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Across Lancaster County, nonprofit organizations regularly encounter needs that extend beyond the services they provide. A family seeking housing assistance may also struggle to afford groceries or find reliable transportation. While each organization brings its own expertise to the community, many face similar challenges as demand for services grows and resources remain limited.

@uwlanc, in partnership with the Briar Hill Foundation, brought nonprofit leaders together at @edenresort & Suites for the Lancaster County Nonprofit Collaborative Kick-Off. The gathering introduced an initiative intended to strengthen relationships among local organizations and give those working within the nonprofit sector a voice in its development.

Much of the work nonprofits do happens independently, with staff focused on the immediate needs of the people they serve. Finding time to connect with other organizations can be difficult, even when their work intersects.

A stronger network could help nonprofits better understand the services available throughout Lancaster County and recognize challenges they may have in common.

The Collaborative will focus on strengthening those connections while creating opportunities for professional learning and cooperation. Nonprofit leaders will also help identify challenges that could benefit from a coordinated approach, allowing their experiences to inform the resources and support offered through the initiative.

The kickoff brought nonprofit leaders from across Lancaster County into the same room to exchange experiences and consider how their organizations might benefit from working more closely together.

As the Collaborative develops, participating nonprofits will help shape its direction based on their experiences serving Lancaster County residents. Their involvement will help determine how the initiative responds to the challenges organizations face and what support would be most useful in their daily work.

#lancasterpa #strongertogether #community #nonprofit #supportlocal