Harrisburg co-working business changes name, re-brands, plans expansion

March 2, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

Co-owner Adam Porter in front of the newly installed Pursuit Coworking sign in Midtown Harrisburg

Harrisburg’s first co-working venture has undergone a rebrand and plans an expansion, as it responds to a quickly changing work environment.

Starting this week, StartUp Harrisburg is now Pursuit Coworking, a name that better reflects the company’s business model and growth strategy, according to co-owner Adam Porter.

The company’s owners made the change to emphasize that they offer co-working space for many different types of businesses and jobs, not primarily for startups.

“We wanted to steer away from the early 2000s tech scene that co-working started from to reflect the broader appeal that the concept has with a shift towards remote work,” Porter said.

Porter and co-owner Adam Brackbill began their business in 2013 in a building on the 1500-block of N. 3^rd Street in Harrisburg. Three years later, they moved into newly renovated space at N. 3^rd and Boas streets, into a 1920s-era building originally constructed as the Harrisburg Moose Lodge.

Porter said that business has been brisk over the past few years, especially after the pandemic pushed many workers from their traditional offices. Last year, Pursuit’s owners added a second location, taking space in a building on the 1000-block of N. Front Street.

“Even very traditional jobs aren’t in the office full-time, if at all,” Porter said. “That’s where we see the increase coming from.”

He expects this trend to continue, even as the pandemic eases after the winter spike in cases. Workers have grown comfortable with remote work, but many also can’t or don’t want to work at home all the time, Porter said.

Some workers, he said, prefer a hybrid approach, with a mix of office and remote work. Others work remotely full-time, with some living in the Harrisburg area even though their companies are located in other, often higher-cost cities.

“People expect flexibility in their working arrangements now,” Porter said.

In response, demand has increased for all three of their co-working options—dedicated offices, dedicated desks and hot desks—leading the company to pursue additional satellite locations in Harrisburg.

Currently, they’re focused on downtown, as that area has both an abundance of office space and proximity to amenities, such as coffee shops and restaurants, which is important to their members, Porter said.

He likes the prospect of bringing more people into the center city, as the pandemic has disproportionally hurt small businesses downtown that long catered to state government and other office workers.

“Once they’re here, they go out for coffee, lunch or to the (Broad Street) market,” he said. “So, we’re able to help drive customers to local businesses.”

He added that members are able to tap resources they may lack at home, while finding camaraderie and networking opportunities in a co-working environment.

“While many of us now work from home, the flexibility offered by co-working is a welcome benefit to those who crave connection and find productivity in a variety of settings,” Porter said.

Pursuit Coworking’s flagship location is at 922 N. 3^rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their website.

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Dauphin County to pause application process for rent relief program, nears end of funding

March 1, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Dauphin County Administration Building

For months, Dauphin County has disbursed millions of state and federal rent relief money, but is finally reaching the end of the funding.

The county announced on Tuesday, that, on March 4, it would pause its intake of new applications for the Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance Program that began a year ago.

Over $16 million of the total $18 million allotted to the county has been disbursed to residents behind on rent or utility payments due to the pandemic, according to a statement from the county. The funds were released for over 2,500 applications.

“The amount of people and families this program has helped cannot be overstated,” Commissioner Mike Pries said.

Applications in process and those filed before the end of the business day on March 4 will still be processed, according to the county.

In February, Dauphin County launched an online portal to make receiving and processing applications more efficient. However, just a month later, they will halt that operation.

According to the county, if additional funding for the program becomes available, they will reopen the application process.

“This program has provided more than just money to our vulnerable residents,” Commissioner Chad Saylor said. “Our team has offered additional supports, such as substance use and food insecurity resources, to families in need.”

For more information on the Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance Program, or to apply, visit the county’s website.

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Hamilton Health Center receives donation of CPR training kits to curb sudden infant deaths

March 1, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Hamilton Health Center

Local healthcare providers are taking the initiative to make sure that infants are safe when facing life-threatening situations.

