"I believe that even during the darkest days of your life you can find hope in something you see that's beautiful," said Shira Zimmerman, director of advocates for The Factory Ministries. "Our goal is to create that everywhere you look."

On Sept. 10, Dutchland Inc. in Gap and The Factory celebrated the opening of Katie's Courtyard, a renewed outdoor space located within the walls of the former Paradise Elementary School, now the home of the Together Community Center. The area is named in honor of Katie Kauffman, who retired from running Dutchland in 2016. The courtyard was renovated by Dutchland with help from Underwood Landscaping, Gap Power, Stoltzfus Welding and Rentals, Meadowview Woodwork,s Glick Transport, Quillin Enterprises, and Lime Valley Consultants. The theme of the garden is Psalm 42 and verses from the psalm have been placed throughout, along with benches, plants, and one wandering turtle.

Prior to joining her sisters, friends, Dutchland workers, and Factory staff in the courtyard for the ribbon cutting, Katie had no idea that the space was being renovated in her name. Zimmerman noted that Dutchland was looking to do a community project in honor of Katie. "She took the company through some very difficult seasons with a lot of grace," said Zimmerman, who noted that the builder of wastewater treatment management systems was founded by Katie and her husband, Dan, several decades ago. After Dan was involved in a serious accident, Katie took over and kept the business running until her grown sons could take it over. "What was unusual is that she ran a company as long as she did and that she made sure employees were happy and heard," shared Zimmerman.

Dutchland first suggested the renovation in December 2020. "They took it back to the dirt," said Zimmerman. "They craned out the gazebos and bricks and craned in tractors to level it and then started laying the foundation for the brick patio." Adam Nagle, executive director of The Factory, who has a background in landscaping, contributed to the design of the area, working with Underwood Landscaping, which them implemented the hardscape and the plants.

The courtyard has been designed as a place to offer hope, comfort, and peace to members of the local community. "This will be a place specifically for folks in the midst of crisis to find peace," said Zimmerman.

Nagle noted that the area is designed with comfort in mind. "Environment matters," he said. "The space that surrounds us tells us something, ... You matter. You have worth and dignity."

The venue will be available for events and gatherings. Readers who wish to know more may visit https://thefactoryministries.com or call 717-687-9594.