Shira Zimmerman, director of advocates for The Factory Ministries, sees it as part of the organization's mission to make all who enter feel welcome. "(Our) emphasis is that every participant who walks in the building feels at home here - for everyone to experience that feeling of safety, stability, and feel that homey vibe," said Zimmerman.

Visitors are invited to enjoy that comfortable atmosphere at the second annual Factory Homecoming on Thursday, May 19, at the Together Community Center, 3293 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise, from 5 to 9 p.m. This year's theme is "Experience Empowerment." Those wishing to attend the free event are asked to register at https://thefactoryministries.com or by calling 717-687-9594. There will be opportunities to donate to The Factory Ministries throughout the evening.

Each guest will receive an experience booklet in the reception area. Zimmerman explained that visitors will take part in a self-guided tour with eight stops, including hospitality; adult advocacy; The Factory Market; the Building Braves area, where early learning and elementary programs are held; and the youth center. "There will be four experiences where story boards (will tell) our neighbors', friends', and participants' stories of empowerment," said Zimmerman, who noted that staff members will be at designated spots to answer questions and highlight story boards. Another tour stop will be the community collaboration spot, where community leaders will discuss the focus on working together. Each tour will end in the youth center, where appetizers provided by Stoltzfus Meats will be served.

Executive director Adam Nagle will speak in the newly remodeled gymnatorium at 6, 7, and 8 p.m., followed by videos spotlighting stories of Factory participants. Each program in the gymnatorium will last up to 30 minutes.

"We enjoy inviting everyone over," said Zimmerman, who added, "It's fun to see how the entire community comes together for this event." Zimmerman emphasized that the open house is a celebration of what participants have accomplished in their lives. "The big highlight is the stories of our participants, but we also get to showcase businesses that sponsor and come together, and that's a perfect picture of how the work is done here."