Capital Blue Cross recently donated 150 infant CPR kits to Hamilton Health Center in Harrisburg with the hopes of preventing injury and death due to choking or suffocation.

“In the frightening event of an infant suffering from cardiac arrest or having an airway blocked, prompt recognition and immediate CPR are the keys to survival,” said Susan Hubley, Capital Blue Cross vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility. “That’s why we’re so thrilled to have provided these kits to Hamilton Health Center.”

Capital Blue Cross noted that according to the American Heart Association, out-of-hospital, sudden cardiac arrest affects more than 7,000 children a year. The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia reports that it accounts for 10% to 15% of sudden infant deaths, they added.

Infant CPR kit. Photo courtesy of the American Heart Association.

The kits focus on teaching CPR and choking relief for infants, from newborn to 1 year old. They come with an infant CPR manikin, 22-minute training DVD, and two “Quick-Reference Skills Reminders.”

“Many times family members and loved ones feel helpless when they are faced with someone experiencing a life-threatening emergency,” said Hamilton Health Workforce Development Manager Melisa Burnett, who provides CPR certification training. “Providing the training and skills needed to help someone in distress increases the survival rate many times over, as well as helps the rescuer feel a sense of relief.”

Hamilton Health Center is located at 110 S. 17^th St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their website.

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You’re in Luck: St. Patrick’s Day parade, race return to downtown Harrisburg

March 1, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

A past St. Patrick’s Parade

Whether you’re Irish or just enjoy any excuse to celebrate with a beer, Harrisburg will have plenty of St. Patty’s Day festivities this year.

The Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District will host a St. Patrick’s parade on Saturday, March 19, featuring music, dance groups, floats and more.

“We are pleased to be hosting this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade and are excited to show off more of our downtown business community,” said Todd Vander Woude, executive director of the Downtown Improvement District. “We invite you and your family to join us for a great day downtown.”

Starting at 2 p.m., the parade will travel from the Market Street Bridge and on to 2nd Street, where it will continue until turning left on North Street. Then it will proceed on Front Street until it meets up again on the Market Street Bridge.

The parade will feature eight Irish pipe and drum bands, fire trucks, animals, festive floats, Star Wars characters, Irish dance groups, and local bands, among other entertainment.

Sponsors for the parade include Cargill, Ace Distributing, McGrath’s Irish Pub, Strawberry Square, JB Lovedraft’s MicroPub, Café Fresco, Bourbon Street Saloon, Zembie’s Sports Tavern, Mosquito Joe, Fleet Feet Mechanicsburg, JP Lilley Virtual Event Production, and SP+ Park Harrisburg.

Before the parade, the day will kick off at noon with the annual Lucky Charm Race, a four-mile run through downtown and City Island, sponsored by Fleet Feet Mechanicsburg. Registration for the race costs $45 and is open through March 13. In past years, the race has included both a 5k and 10k run.

Free metered street parking is available for four hours on Saturday by downloading the Parkmobile app and using the code “LUVHBG” at checkout. Additionally, the Market Square parking garage (Second and Chestnut streets) will be offering $10 event parking all day. Free parking is also available after 5 p.m. in the downtown district.

For more information on the Harrisburg St. Patrick’s Parade, visit their website.

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Historic Zembo Shrine off the sales market, organization opts to keep building, focus on events

February 28, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Zembo Shrine

Harrisburg’s historic Zembo Shrine is no longer for sale, as the fraternal organization has decided to keep and restore the building.

According to the Zembo Shriners, the group plans to retain its 92-year-old building and focus on reviving it as an event space for the Harrisburg area.

“The Zembo Shrine has always been a big part of the city, and we are interested in keeping it a part of the city and keeping that heritage alive,” said Seth Anthony, a Shriner board member. “We want to bring the building back to its former state as a premier events venue.”

