Several new programs are being launched in the Donegal School District as a part of the Schools First Initiative by LanCo MyHome, the Lancaster County Homelessness Coalition. The intent of the trainings is to equip existing and potential volunteers to aid children and families at risk. All who are interested in helping support children and families experiencing homelessness are invited. Other service organizations and their volunteers are encouraged to attend as well.
Programs will be held on select Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. in the large group instruction room at Donegal Primary School, 1055 Koser Road, Mount Joy. Water and light snacks will be provided. There is no cost to attend, but preregistration is required by Tuesday, Oct. 29, by emailing Christina Helfrick at christina.helfrick@donegalsd.org.
On Nov. 5, trauma informed specialist Melanie Snyder of Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health will present "Introduction to Trauma, ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences), and Resilience." Programs on Nov. 12 will be "Advocating for Students With Special Needs" by Dana Blair, director of special education and pupil services at Donegal School District, and "Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin'-By World," an overview of the national program for people in poverty, by Aryn Burda, case and resource manager with CrossNet Ministries. "Bridges Out of Poverty" will be presented by Jen Koppel, executive director of LanCo MyHome on Nov. 19.
Those who are unable to attend but would like to support children who are experiencing homelessness may donate to the organization during the Extraordinary Give. One hundred percent of donations given through the Extraordinary Give will support Schools First programming.
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