Back in 2019, the Lancaster County Community Foundation (LCCF) chose Paradise as one of two areas in which to pilot Project Activate, a program designed to bring about positive change by building a more inclusive community. The Paradise design team began meeting at the Together Community Center (TCC), home of The Factory Ministries, in September, and in November, the group held a Community Idea Gathering at TCC. During the event, members of the community joined the team to share suggestions about ways to resolve several issues facing the area. Issues were presented on boards arranged in the TCC gym area.
After COVID-19 restrictions halted the progress of the initiative, staff members at The Factory Ministries determined not to let the project die. According to Adam Nagle, executive director at The Factory, two of the three final concepts suggested by the Project Activate team members are moving forward. One of the issues was focused on the need for housing. "The Paradise Partnership Network was figuring out how to build affordable housing in the area. It's a real concern," said Nagle. However, during the Idea Gathering, Nagle met Dana Hanchin, president of Housing Development Corporation Mid-Atlantic, who had been invited by LCCF. "I reached out to her to continue that conversation (about housing)," said Nagle. "We are discussing a project that could take shape here in Paradise."
A second idea was to create a community center in Paradise. Nagle noted that from the time he began working at The Factory in 2019, he noticed a lack of places to meet. "We don't have a drop-in space to gather and for the generations to mix," he said. He reported that when Project Activate zeroed in on the issue, he felt it would make productive use of the 1927 former school where The Factory is housed. "This building has a lot of possibilities," said Nagle.
Phase one construction will convert the gymnasium into event space. "The plan is to get a new roof," said Nagle, who noted grants have been secured to complete that task. "We will move the insulation outside so we can expose the 1920s construction to restore the history of the room." Phase two will address the bathrooms and redo the floor. Nagle said grants to complete those projects have been received as well.
Nagle added that The Factory also has plans to further extend its reach. "The desire is to open a restaurant in the corner of the building," he explained, noting that talks are ongoing to explore the opportunity with a successful county eatery. A commercial kitchen could be used to train local residents in marketable skills, along with providing a gathering place to work and connect with others. The restaurant could also cater events at TCC, such as baby showers, weddings, and church retreats. "It will be space for the community, and it will help drive revenue for us and give us workforce development," said Nagle.
Nagle noted that although COVID interrupted Project Activate, the concepts that were presented have gained traction. "(These ideas) have a lot of potential," he said.
Readers who would like to learn more about The Factory Ministries, which is located at 3293 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise, may visit http://www.thefactoryministries.com or call 717-687-9594.
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