SACA’s Summer Successes
It has been more than 100 days since my first day here at SACA, and in some ways the time has flown. In others, it feels like we’re still in Spring of 2020. While the world and how we move in it has changed significantly since my return to Lancaster, I am proud of the successes and positive movement SACA is fostering in our community.
151 individuals graduated from our Tec Centro skill training programs this summer. More than 21,300 unduplicated outpatients mental health and D&A related appointments have been completed since March. WLCH continues to produce outstanding content around the pandemic, census, and other important community issues. We’ve served an average of 106 individuals each day (except for Sunday) since March 23rd for a total of 30,947 meals. An additional 4,770 meals have been provided for seniors through our home delivery program.
Our development arm continues its important work: Plaza Centro is now at 100% capacity with 2 new businesses slated to open during Q1 2021; Conestoga North has begun phase one of its construction plan (9 new town houses); and positive movement continues at our new Duke Street commercial location, where the Fulton Bank and old Brother’s Grocer building is located.
We’ve successfully returned to operations at nearly all SACA locations, thoroughly integrating new COVID-19 screening requirements and protocols into our daily life. Masks and temperature checks continue to be required for all visitors, and where possible virtual classes, meetings, and appointments continue.
Operationally, we’ve improved efficiency throughout the organization – streamlining and utilizing best practices to transform SACA in to a more responsive and effective leader from within. The capstone of this work will be the creation of SACA’s new Strategic Plan by the Board, a process slated to begin in Q1 of 2021.
These successes fuel me for our future. They show me just how outstanding our staff is – how much they care, how deeply a can-do attitude is part of their make-up.
As I look to winter and 2021, I am determined. SACA will continue its successes and will continue to overcome any challenges placed before it.
We see our greatest challenge coming this winter in the form of hunger. Food insecurity is at an all-time high nationwide and we anticipate a 6% increase in current need locally. The issue of hunger is persuasive and can affect every other division of SACA and its clients. Since the shut down, we have served 18,497 individuals with 30,947 meals through the doors of Centro Hispano. A 6% increase in those numbers would mean 1,000 more individuals in the next 3 months.
The need is undeniable. The need is immediate. The people coming to our doors hungry are both young and old. They are our friends and our neighbors. They have faces we would recognize.
We can succeed in helping them – with your support. This year, all funds raised through the ExtraOrdinary Give on November 20th will go toward our Community Meals program.
I hope you will join me in materializing yet another success for SACA. Set a reminder for November 20, and remember SACA in your day of giving.