The 62,621-square-foot building, at N. 3^rd and Division streets in Harrisburg, was put on the market in 2017. The group determined that keeping the large building would be too difficult, considering declining membership and the increasing costs of taxes, maintenance and utilities.

Over the five years that it was for sale, the building received three offers, according to Mike Smith, potentate of the Zembo Shriners. It was originally listed at $950,000 and most recently lowered to around $700,000. One potential buyer came very close to purchasing the building, but all offers eventually fell through.

“We were left at the altar three times,” Smith said. “We were tired of that. We needed to focus on what we do.”

The Moorish Revival-style building will continue to serve as a meeting place for the Shriners and as an events venue.

Anthony said that some restoration and updates are needed, such as work on the roof of the building, which will take a few years to complete.

But overall, David Morrison, executive director of Historic Harrisburg Association, said that the building is in great shape.

“It’s been very well maintained,” he said. “I’m very optimistic that what they’re planning is very do-able. This building is one of a kind in Pennsylvania, not to mention Harrisburg.”

Morrison was happy to hear that the Zembo Shrine was pulled from the market.

“Retaining ownership is so much better,” he said. “They know their own building.”

According to Anthony, the Shriners have received increased interest in rentals of the event space. He believes that some of that is due to a “post-COVID bounce back” of people looking to host and attend events, he said.

Anthony also announced that the Zembo Shrine Circus will return to the building’s auditorium from March 24 to 27 after a pandemic break. There will be no animal acts in this year’s show, he said.

As the Zembo Shriners set off in a new direction, Smith hopes to find ways to generate revenue for the group in order to maintain the building. Membership dues will not continue to sustain the organization, Smith explained.

They are currently beginning the process of registering the building with the National Register of Historic Places, which would allow them to apply for grants.

“We are so excited and I’m so admiring of what they want to do,” Morrison said. “I know they’ll succeed.”

Zembo Shrine is located at 2801 N. 3^rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their website.

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What’s new at the Broad Street Market? Burgers, Thai, health food, skincare vendors open

February 28, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Owners Nicole and Cody Prickett of Capitol Burgerz

Cody and Nicole Prickett talked about becoming a vendor in the Broad Street Market, but the timing was never right—until now.

Two weekends ago, they opened Capitol Burgerz, fulfilling the couple’s long-time dream of owning their own business.

“I’ve always been very entrepreneurial,” Cody said. “I’ve been in the restaurant industry for 10-plus years. It’s been a long time coming.”

Capitol Burgerz, located in the stone building, puts its spin on the classic sandwich, adding toppings like pineapple relish, crispy onions, glazed ham and their “capitol sauce.” They specialize in smash burgers, compressed patties with crispy edges and a juicy interior. They are much quicker to cook, perfect for the market setting, Cody explained.

They source their beef from R.G. Hummer Meats and Cheese, another market vendor, and make their buns from scratch.

“I’m extremely passionate about cooking,” Cody said. “Whether you’re the first or last order of the day, I’m going to put care into it.”

The market looks a little different these days, as a few popular vendors left and several new ones have set up shop. Along with Capitol Burgerz, a handful of vendors have recently opened, offering a variety of foods and products for market-goers.

For those in search of a lighter snack, Honeybush Raw Smoothie Bar opened this past fall in the brick building of the market.

Owner Lhayana Dallas of Honeybush Raw Smoothie Bar

Owner Lhayana Dallas, also the co-publisher of the Harrisburg-based publication Black Wall Street PA, has always been interested in health, nutrition and fitness. Before opening her smoothie business, she sold health and skincare products online. But Dallas was ready to take the next step and open her own stand.

“I took a chance,” she said. “It’s a beautiful hub of diverse businesses, and I felt like it would be a good start for me.”

Honeybush’s smoothies are crafted from fresh, not frozen, fruit and superfoods.

Like Capitol Burgerz, she utilizes other market vendors’ products, purchasing fruits and veggies from Veg Out and spices from Green Ridge Acres for her smoothies.

