On Jan. 4, The Factory Ministries, 3293 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise, held a ribbon cutting to open its new Factory Market. The event, which was broadcast via Facebook Live, was facilitated by Factory Ministries executive director Adam Nagle and market director Kerri Burns. The remodeled market was based on Burns' vision for a place that would offer dignity and affirmation to those who utilize the market.

Nagle opened the event by introducing Burns and noting the role she played in the redesign of the market space. "This was her vision," he said. "This has come from her head and heart."

"I hope that this space will be a bright spot in someone's day," Burns said. "I hope (Factory clients) leave encouraged by a kind word or conversation they had here."

Shira Zimmerman, director of advocates for The Factory, joined the event electronically from her home. "The market plays a key role in everything we do on the social services side (at The Factory Ministries)," said Zimmerman, who explained that clients receive Factory Bucks for meeting with advocates and attending classes. "(Clients) can now walk into the market, and it's more beautiful than ever ... and this tells them that they matter and that their journey matters."

After Burns cut the ribbon, she and Nagle took a tour of the market, pointing out new shelving, a reach-in cooler, and a barn door between the market and the storage area. Nagle noted that the cooler was purchased with a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection that is given to organizations to help reduce food waste. The barn door was a gift from the Intercourse Lions Club, and two of the walls were built by the Pequea Valley High School ninth grade CORE career readiness program. He also said that Weis Markets contributes hundreds of pounds of food per week through a Central Pennsylvania Food Bank connection. Nagle also credited the Paradise-area community with donating many items for the market through Food Fridays, an effort launched in April 2020 that invites area residents to drop food outside at The Factory from 9 a.m. to noon each Friday.

Burns thanked Nagle for helping make her vision a reality by putting time and energy into the project. Nagle responded, "I am big on space feeling good because space communicates so much. When you had this vision, I said, 'Let's step behind this and make it happen.'"

Nagle closed the ribbon-cutting ceremony with a prayer that all who shop at the market would feel dignity and care. He thanked God for volunteer time and energy, and he prayed that Burns' heart and hope for Factory clients would be evident to those who enter the space.

Readers who wish to learn more about The Factory Ministries may visit http://www.thefactoryministries.com. Individuals who have questions about the food pantry program may call 717-687-9594.