Loft Community Partnership (LCP) recently appointed Jenna Graeff as its new director of strategic partnerships as part of an initiative to increase community engagement and grow the organization. Graeff, who grew up in the Quarryville area, graduated from Millersville University with a Master of Social Work and worked closely with the university's Center for Public Scholarship and Social Change.

Graeff discovered Loft Community Partnership through her efforts in the community and has worked with board members from the organization on projects such as Hettie's Hope Chest. Graeff assisted with fundraising and various operations for the initiative, which is a nonprofit that provides diapers to families in need in the Penn Manor area.

"The position of director allows a lot of room for macro social work practice and growth alongside (Loft Community Partnership)," said Graeff. "It's a young organization and I am newly working in the field with a master's; it's a good match and we'll be able to grow together."

In her first week as director, Graeff was already coordinating several community projects. Loft Community Partnership will administer a survey for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and has plans to resume its tradition of hosting a quarterly breakfast for churches and community organizations to discern what the area's biggest needs are and how to address them.

"We really want to dig into these operations and look at what is able to be streamlined, as well as how we can increase volunteers and community engagement," said Graeff. "My experience is in the intersection of a school district and community hub like Penn Manor is." Graeff interned at the Solanco School District, where she was able to get a closer look within the area and determine how a school district connects with community resources.

"What drew us to Jenna were her experience and qualifications," said LCP's community liaison, Deb Meckley. "She has connections to the Penn Manor community but also has fresh eyes for our organization; it's a unique combination." Meckley added that the organization has a vision to expand its services to the community, as its primary goal since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic has been to provide food and clothing to those affected.

Loft Community Partnership serves a wide array of community members, from school-age children to senior citizens, with the only requirement being residence in the Penn Manor School District. Prior to the organization's establishment, Millersville Brethren in Christ Church operated the food and clothing bank for over a decade. During this time, Meckley worked as a social worker and was a member of a committee that discussed the area's unmet needs. In 2019, the church decided it could no longer maintain the drive, and Meckley and the committee resolved to fill the void. In late 2019, Loft Community Partnership was created. "We are always looking for volunteers, and we always need donations," stated Graeff. "If you're passionate about the Penn Manor community, come check us out."

For more information, visit http://www.loftcommunitypartnership.org.