One of the most popular smoothies is the “Green Queen”—kale, dandelion leaf, celery, green pepper, avocado, kiwi, sugar kelp, keylime juice, blue agave and coconut water. What can’t she fit in her blender?

Additionally, she sells açaí bowls and various sea moss gels that have numerous health benefits, she said.

“People are excited, and I feel like there was a need for it,” Dallas said. “I just want people to be healthier.”

Just a few steps away is another new vendor, also focused on all-natural ingredients. However, his product is not about what you put in your body, but on it.

Owner Cebrum George of NūBorn Skin

Cebrum George II, owner of NūBorn Skin, has been making his skincare products for almost 15 years. What started as an experiment to find a product that addressed his children’s acne, while remaining gentle on their sensitive skin, grew as people took notice of the positive results.

George officially started his business six years ago, and, for the past few years, has operated a stand in the Broad Street Market courtyard on Saturdays. But as his customer base increased, the market offered him a spot inside. NūBorn Skin opened in late February.

NūBorn’s products include a face cleanser, the most popular product, along with lip balm, beard cream, face serums, body scrubs and body cream, among other items.

George collects water, rich in minerals, from a spring in the Carlisle area. This special ingredient, he said, is what sets his products apart.

“The natural way is the way to go,” he said.

George plans to occasionally offer free or free with purchase, on-site services, such as facials or hand treatments.

Once you’re all moisturized and glowing, pop back over to the stone market, and you’ll find another new market vendor—Tri Asian Taste.

Owners Nyunt and Than Win of Tri Asian Taste

You may remember owners Nyunt and Than Win and their business from their former Mechanicsburg location. Due to COVID and staffing shortages, the Win’s decided to try out the Broad Street Market, recommended to them by the owner of Tep’s Fresh Seafood, a former customer and now neighboring market vendor.

Market regulars Sorita Nhim and Ricky Wijaya slurped noodles and soup from Tri Asian Taste on a Friday afternoon. The pair said that they appreciated the additional Asian cuisine option and the different flavors they bring to the market.

“It’s really good,” Nhim said of her “Tom Kha” soup. “We’ve been here before. We haven’t tried the whole menu…yet.”

Tri Asian Taste offers Thai and Burmese dishes including various curries, Pad Thai, Thai fried rice, mango and sticky rice, shrimp rolls, fried noodles and sushi.

“I like it here,” Nyunt said of the market. “We are making progress. We are thinking about staying here for many years.”

While Nhim and Wijaya enjoyed lunch on Friday afternoon, the market bustled around them. People gathered around the bar at Zeroday Outpost for a beer. Others shopped for produce. Some ordered vegan dishes from Ward of Health. The scene looked far different than the days of take-out and social distancing during the pandemic.

According to Josh Heilman, executive director of the Broad Street Market Alliance, the effects of the pandemic on the market, however, are not in the past.

Their overall customer count is still down, Heilman said, adding that it could be from people having less expendable income or regularly working from home. Additionally, staffing issues and the rising cost of goods both impact vendors, he said.

All things considered, Heilman feels positive about the state of the market.

“Overall, we are positioned to continue to be successful,” he said. “The market is not doing bad by any stretch. It’s just a new world we are living in.”

In the past few months, the market said goodbye to vendors Phyllo, which offered Greek cuisine, and Pikowski’s Pierogi Place. COVID played a small role in their departures, but according to Heilman, it was mostly just time for both to move on.

But for many of the new vendors, their experience at the market is just beginning.

Dallas said that she already has many regular customers who come weekly for her smoothies at Honeybush. Nyunt echoed that, adding that customers of his previous Mechanicsburg location of Tri Asian Taste have followed them to the market. All of the businesses expressed their love for the diversity of the market, camaraderie amongst vendors and friendly customers.

