Fwd: REAL Life REAL Hope and more!

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From: REAL Life Community Services <rod@reallcs.org>
Date: Sun, Mar 1, 2026 at 12:02 AM
Subject: REAL Life REAL Hope and more!
To: <philandkelly@gmail.com>

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Last Call to Register! In just four weeks, we'll gather for the REAL Life REAL Hope Banquet — a special evening celebrating 15 years of connecting our community to hope. We would love for you to join us as we honor the heart of the REAL Life Community and the impact we're making together across Lancaster County. Why Attend? Hear powerful, real-life stories from families whose lives have been transformed Enjoy uplifting live music and meaningful moments of reflection Connect with friends and neighbors who share a passion for hope and growth We're honored to welcome Vanessa Philbert, CEO of Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County. With more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Vanessa will share inspiring insights on strengthening our community and creating lasting change. Bring a friend, colleague, or family member — everyone can be encouraged by this meaningful night. Reserve your spot today — space is limited and registration is over Wednesday, March 4th! Click Here to Register!

Ice Cream for Breakfast & Creating Raving Fans

Our Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast may have been held on Valentine's Day, but it was inspired by National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day — which explains the ice cream at 9 a.m.!  As we enjoyed a sweet start to the morning, we watched an inspiring video about Jesse Cole of the Savannah Bananas and his approach to creating "raving fans" without traditional marketing. His message was simple: focus on the experience and go above and beyond. Afterward, we discussed how REAL Life Community Services can create raving fans of those who support us and those we serve. The takeaway? Ask one powerful question: "What is one more thing I can do for you?" ​​​​​​​ Thank you to our incredible volunteers for living this out every day!

Sharing Hope This Easter This Easter, REAL Life Community Services is preparing special baskets for children in the families we serve — and we'd love your help! You can sign up to assemble one or more age-appropriate baskets, using our suggested item list as a guide. Each basket is a meaningful way to remind a child they are loved and not forgotten. Short on time? Donations are welcome and will help us complete any remaining baskets so every child is blessed this Easter. We also hope to include a small reminder of the true meaning of Easter in each basket — such as a children's Bible, an age-appropriate tract, or a small cross. If you have ideas or extra items to contribute, we would greatly appreciate it! Basket Drop-Off Deadline: 📅 Tuesday, March 31 ⏰ By 6:00 PM And please help us spread the word on social media! Together, we can share the joy — and the hope — of Easter. Click Here to Sign Up!

Helping Our Kids Stay Safe Online

This month, we hosted a powerful workshop on keeping kids safe online. Brad Ortenzi, Eastern USA Regional Director for ZOE International, shared eye-opening insight into how online predators target vulnerable children — and what adults need to know to stay proactive and informed. We're so thankful for Brad's expertise and heart for protecting kids, and to Blue Ridge TV for quickly producing a video we can now share with our community. This information isn't just for parents — it's for everyone. Awareness and education are key to protecting our kids and our community. If you missed the workshop, we encourage you to watch and share the video:

Click Here to Watch!

Faith Initiative Summit Last Tuesday, REAL Life Community Services welcomed church leaders and pastors from across the area for a morning of learning, connection, and collaboration. The goal was simple: to highlight trusted community partners who are making a real difference — and to equip local churches with resources to better serve their congregations and neighbors. We heard from Rachel Berner, founder of Second Chance Jobs, who shared how her organization partners with local businesses to help individuals returning from prison secure reliable employment. By supporting both employers and returning citizens — including assistance with record review and expungement when possible — they provide a true second chance and help reduce repeat offenses. Robert McKenzie from PA CareerLink highlighted workforce development resources for both adults and students. From job training and career placement to early career exploration for teens, CareerLink equips individuals to pursue meaningful futures. We also learned about senior support services. Nnenna & Jason Kuntz,  with Oasis Senior Advisors, offer free guidance for retirement planning and long-term care options, while Tim Burchett from the Office of the Aging shared information on government programs that assist seniors who lack the financial means or physical ability to live independently — helping them remain safe and supported with dignity. The gathering was a powerful reminder that when churches and community organizations work together, lives are strengthened. REAL Life Community Services remains committed to connecting local leaders with trusted resources — because collaboration creates lasting impact.

Join us in Prayer & Praises We recognize that there are several ways for you all to partner with us and that one of the most important ways is through prayer! Praises: We are celebrating that two families are actively preparing to purchase their first homes! Please pray for favor over their home searches — for the right homes to become available quickly and for a smooth, stress-free process from start to finish. Prayer Requests: This month we are hosting our Spring Banquet, one of our primary annual fundraisers. Please pray that the evening runs smoothly and that the program clearly communicates the heart of our mission. Most importantly, pray that God would soften hearts and inspire attendees to partner with us — through prayer, volunteering, and financial support. Help us keep these programs and more going! Consider a generous gift today to Connect the Community to Hope! Give Now

First Friday Food Drive March 6th Every first Friday of the month, we host a food drive in the back parking lot of the Declaration House. 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 Friday.

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.

Denver Mom's In Prayer 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 9-10:30am Meeting at the Lighthouse Community Center.

GriefShare Wednesday's Starting March 11th, 6-7:30pm Meeting at the Lighthouse Community Center. This is a 13 week cycle to help navigate from a grief journey to a healing destination. For more information, please contact 610-775-3667

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!

Aglow International Bible Study 3rd Saturdays, 10-12am Meeting at the Lighthouse Community Center. Click Here to Learn More