CrossNet Schedules Open Houses

According to Carl Edwards, CrossNet Ministries executive director, the journey of the last several years that has focused on remodeling the warehouse the organization purchased on Franklin Street has been focused on raising community awareness and support, and the ELANCO community responded. "I just want to thank the community, businesses, churches, individuals, and foundations for making this space possible," said Edwards, referring to the property located at 110 W. Franklin St., New Holland. CrossNet offices, including the Food and Nutrition Center and donation center, moved into the new space in mid-September and were open for business on Sept. 15.

Now, the ministry is planning two open houses to introduce area residents to the new space. Open houses will be held on Friday, Oct. 10, from 6 to 8 p.m., and Friday, Oct. 24, from 8 to 10 a.m. Tours of the new facility and a variety of activities, including door prizes and light refreshments, are planned for both events.

The property was purchased by CrossNet in late 2022 in response to a need for space as programs and services offered by the ministry outgrew its facilities. Edwards pointed out that the finished ministry building is completed because local individuals cared. "This project is a reflection of the ELANCO community and how much they love their neighbors and love meeting needs in the name of Jesus," he said.

Meghan Irvine, director of marketing and communications for CrossNet, said that the new facility will be decorated with balloons, and CrossNet merchandise and gift cards will be given away. "We have a lot of great merch left over from different events," she stated, adding that charging pads, mugs, journals, sweatshirts, T-shirts, and gift cards will be among the giveaways. "We will probably give away door prizes that include a collection of CrossNet merch."

Edwards noted that CrossNet personnel and board members will provide tours of the building. The ministry also moved its yearly match event, which usually occurs in November, to coincide with the move. "We were intentional in scheduling the open house dates in conjunction with our October Match fundraiser," he explained. "We do a dollar-for-dollar matching fundraiser with a $150,000 match," said Edwards, adding that 20 "amazing" couples provide the $150,000 to match. "Those couples have been partnering generously with CrossNet for many years," he said, noting that there will be opportunities to donate during the open houses.

CrossNet Ministries was founded in 1988 by members of Weaverland Anabaptist Faith Community. Originally called Cross Connection Youth Center, the ministry purchased its first building at 127 W. Franklin St. in 2006. The building next door at 123 W. Franklin became CrossNet offices in 2011, and space for the youth center was leased at 110 W. Franklin St. in 2017. By January of 2023, the entire building at 110 W. Franklin had been purchased to make room for the expanding ministry. "A year of the building process was getting bids and just making a detailed plan," said Edwards, who added that construction took a year to complete. "We started (remodeling) in September 2024," said Edwards, who added that the buildings that are being vacated will be retained in hopes of repurposing them to provide crisis housing in the future.

Edwards hopes local residents will visit during the open houses to appreciate the accomplishment in which they took part. "I hope when our community sees this, there's a feeling of pride in them because they were part of something bigger than themselves," he stated.

Readers who would like to learn more about CrossNet may visit http://www.elancocross.org. Individuals with specific questions may call 717-355-2454 or email office@elancocross.org.