ROFM Introduces New Development Coordinator
Garden Spot High School Class of 2016 graduate Katlyn Leid, formerly Katlyn Lantz, became the first development coordinator at Revelations of Freedom Ministries (ROFM), 114 Ranck Church Road, New Holland, in early November 2021. ROFM is a faith-based, Christ-centered discipleship program for men who struggle with addictions.
Prior to that, Leid was development coordinator with ECHOS (Elizabethtown Community Housing & Outreach Services), where she interned doing social work in the fall of 2019. Leid graduated from Millersville University in December 2019 and then went to work full time at ECHOS in the development position in January of 2020. "(I had) two blissful months before COVID-19 (hit)," recalled Leid, who remained in the position until late summer 2021, creating virtual fundraisers and working to promote the organization under COVID-19 restrictions.
While Leid enjoyed her work, something was missing. "I felt God calling me to ministry," she said. "(God) kept opening doors, and I kept following." When she heard ROFM was looking for a development coordinator, she met with the board and was offered the job, working part time for a few months before taking on the full-time position. Leid is also happy to be working in a Christian environment. "It's been such a blessing," said Leid, who was settling into her position by December. "It is such a wonderful place to work. It's great to pray together and all be here with the same mission of glorifying God."
The fundraising work Leid does for ROFM has been rewarding, with the most recent organization banquet, featuring Darryl Strawberry, bringing in $70,000 for the cause. Participation in the Extraordinary Give in November brought in $10,500.
Part of Leid's job is meeting with donors to thank them and show them how their support impacts the organization. She gives tours of the facility and sometimes introduces donors to graduates.
Phase one of the ROFM program involves several months of intensive work. When students graduate from that program, a special family day is held. The second floor of the former bank building is for re-entry services, which are available to anyone in the community who is graduating from an addiction program. New programs include life skills services such as GED classes and learning about managing money. The third floor holds offices, rooms for discipleship classes and chapel, and a kitchen.
The first floor of the building houses Freedom Thrift, which opened in 2019 to sell gently used items to help support the ministry. Students work in the store to earn money and gain work experience.
Leid also writes grant proposals as part of the position. "I get to write about what I am passionate about," said Leid, who is also passionate about telling ELANCO-area residents about the ministry. "I am really trying to build the connection between the community and our organization," she said. "(I want to) let people know we exist ... what we do ... and what we stand for," said Leid.
Readers who would like more information about ROFM may visit http://rofm.org.
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