“We want to be a brand that’s rooted in the community,” said Cody, of Capitol Burgerz. “You can’t get any more community-based than this. As long as this building is standing, we will be here.”

All of the businesses mentioned are located at the Broad Street Market, 1233 N. 3^rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their website.

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Nonprofit Focus: WebFX & Chesapeake Bay Foundation

February 28, 2022 | by Admin

WEBFX

Why do you feel it’s important for your business to support our area’s nonprofits?

As a company, we lead by example, work with integrity and aspire to leave the world a better place—both in and outside, our neighborhood. In our hometown of Harrisburg, we host regular meetups, support local businesses and more. It’s not only our company, though. Our team members dedicate time outside of work to the local area, volunteering at local nonprofits and more. By supporting our area’s nonprofits, our company and our team can create a further impact to improve the community we love to live, work and play in. We’re passionate about doing what we can to help make the area we love a better place for everybody. Nonprofits make an enormous difference in quality of life for all, and they are doing so many creative, high-impact efforts in Central PA. The region wouldn’t be what it is without their efforts.

Why do you support this particular nonprofit and what does your business do to benefit the organization?

We’re goal-driven at WebFX—always looking to make a difference for our team and in our local community, while driving results and creating impact for our clients and their businesses. The Susquehanna River is just outside the front door of our Harrisburg office and provides us with a fantastic creative backdrop and an outlet for weekend recreation. As this river system is the biggest feeder into the Chesapeake Bay, we feel a collective responsibility to protect and nurture the waterways we use so often. We love how the Chesapeake Bay Foundation takes a holistic approach to cleaning up the bay and works to solve root issues with the 50 rivers and streams that flow into the bay. WebFX donates to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Keystone 10 Million Trees Project to plant a tree each time we hit a client goal. To date, we’ve donated 2,500-plus trees along the Capital Area Greenbelt and surrounding areas and have been able to help plant the trees each year. A single deciduous tree can intercept from 500 to 750 gallons of water per year, reducing runoff and pollution going into the Chesapeake Bay.

CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION

Describe your organization and the importance of corporate support to further your mission.

The Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership is a collaborative effort of over 215 national, regional, state and local agencies, conservation organizations, outdoors enthusiasts, businesses and citizens committed to improving Pennsylvania’s communities, economy and ecology by planting 10 million trees in priority areas across the Commonwealth by the end of 2025. Sustaining the partnership by providing wideranging resources and assistance is key to its long-term success through 2025. This is why the partnership continues to provide free trees to all partners across the Commonwealth based on a regional priority request system. Tree shelters and stakes are also available in critical regions, at no charge, as funding is available. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation coordinates the partnership in support of Pennsylvania’s efforts to reduce pollution in local rivers and streams and meet its commitment to the regional Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint. Today, over 27,000 miles of Pennsylvania’s rivers and streams are damaged by pollution. The Clean Water Blueprint calls for 96,000 acres of forested buffers to be planted statewide from 2015 to 2025. Meeting this massive restoration challenge will take many hands—landowners willing to plant trees, volunteers willing to help, conservation partners connecting them, and funding to make it all possible.

For 2022, what is your greatest need?

The partnership works to enlist, energize and mobilize volunteer groups and individuals to team up with larger partners and help with plantings in their local communities. The partnership is planting nearly 500,000 trees by 2022. The successful planting and survival of 10 million trees is critical to the overall success of the program and requires funding for tree protection and stewardship. Through this investment, Pennsylvania’s economy will be stimulated and the partnership strengthened to grow and plant trees to reach the 10-million-tree goal by 2025. The partnership is accelerating the number of forested buffers alongside streams, particularly alongside farmland and urban and suburban settings. We are seeking funding to reach out to 19,000 landowners who would be willing to restore riparian buffers on their property by the end of 2025. This blend of target areas for trees will have a direct link to human health, strong communities, vibrant farms and a legacy of clean water for all. With your support, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership will help save the bay. Our goal is to reduce pollution locally and create dramatically cleaner waters in Pennsylvania’s rivers and streams and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay. Thanks to WebFX and all of our Chesapeake Bay Foundation members in the Harrisburg region!

