Fwd: Connecting People to Hope, Help, and Healing

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: REAL Life Community Services <rod@reallcs.org>
Date: Sat, Nov 1, 2025 at 4:01 AM
Subject: Connecting People to Hope, Help, and Healing
To: <philandkelly@gmail.com>

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Quick Note!
If you haven't seen the usual volunteer requests or updates, don't worry—it's just us getting used to a new system! You might also want to peek in your spam folder, since a few emails may have ended up there. Thanks so much for your patience while we work out the kinks!

Urgent Needs: First Friday Food Drive

Your help is needed! Like many other social service organizations, we're seeing an increase in the number of people coming to us for food as many benefits they once relied on have become uncertain. As we serve more families seeking relief and access to essential groceries, your prayers and donations are more important than ever.

Join us for our First Friday Food Drive
📅 Friday, November 7 | 3:00–5:00 PM

Bring food and personal care items to help restock our shelves! A list of our most-needed items is updated each month on our website and included below. Many of these ingredients are used in our Power Pack meal recipes, which allow families to prepare and enjoy home-cooked meals together—encouraging quality time around the table and strengthening family connections.

Of course, ANY unused and unexpired items are accepted and deeply appreciated!

Questions? Contact Mary-Beth LeVan at marybeth@reallcs.org..

Meet Melonie!

Melonie, a single mother of three, moved from Lancaster City to Denver for a better school district and a safe, welcoming neighborhood for her children. While getting to know her new community, she discovered the Declaration House—and with it, REAL Life and its many resources.

Not long after, the pandemic hit. As her work hours dwindled, Melonie faced two difficult weeks without enough food and the threat of losing electricity. REAL Life stepped in to help fill the gap.

"Being a single mother, it's so uneasy to not have everything that you know your kids need, and then try to tap into their wants," Melonie shared.

Through programs like PowerPacks and Client Choice Shopping, Melonie was able to cover her family's basic needs and use her income to focus on her children's wants—knowing their needs would still be met.

"It allows me to not only be there financially and physically for the children, but also to teach them that it's okay to ask for help."

Today, Melonie encourages others who may be afraid to reach out:

"The help is here... you don't have to suffer or go to bed hungry. Everything you need is here—you just have to be willing to ask for help."

When asked how she manages raising three children on her own, Melonie's answer is clear:

"I'm never alone. Not only do I have God to lean on, but I also have people like REAL Life."

Click Here to watch Melonie's entire story on YouTube!

Thursday, November 13th 6-8pm at IronSpire Complex

Cocalico Cooks 4 REAL Returns with a Live Auction!
Get ready for the most flavorful night of the season—Cocalico Cooks 4 REAL is back this fall! Enjoy dishes from over six local chefs as they compete for the coveted Top Chef title. Guests receive tickets to sample an appetizer, entrée, and dessert, then vote for their favorites.

This year's event features exciting things like: live music by Sarah Marie, a live auction, a chance auction and a 50/50 raffle. Guests 21+ receive a complimentary beverage. Don't miss this community celebration of food, fun, and local talent—all for a great cause!

TIckets on Sale Now!

Thanks4Giving Campaign & FaithfulGive Update

Each year, our Thanks4Giving Campaign fuels our mission — not just to keep the lights on, but to open doors of opportunity, stability, and hope.

This year's goal is bold: $300,000. And our community has already shown incredible generosity!

During FaithfulGive.org, we surpassed our $15,000 goal and raised $18,194! Combined with other donations, we've now reached $39,158 toward our yearly goal.

Every dollar represents compassion in action—meeting real needs and reminding people they're not alone. Whether you gave online, mailed a check, prayed, or simply cheered us on—we're so grateful for you.

Thank you for helping us continue to say "yes" to those seeking help, healing, and hope.

Message from the Executive Director

"What an exciting season it's been at REAL Life Community Services! Lives are being changed and hope is growing right here in our community."

Doors are opening—both literally and figuratively—as new opportunities come our way. Whether we're expanding services, building partnerships, or simply being present for someone in need, we can sense that something special is happening. Even in uncertain times, when so much around us feels unsettled, we can rest in knowing who is truly in control. That truth brings peace—and reminds us that our role is simply to remain faithful and keep serving where we're called.

As we enter this season of gratitude, I want to pause and say thank you. Your prayers, your time, and your generosity make this mission possible.

You're not just giving to an organization—you're investing in transformation, healing, and community.

If you believe in the power of hope in action, please join us in our Thanks4Giving Campaign. Every dollar helps connect people to the resources and relationships they need. In a world that can sometimes feel divided or uncertain, it's more important than ever that we stand together—as neighbors, as believers, and as a community of hope.

Together, we are bringing hope to every home. Together, we are transforming our community.

— Rod Redcay, Executive Director
REAL Life Community Services

Give Now

Help us keep these programs and more going! Consider a generous gift today to Connect the Community to Hope!

First Friday Food Drive

Nov. 7th

Every first Friday of the month, we will be hosting a food drive. It's a way the community can give back and help donate items that we need.

You can drop off food at any time from 3-5 pm on that day.

Alcoholics Anonymous

Mondays, 8-9PM

Meeting at the Lighthouse Community Center.

Momentum

Tuesdays, 6:30-8PM

Momentum guarantees a young person that there is someone who cares about them. A child needs to know that they are not alone in dealing with the day-to-day challenges of life.

Momentum meets at the Lighthouse Community Center throughout the school year following the Cocalico School District calendar.

Young at Heart

Wednesdays, 9-11AM

All events are free and are for individuals that are 60 years and older. Coffee, chatting, games, speakers, and MORE! Come out and get to know others in your community!

1st & 3rd Wednesdays we meet at Adamstown Area Library!

2nd & 4th Wednesdays we meet at Faith Evangelical United Lutheran Church in Denver!