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Light in a Darkened World
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As followers of Christ, we have been given both the light to navigate a darkened world and the commandment to shine. Each day, the news is filled with stories of housing shortages, rising affordability challenges, and food insecurity. With so many needs pressing in, it can be hard to imagine the sun breaking through the clouds.
Yet, assuredly, REAL Life has witnessed glory.
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“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: … to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them.”
- Isaiah 58:6–7
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Responding to the Need for Shelter
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Over the past few months, housing challenges have become the greatest need among the families contacting us. Some reach out because they know we provide affordable housing. Others are referred by trusted partners. Some are dropped off by police and others simply walk through our doors, searching for help, hope, and a safe place to begin again.
While it can feel inconceivable that families in our community are still struggling to secure shelter, we have also seen the power of hope at work. Since January, REAL Life has been able to:
- Prevent two evictions
- Assist eleven families with short-term housing
- Support seven permanent housing placements
- Counsel two families as they prepare to become first-time homeowners
In the face of deep need, we have seen light break through. We have seen doors open, burdens lifted, and families take meaningful steps toward stability. This is the glory we are grateful to witness.
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Community Garden Season is Underway
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The Community Garden is officially up and running for the season, and we are excited to see the impact already taking shape. In partnership with First Fruits Farm & Orchard, volunteers have been hard at work planting bell peppers, tomatoes, squash, and hundreds—if not thousands—of onions across growing sites in Ephrata and Stevens. With expanded growing space this year, we are grateful for the opportunity to increase the amount of fresh, healthy produce available to local families in need and to further support our community partners.
This year, however, we have noticed a decrease in volunteer participation compared to past seasons, making each helping hand even more valuable. The garden continues to be a place for connection and hands-on service, where volunteers prepare soil, plant, weed, and harvest while building relationships and learning new skills. All produce grown is shared with local nonprofits, churches, and organizations that serve individuals and families facing food insecurity. Whether you can join once or throughout the season, there is a place for you in the garden—email Beny@reallcs.org to get involved in an upcoming Community Garden day.
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What makes the Cocalico Food Pantry more than just a place where people come to meet their food needs? It’s the volunteers! They generously give their time and energy to serve others in our community, and their impact goes far beyond providing food.
When our friends experiencing food insecurity visit the pantry, they receive not only the groceries they need, but also a warm welcome and genuine connection. Our volunteers engage with each person, caring for their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Often, deeper needs arise—moments when someone needs prayer, encouragement, or simply a listening ear. In those times, God faithfully makes space for those conversations to happen. We are blessed with dedicated prayer warriors among our volunteers who are attentive to these needs and willing to step in without hesitation. Recently, this was especially evident as several individuals came into the pantry carrying heavy burdens. In those moments, our volunteers were able to surround them with care and cover them in prayer, offering comfort and hope when it was needed most.
Whether through prayer, kind words, or compassionate presence, they meet people right where they are. It is truly amazing to witness the transformation that takes place and the meaningful relationships that grow through these interactions!
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We are overjoyed to celebrate Ellen* and her daughter, Cassy*, as they graduate from our Glory House Transitional Home Program! 