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Nonprofit Focus: LINKBANK & Brethren Housing Association

February 28, 2022 | by Admin

LINKBANK

Why do you feel it’s important for your business to support our area’s nonprofits?

At LINKBANK, we are thrilled to be catalysts of positively investing in building strong communities and championing a greater community impact. LINKBANK’s mission is to positively impact lives through community banking. The founding shareholders desired to create an avenue for continually evaluating and supporting the greatest needs in our region. In response, The LINK Foundation was established as a separate legal entity and with a distinct Board of Directors, with a focus and drive to positively impact the communities across Central and Southeastern Pennsylvania. The LINK Foundation is proud to support and engage organizations and projects towards positive and measurable impact, helping to grow a vibrant Pennsylvania region. The Foundation’s funding initiatives are focused on three pillars: developing future leaders, promoting financial literacy, and fortifying personal growth—pillars that emulate the shared mission of LINKBANK. The LINK Foundation has given $252,500 to 19 local nonprofits since its first grant cycle in May 2020. [LINKBANK is a division of The Gratz Bank.]

Why do you support this particular nonprofit and what does your business do to benefit the organization?

It’s our joy for The LINK Foundation to partner with Brethren Housing Association (BHA), supporting their holistic program of stable housing, supportive services and loving relationships to individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness. Stories of impact are what moves us to collaborate with Brethren Housing to help individuals become self-sufficient. For over 30 years, BHA has been providing transitional housing for single moms with children. They offer classes from parenting to financial literacy to job readiness. It’s the stories of transformation that move us to support them as they positively impact their community, building futures filled with hope, promise and stability.

BRETHREN HOUSING ASSOCIATION (BHA)

Describe your organization and the importance of corporate support to further your mission.

Brethren Housing Association is a bridge housing program for single mothers and their children experiencing homelessness. In FY 2020-21, we were able to serve 134 individuals (47 families). Through loving relationships, stable housing and supportive services, our families are successfully able to transition from homelessness to permanent housing. Despite all of the challenges that COVID presented, 74% of our families were able to move into permanent housing! None of this could be possible without the support of corporations and foundations. And while the success speaks for itself, the financial efficiency and how BHA stewards donor funding is also impressive, with $.85 of every dollar going directly to the program and support of our families. In addition to the direct impact on families, BHA is also at the center of change in our community. Since 1989, BHA has helped to transform the block where we are located by purchasing distressed and abandoned properties and rehabbing the houses into apartments. These apartments are used to serve the single mothers with children in the Transitions Program. BHA has invested over $1.5 million dollars into Hummel and Mulberry streets and has been called the catalyst for the improvements that have taken place in our area of South Allison Hill.

For 2022, what is your greatest need? In 2022, our focus is on growth and addressing the affordable housing crisis.

We’re looking at creative ways to serve our families during these challenging times. BHA is expanding into permanently affordable housing—this means providing housing to families at a rent they can ACTUALLY afford. It’s hard enough being a single mother, but trying to afford “affordable housing” at a time where $1,242 for a 3-bedroom is what’s considered fair in our area, makes it almost insurmountable (especially when coming from homelessness). So, the greatest need on that end is a) real estate and b) financial support. Another need we’re currently experiencing is help with our youth program! We offer a weekly youth program, while mom is attending life skills classes. This program is able to exist because of volunteers looking to engage with our young folks. A variety of lesson plans are taught to encourage self-esteem and support the children as they are developing self-regulation and conflict resolution skills. If you’re interested in volunteering, please visit www.bha-pa.org.

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Nonprofit Focus: Crescent Strategy & M28 Ministry

February 28, 2022 | by Admin

CRESCENT STRATEGY, LLC

Why do you feel it’s important for your business to support our area’s nonprofits?

