Since 2021, Hope Served has been breaking down barriers, and now the organization is breaking down walls, literally. The Manheim-based nonprofit held a Wall-Breaking Celebration in mid April, kicking off a renovation project at the former Manheim Mennonite Church, 201 W. High St. The organization plans to turn the site into a workforce development center dedicated to providing job training and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

"In lieu of a groundbreaking, (we had) a wall-breaking," said Steve Schwartz, executive director of Hope Served. "Breaking walls is symbolic of something much bigger. We're removing barriers to employment and creating a place where individuals with disabilities can gain job skills and find meaningful work in our community."

At the heart of the new center will be Hope Served Kitchen, a teaching kitchen designed to deliver hands-on food service training. The program will equip participants with practical skills while offering real-world experience through a public-facing restaurant and catering operation.

Since its founding, Hope Served has launched several social enterprises, including Hope Served Coffee - specialty coffee roasted in Lancaster County - handmade Hope Served greeting cards and Hope Served Cafe, a coffee shop and breakfast bar located on the campus of Pleasant View Communities in Manheim. Together, these initiatives provide meaningful skill development, foster relationships and create paid employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, Schwartz said

To date, Hope Served has raised $1.2 million toward its $1.65 million goal to purchase and renovate the building on High Street. The Scenic Ridge Company is serving as general contractor, with kitchen design by Clark Food Service Equipment/The Restaurant Store and financing provided by Jonestown Bank & Trust. Project design is led by Kloppmann Architects, and land use planning has been provided by Harbor Engineering.

It's taken a large group of supporters to bring the project to life, Schwartz said, including local foundations, businesses, churches, individuals and groups such as the Manheim Sertoma Club and Manheim Lions Club.

"Our hope is for this building to be a hub of activity for the entire community, where people of all abilities can join together for learning and fellowship," Schwartz said.

Hope Served was founded by Kelly Harnish, a mother of nine children, several of whom have significant disabilities. Determined to help her children and others like them, Harnish created the nonprofit and now serves as its president.

 "It's time to flip the script on disability," Harnish said. "Each person is created with inherent worth and brings a desire to contribute, with unique talents and a real capacity to serve through meaningful work. Too often, opportunity falls short, not because of ability, but because of persistent barriers and bias."

She envisions a bright future for Hope Served, adding, "This new facility is more than a building; it's a space where labels are left at the door, gifts are celebrated, and every person can be seen, find belonging and live out love for their neighbor."

For more information, visit https://hopeserved.org.