CrossNet's New Digs Near Completion

The excitement that Carl Edwards, executive director of CrossNet Ministries, feels as he leads the way into the organization's warehouse project's donation center is obvious in his demeanor, but he puts words to it anyway. "We are thrilled! We are excited!" exclaimed Edwards. "It's finally happening."

The warehouse, located at 110 W. Franklin St., New Holland, 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. Renovations to the property began in September 2024 and are scheduled to be completed by the end of August with move-in projected for September.

The purchase also included a smaller building at 134 W. Franklin St., which Edwards stated is currently being used for storage. "(134 W. Franklin St.) is slated for future growth," stated Edwards.

Because construction is ongoing, the tour does not begin at the front door, but rather at the west entrance, which will continue as a loading dock for the new facility. "All donations will come through one place," noted Edwards, who listed backpacks, winter coats, and clothing among those. The section of that area closest to West Franklin Street will be used for food storage. "These garage doors will be updated, and we can receive donations from Tyson or Central Pennsylvania Food Bank," stated Edwards.

The new Food and Nutrition Center, which will have its own entrance on West Franklin Street, will feature a commercial walk-in refrigerator and freezer. Edwards described the new market as a mini grocery store with its own restroom for shoppers, produce racks, nesting grocery carts, and a checkout counter. Behind the grocery store will be a commercial kitchen where lunches for the summer program will be packed and, which will eventually offer more services. "Amy (Marburger, who heads up the Food and Nutrition Center) has a vision of holding cooking and nutrition classes in the future," shared Edwards.

The rest of the building will encompass two floors with a mezzanine-style second level. Social services will have a group of offices together on the first floor with a front entrance and hallway offering quiet and privacy for visiting participants. There will also be an area where CrossNet can keep clothing on hand when it is needed in a hurry for a job interview or when children have sudden growth spurts. Offices that are available for visiting organizations to utilize will be located in the building as well. "We have offices that will be shared space to house partnerships we have with organizations in Lancaster city, such as Tenfold or CareerLink," explained Edwards, who added that the organizations should have regularly scheduled weekly or monthly time at CrossNet.

One highlight of the second floor will be the balcony area from which to view the main office suite below - with room for eight cubicles - as well as the large windows facing south. Another feature on the upper floor is an extra-large conference room, which will house training sessions for participants and families. "We wanted a spot where 40 to 50 people could be present," he pointed out, adding that the room will be fitted with technology for teaching and other displays.

Several years ago, the CrossNet Youth Center outgrew its location at 127 W. Franklin St. At that time, the youth center moved into the warehouse across the street near the corner of Roberts Avenue, which is also part of 110 W. Franklin St. As remodeling occurs in the office area, the youth center will soon be connected to the new CrossNet. "This wall behind us is the new youth center wall, and this wall in front of us will come down," explained Edwards, who added this means the youth center will enlarge by 35 feet and be fitted with a new full-court basketball court running east and west with a new concrete slab and new flooring.

A reception area, more offices and conference rooms, and a lunchroom and kitchen for CrossNet staff will be located on the first floor close to West Franklin Street. Edwards pointed out that the lunchroom will be located next to a conference room to make it easy to serve refreshments.

Gesturing to the second-floor loft area, Edwards pointed out a section that will be outfitted with cable railing. "That will be a great aesthetic for a nice modern look," said Edwards. "We are insanely grateful for the architects and contractors that have been willing to collaborate with the many vendors that have supported CrossNet over the years."

Near the end of the tour, Edwards stopped and pointed to a wall behind the reception area. "This will be our donor wall," he stated. "It will be a beautifully designed wall with names of all the donors that have invested into this capital project and warehouse renovation," said Edwards. "Our goal is to fill this space and leave room for potential generosity."

According to Edwards, the total cost of the finished project will be about $5 million "from initial purchase to renovation." "There are still some funds to raise to move in debt free," said Edwards, who noted that currently $450,000 is needed. "The community has done this," said Edwards. "They have invested time and money." CrossNet's next big fundraiser will be the Summer Nights dinner and auction scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 23.

Currently, the number of CrossNet staff members is approaching 20. Edwards is looking ahead to when many more staff members will offer increased services to the community. "This project was to alleviate current space issues but also to be able to dream for next 30 years," said Edwards. "This is for future growth."

Information about CrossNet is available at http://www.elancocross.org.