Crescent Strategy has worked with many of the area’s nonprofits to build their brand recognition, increase their fundraising prowess, and attract new volunteers to support their causes. Frequently, we select which organizations to work with based on their mission and the positive impact they have on their communities. We want to do good for our clients as they do good for society and believe in living our values by giving back to each of our clients whenever possible—sponsoring their charity events like gala dinners and golf tournaments and donating our time as a board member or event volunteer. We know the importance of being good stewards of not just our clients’ branding, but of central Pennsylvania’s image as well. As a woman-owned small business located in uptown Harrisburg, we recognize the challenges and opportunities in the Capital region and applaud the myriad organizations working to make this a great place to live, work and play. From city beautification efforts to support for individuals working on their sobriety to feeding the hungry, local nonprofits fill the needs that society requires to thrive. As our business continues to grow, we look forward to finding new ways to support these change-making nonprofits and encourage other business owners to do so, too.

Why do you support this particular nonprofit and what does your business do to benefit the organization?

The mission of M28 Ministry resonates with Susan Ewing, owner and founder of Crescent Strategy. She lost both her father and sister to addiction, so she knows how drugs can impact more than just the individual. It makes waves that ripple through every level of a community. That is why our business works so closely with M28, as they provide hope and support to those in substance use disorder recovery. Susan sits on the organization’s board, where she uses her digital marketing expertise to elevate M28’s visibility and uncover new ways for them to fundraise and find volunteers. In addition, we have provided financial support to them through event sponsorships and other donations. Crescent Strategy also uses its local partnerships to connect M28 with other business leaders and community pillars.

M28 MINISTRY

Describe your organization and the importance of corporate or foundation support to further your mission.

There have been many negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic: job loss, overwhelming stress, and a higher cost of living, to name but a few. These can weigh heavily on anyone, but to someone struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, they can be fatal. Sadly, the pandemic has increased both the number of individuals using substances and those who overdose from them. Some treatment centers have had to close due to staffing shortages and the challenges that come from trying to house people in close quarters while trying to maintain social distancing. M28 Ministry is a faith-based, community-focused movement of people who help individuals in drug and alcohol addiction recovery. Our mission is to stand alongside those who want to help themselves. We partner with the region’s substance use disorder treatment and recovery centers, as well as with other nonprofits, faith organizations and government agencies, to build transformational relationships for those in recovery, as well as for their families. Like any nonprofit, M28 relies on the generous support of individuals and businesses to continue our vital work. Last year, we had our first-ever charity fundraising gala, and more than a dozen local organizations stepped up to support our mission through event sponsorships, auction item donations and financial gifts. At this year’s gala, we expect even greater success! We continue to work with Crescent Strategy to identify other opportunities to improve our fundraising strategy and connect with other local, socially minded business owners looking to help those in need.

For 2022, what is your greatest need for corporate or foundation support?

In 2022, we begin the second year of our Assisi Program, which is a housing and whole life transformation assistance program that prioritizes providing long-term housing to people trying to rebuild their lives, thus ending their homelessness and poverty. Graduates of the program learn how to pursue their personal goals (finding a career, securing a place to live, rebuilding relationships, etc.) and improve their quality of life. We welcome corporate and foundation support to be able to offer the Assisi Program to more individuals seeking guidance on the road to recovery. This can be through financial support, or as a volunteer mentor who will provide guidance to program participants throughout their one-year journey toward independence. New this year is a partnership between M28 and Jewish Family Services of Greater Harrisburg to help resettle several Afghan refugee families in central Pennsylvania. Through our House2Home Project, we provided furniture and other household goods to these families to make them feel more comfortable as they start a new chapter in their lives. These donations have left our warehouse rather empty, so we are looking for generous support to help us restock our furniture and home goods supplies (either through direct donations or funds) so that we can provide these at no cost to others in need in the coming year. You can learn about these and other opportunities to give on our website.

