On May 20, community leaders and local clergy convened at New Hope Counseling Center in Quarryville for an event to celebrate New Hope's new initiative to purchase and renovate a facility located at 248 Maple Ave. The kick off event officially launched New Hope's campaign to raise the funds needed to complete the project, which will allow the organization to significantly expand its counseling services and to better meet the Southern End's mental health needs.

The event included an opening ceremony and addresses from several members of New Hope's leadership, including board chair Chris Rachor, board member and local pastor Jeremy Peterson and the counseling center's first executive director, Ken Zieber. The speakers recalled New Hope's history of advocating for mental health in the community and its collaborations with local churches, and many board members highlighted a growing demand for mental health services in the modern world.

During the opening ceremony, one of New Hope's former clients underlined the counseling facility's longstanding commitment to offering financial aid to individuals seeking treatment via the Hope Chest Fund, which empowered him to receive the care he required without leaving a burdensome debt and weighty fees.

Last year, New Hope was offered a chance to acquire ownership of the building that has housed its offices for the past two decades. After careful deliberation and prayer, the board decided to proceed with a plan to purchase and renovate the building. New Hope purchased the building in January 2024, and the New Hope for a Healthier Community Capital Campaign is being utilized for various renovations made possible by more than 50 donors. As of May 2024, the campaign has raised approximately half its minimum fundraising goal of $900,000.

"We realized we could expand our space not only to improve the flow of our programs but also to increase what we offer," said Deb Riddell, executive director of New Hope Counseling Center. "All offices will be larger, so our staff will have opportunities to see larger groups for marriage and family counseling if that's what clients want." The expansion will also introduce an art and play therapy room to provide a more comfortable setting for clients by allowing children to use toys and enabling adults to paint during sessions.

The Clark Associates Charitable Foundation has pledged to donate $100,000 if the campaign reaches $800,000 before the end of 2024. New Hope will begin demolition and deconstruction of the facility in September, which will rely on continued donations from the community.

To make a donation or learn more about the project, visit http://www.newhopeministry.info or contact Riddell at 717-786-2802, ext. 101.