Factory plans fourth homecoming

"The Pequea Valley community is one that rallies together to care for one another," shared Adam Nagle, executive director of The Factory Ministries. "As an organization, we've really centered on that energy." Nagle is looking forward to celebrating that spirit of community care, which has been a focus of The Factory for three decades. "For the past 30 years now, we have been honing in and looking at the needs of (Pequea Valley residents) and seeing how we can best empower this incredible community to care for one another," Nagle added.

The fourth annual Homecoming Open House and Kickoff to the ExtraGive will be held at The Factory, 3293 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise, on Thursday, Nov. 21, from 5 to 8 p.m. with hors d'oeuvres, sponsored by Stoltzfus Meats. The evening will include games, prizes, self-guided tours, a silent auction, and an address by Peter Greer, CEO of HOPE International.

Everyone who attends will have the chance to tour The Factory, formerly Paradise Elementary School. "The tour will focus on stories of the lives that have been changed in each of our four departments," said Ellie Green, communications director. Green noted that the four featured departments will be adult advocacy, the Factory Market, the Building Braves Center, and the youth center.

"A lot of exciting things have transpired in this historic building," said Nagle. "This is an opportunity to come be inspired by the stories of your neighbors in a beautiful setting." Green added that there will be fun games with significant prizes for those attending the open house.

New this year is a "sweet tooth tour" that will end in the silent auction area - Room 117 adjacent to the gymnatorium. A number of items will be up for bids. "We're excited to welcome back Joe Bartolo from Bartolo Auction Enterprises to host a silent auction that will include travel experiences, such as an overnight stay in the Poconos, waterpark passes, and trips to Antigua and Barbados," said Green, adding that exclusive sports memorabilia, including signed items from Jason Kelce, and much more will be auctioned.

Greer will give the keynote presentation in the gymnatorium at 6:30 p.m. Several of The Factory staff members will also speak, and a film about the 30 years of The Factory, made by MAKE/FILMS, will be presented. Nagle will provide closing remarks.

Refreshments at the event will include meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables, sweet treats, and beverages, such as coffee. 

Registration for the homecoming and open house is recommended, but not required. Those who wish to register ahead are asked to do so by Thursday, Nov. 14, by visiting https://rb.gy/zh3ft1.

The event is free, but opportunities to give will be offered throughout the evening. "We will be encouraging people to give the following day, on ExtraGive Friday (Nov. 22) to double their impact," explained Green. "We (also) want people to be able to give (at the open house)." Green pointed out that a number of sponsors, including MAKE/FILMS, the Old Candle Barn, and Paradise Custom Kitchens, are making this year's homecoming possible.

"Whether you have been involved since the very beginning in 1994 or have never heard of us before, there will be fun and exciting things for everyone," said Green.