Since 2012, Solanco Neighborhood Ministries (SNMinistries) has served the community from its leased location at 355 Buck Road, Quarryville. The facility is largely occupied by shelving units and cold storage for the faith-based food bank; it includes several offices as well. In recent years, however, the organization has wanted a larger facility, executive director Teresa Dolan noted.

"Where we are now, we have a great food bank space but no room for programs," Dolan explained. "Our goal is to have more services and opportunities to have multiple needs met, to offer programs that might be offered (in Lancaster city), such as budgeting and (job-seeking support)."

Dolan and SNMinistries board members had intermittently looked for a new facility over the past two years, but recently, the opportunity to purchase the former Masonic Lodge, 14 S. Church St., Quarryville, was presented to them.

"The Masons had wanted (the building) to go to a ministry, and they reached out to us," Dolan said. "God orchestrated the whole thing perfectly."

The three-story building is at least 100 years old and will need some renovations, including upgrades necessary for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, before occupation. However, it offers many benefits, including an additional 3,000 square feet of space, parking, privacy for clients, and access to Huffnagle Park, where children can enjoy supervised play while their parents or guardians attend meetings and classes.

"We are in the process of meeting with contractors to see what needs to be done," Dolan commented. "We will be meeting with someone to figure out if a capital campaign will be needed."

Dolan noted that until now, SNMinistries has not engaged in formal fundraising. Churches, other ministries, Scout and services groups, and individuals have collected food for distribution to households in need, and financial resources have come from those donors as well. Anyone who would like to be kept apprised of ministry needs is invited to visit http://www.solanconeighborhoodministries.org to sign up for the newsletter, which is distributed about once a month. Fundraising plans will be announced in the newsletter, Dolan said.

When it is time to move, volunteer labor assistance will be requested. The goal is to complete the transition to Church Street sometime this year. Dolan noted that current staff members and volunteers are excited about the opportunity to start from scratch as far as organizing goes.

"We've never owned a building before," Dolan remarked. "We've been telling our volunteers to start a wish list for how they want it to be. Everybody has lots of good ideas."

In the meantime, SNMinistries is continuing to operate as usual. At the height of the pandemic, the need for emergency food assistance tripled. Now, households are seeking rental and heating assistance. The current concern for many clients is avoiding eviction, Dolan said, adding, "We have funds that we're able to help with that, and we partner with other organizations to do what we can to help with landlords."

For more information about SNMinistries or to seek help, readers may visit the aforementioned website or call 717-786-4308.