facility that can better serve the needs of the community. Over the years, the organization has grown to offer a food pantry, known as The Factory Market, and adult advocacy services, along with a family housing center. The Braves Learning Center focuses on educational needs with the goal of addressing poverty through changing a child's trajectory. For more information, readers may search for "The Factory Ministries" on Facebook. Readers who have specific questions may call 717-687-9594.