Servants Inc. goes to work in PV

Connecting homeowners in need of repairs with volunteers who have the willingness to help is one of the main purposes of Servants Inc., an organization that was birthed in 2005, when founder and CEO Trent Davis responded to the needs of those displaced by Hurricane Katrina. Flooding in York County in 2010 brought home the idea of working locally, and in 2021, the organization branched into Lancaster County.

Having completed a number of projects in the ELANCO area, Servants is now looking to build relationships with those located in the Pequea Valley community. "We are trying to develop more partnerships in that area specifically partnerships with churches," said Keith Cotton, director of outreach with Servants. Cotton noted that developing a longer list of clients in greater Paradise who could use services is also on the agenda. "We have regular volunteers in that area," explained Cotton. "Some volunteers would prefer to work in the area where they live (because) they like to support the community they live in," he added, noting, "We want to balance the needs of the community with people in the community who want to help." Homeowners in need of help may apply by contacting Servants at 717-378-0336. Needs may include ramps, bathroom modifications, flooring, roof and siding repairs, and more.

Carpentry, HVAC, and plumbing skills are not necessarily a requirement. "We also put an emphasis on building relationships (between volunteers and homeowners)," said Cotton, who added often people who need home repairs are widowed or single mothers facing loneliness and needing support.

John Feldmann, director of volunteer engagement with Servants, agreed that volunteers need not have specific skill sets to be useful. "We would love to have people with a heart to help their community (volunteer)," he stated. "Our project manager or a staff representative is on site at most Lancaster projects to help teach skills as needed." Feldmann said that a willingness to learn is an asset in a volunteer, but that those who already have expertise in certain areas are also welcome. "(Retired people) who have the availability in their schedule, the skills to complete the work, and a passion to give back are common among volunteers," he shared.

Cotton stated that connecting workers with homeowners in need is a specialty of Servants Inc. "We try to make it easy for anyone who says 'I want to serve,'" he said, pointing to a group in the ELANCO area made up of volunteers from several churches that worked with Servants. "They had the people, but not the administrative (skills)," he said. "We try to remove all the barriers. We have the clients who need the help, the work that needs to be done, and the tools and materials for the job," he said, noting he feels confident there are men's groups in area churches that have the willingness and just need the catalyst to connect them to those in need.

Feldmann added that most Servants Inc. volunteers find the experience to be rewarding. "Several of our regular volunteers have said they didn't have an outlet for (their) skills when they retired," he noted. "(They said that) doing this kind of work has been really fulfilling."

In 2023, Servants Inc., answered 340 calls for help and served 144 families, completing 418 repairs.

To learn more about the organization, visit http://www.servants.org.