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Nonprofit Focus: Pavone Marketing Group & Caitlin’s Smiles

February 28, 2022 | by Admin

PAVONE MARKETING GROUP

Why do you feel it’s important for your business to support our area’s nonprofits?

Throughout our three decades of work in Harrisburg, we’ve always known that providing pro bono marketing, messaging and volunteer hours for worthy causes was a key part of our business philosophy at Pavone Marketing Group. We’ve been committed to supporting a variety of organizations in Central PA, and as we expand with office locations outside of this area, that philosophy remains the same. It goes without saying that local businesses are made up of local people. And those people are the area’s community. When we share our expertise with worthy nonprofits, we all benefit.

Why do you support this particular nonprofit and what does your business do to benefit the organization?

In the case of Caitlin’s Smiles, we first heard of their founder’s mission nearly 16 years ago while attending an awards show. We were deeply moved by Cheryl’s story of Caitlin and her channeling of that experience into the creation of an organization that is focused on children in the same circumstances. Her commitment to those children and their families is evident as she works to provide arts and crafts materials and activities that serve as both a comfort and a distraction to them. Over time, our relationship and commitment to the cause has both strengthened and broadened. We’ve felt privileged to help touch so many lives. Anyone who has the opportunity to observe first-hand the joy this organization brings to children can’t help but share in that joy. We created and maintain their website and provide copywriting, social media, marketing and PR support, and strategic direction for Caitlin’s Smiles. Our staff has served on their board, and one of our partners currently serves as its president. We attend and assist with all of their fundraising events, serve as kit-making volunteers, and help secure donations of art supplies.

CAITLIN’S SMILES

Describe your organization and the importance of corporate support to further your mission.

Caitlin’s Smiles was founded in 2004 by Caitlin’s mom, Cheryl Hornung, in memory of her daughter Caitlin. Caitlin lost her battle to a brain tumor at the age of 7. Caitlin was diagnosed at 4 years old. For Caitlin, arts and crafts were a very positive distraction from her hospital treatments and stays. She spent her next 3½ years in four children’s hospitals in four different states for her surgeries, radiation, chemo, stem cell transplant and blood transfusions. In her memory, Caitlin’s Smiles has donated over 2.2 million arts and craft supplies to children in area hospitals, medical facilities and medical camps over 18 years. Powered by a passionate group of volunteers, Caitlin’s Smiles encourages children with serious health challenges to explore their uniquely creative talents by taking part in arts and craft activities. While creating feelings of self-worth and instilling confidence in these children, the efforts ultimately put smiles on the faces of everyone involved. Caitlin’s Smiles depends on the support of local businesses to help spread smiles to children in hospitals and medical facilities. These corporations help raise funds through creating and marketing special events, writing grants, collecting donations of supplies, donating expertise to website development and newsletters, volunteering time to work special events and assemble kits, creating publications and giving overall executive guidance on the board.

For 2022, what is your greatest need?

The hospital can be an intimidating place for children. Add the presence of COVID to the mix, and it can be downright scary. COVID has changed the way that pediatric units in medical facilities function by limiting visitors, shuttering playrooms and restricting art carts. Plus, COVID has increased the needs of other facilities that we have not served much in the past. Now, there is a need for us to provide more of our activities to kids in behavioral health units and to medically fragile children who attend virtual medical summer camps. Our greatest need is for corporate partnerships. What we really need is for corporations to fully partner with Caitlin’s Smiles, as Pavone has done. We can use additional hands on help with developing new fundraising ideas, grant writing and outreach projects. Additionally, providing reciprocal social media, event participation and conducting supply drives/donations would help in spreading the word about our mission to a larger audience. While there are many businesses that offer these services, small to medium-sized charities like ours cannot afford to pay for them, and we struggle to develop new ideas due to budget and time constraints. Input from new partners can help us spread smiles to more hospitalized children.

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