Allison Cuthie has the head, the heart and the motivation to make a difference. As for the resources, that's CrossNet Ministries' area of expertise.

It's a match made in nonprofit heaven.

"This is actually a dream job of mine," said Cuthie. "It's a faith-based ministry. We function on donations from the community. We're serving people where they are. I feel super grateful to be working alongside some great people."

On Dec. 15 of last year, Cuthie officially became CrossNet Ministries' new executive director. She took the reins of the multilayered, multifaceted nonprofit headquartered in a renovated warehouse at 110 W. Franklin St., New Holland, from Carl Edwards.

"I believe our staff is working hard to address as much as they can," said Cuthie. "I come from an education background. I have respect for the dignity of life. I'd like to see us move in the direction of more early childhood education. I have a passion for helping people who aren't native to our community."

In her new role, Cuthie is charged with overseeing the day-to-day operations of the organization, handling staffing and strategizing its future direction. Cuthie also answers to CrossNet's board of directors, serves as the face of the organization to the community, manages finances and ensures compliance to laws and standards.

"Our mission is intentional, and I can align with it really well," said Cuthie, a resident of Mount Gretna. "It's about providing help and hope and empowering the ELANCO community. We exist to offer help and hope in the name of Jesus Christ in the ELANCO community. We're building relationships to see if we can move people toward Jesus."

Employing a four-pillar approach consisting of community, food and nutrition, youth and social services, CrossNet Ministries serves the needs of the residents of the ELANCO School District in myriad ways. Among the ministry's most popular services are community programs; youth, education and tutoring programs; a food pantry; a transportation ministry; Bible studies; free meals and food programs; homelessness prevention and housing programs; and mentoring.

"I want to work myself out of a job," said Cuthie. "If I don't have a job, it means we've eradicated poverty in the ELANCO school district. The bottom line is if we can assess your needs, we can walk alongside you and provide hope."

Cuthie's staff consists of 14 employees and a roster of 650 volunteers. CrossNet Ministries is primarily funded through community donations, but the organization does receive grants, as well as assistance from the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.

CrossNet serves thousands of local individuals and families each year, many of whom qualify for free or reduced-cost meals within the ELANCO School District. CrossNet Ministries is sponsored by and partners with 78 churches and 175 businesses.

In early October of 2025, CrossNet Ministries expanded its reach and mission to its current location. With the addition of its new property, CrossNet now has 40,000 square feet of more offices, a larger youth center and a better-equipped kitchen and nutrition center with which to work.

"(The expansion) allowed us to say yes to more donations," said Cuthie. "There's also some room to grow. Putting staff under one roof allows for better communication and interaction. It's just a greater space. We have some empty space, and it means we're going to be able to serve in ways we never have before."

CrossNet Ministries was formed in 2017 through the merger of Cross Creation Youth Center and the ELANCO Social Services Network.

"It's grown exponentially as far as the number of people we serve," said Cuthie. "It started with a part-time director, and they kept adding staff to serve the different pillars. Also, the amount of support from the community has increased."

Prior to becoming CrossNet's executive director, Cuthie worked at Garden Spot Communities and Garden Spot Village for eight years. She is a graduate of Garden Spot High School and has a degree in English education from West Chester University.

"I enjoy work, I like being engaged with people and I tend to gravitate toward need," said Cuthie. "My personality has always been one that would connect with people's needs. I always thought I'd work in some role where I could be very close to serving other people's needs. That's what inspired me to be in this position."

For additional information, go to https://elancocross.org.