SEEDS, a Conestoga Valley School District (CVSD) nonprofit focused on education, health care, and housing, celebrated one year of existence in October of 2023. The organization is growing rapidly, as evidenced by its English Language Development classes held at Faith Church and myriad upcoming events and programs. SEEDS is also happy to announce the hiring of its first employees - co-directors Michele Kime and Kristen Hershey.

Michele, director of communication and programs, has pastored a local church along with her husband, Joel, for the past 20 years. Previously, Michele used her college education in intercultural studies to help found an organization that created jobs for survivors of trafficking in Cambodia. She has also taught English at Stroopies. She is excited to continue to grow and learn about CV and help to create new opportunities for residents.

Not only is Kristen, director of creative hospitality, a Conestoga Valley High School (CVHS) graduate, but her husband, Brandon, is a CVHS teacher. Kristen has a degree in elementary education, and she has worked in preschools and run a dance studio. She has also worked as an office manager and photographer. Kristen looks forward to serving SEEDS as the organization partners with local businesses.

Each Thursday from Feb. 8 through March 28, SEEDS will partner with CCARS (Community Care and Addiction Recovery Services) for a support program for family members of those struggling with addictions. The program, which is open to families living in CVSD, will be held at Conestoga Church of the Brethren, 141 E. Main St., Leola. The group is limited to 12 men and 12 women. "Under the three pillars of housing, health, and education, this would fall under health and mental health," said Kime. More information is available at https://seedscv.com/health-services.

In March, SEEDS will partner with occupational therapists from Elizabethtown College to host play groups at Faith Church, 2124 Old Philadelphia Pike, Lancaster. The dates and times for the eight-week session are yet to be determined. Participants of the English development classes will take part. The program will be open to up to eight children age 3 and under and their parents. Kristen said the group will focus on interactive play that introduces reading and math skills to help children prepare for school and to build community for the families.

The fourth SEEDS session of English Language Development classes will be held in May, but SEEDS has decided to hold bridge classes over the winter that will focus on specific topics to help learners become more familiar with America. Classes will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Jan. 23, Feb. 27, and March 26, at Faith Church. Free child care will be provided. The January session will focus on American holidays, such as Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, and July Fourth. The February session will provide a better understanding medical, fire, and police services, and the March class will discuss what is unique about CVSD. Volunteers are needed to provide child care and transportation. 

Michele noted that SEEDS is working with both CrossNet Ministries in New Holland and The Factory Ministries in Paradise and that the organizations are walking alongside them. "We are starting to get referrals for people in CVSD with housing insecurities," she said. "We are looking for CV landlords that are willing to rent to SEEDS." Michele added that SEEDS will help subsidize rent to aid families who are struggling. The organization is also looking to rent office space in CVSD. More information about SEEDS may be found at https://seedscv.com.