SoWe Connect
We believe the residents of Southwest Lancaster are closely connected to each other, celebrating the diversity of racial/ethnic backgrounds and sharing a sense of joint responsibility to care for one another.
The Neighborhood Connections Committee was built to bring the already close SoWe community even closer. Addressing the need for more community events, improving residents’ access to services and jobs, as well as rebranding the neighborhood; this committee hopes to encourage a shared sense of pride and responsibility in not only caring for the neighborhood but each other as well.
SoWe Connect will:
- Establish LHOP as the Lead Entity for Coordinating Revitalization Initiatives.
- Develop a Series of Events to Connect Neighbors.
- Develop a Plan to Market the Neighborhood.
- Improve Access to Services for Neighborhood Residents.
- Improve Residents’ Access to Jobs.
- Establish a Neighborhood Hub with Offices for the Civic Organization & Programming Space.
Programs & Resources
In partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Lancaster a Community Connector has been assigned to serve and assist SoWe residents. Lori Pagan works with SoWe residents to connect them to resources offered in the community such as education, job training, employment, housing, healthcare, substance abuse, etc. If you are interested in learning what services are available to you and your family please contact Lori Pagan at O: 717.381.4708 C: 717.669.3633 today.
CAP Navigators
CAP Navigators work with individuals and families to connect them with resources, such as safe housing, affordable child care, health care, transportation and much more. Their team of Navigators is dedicated to helping anyone trying to overcome life barriers and set clear goals to increase their long term stability. Connect with a CAP Navigator here.
SoWe Annual Events
SoWe hosts and sponsors several neighborhood events in efforts to connect neighbors to each other and celebrate the neighborhood. The events include the SoWe Annual Block Party, National Night Out, Trick-Or-Treat at Culliton Park, and the Egg Hunt at Culliton Park.
Facebook Group
Are you a SoWe resident? SoWe hosts a closed Facebook group for residents. The group is full of community updates from neighbors and is a great way to connect. Request access here.
Block Liaison
SoWe Block Liaisons are volunteers who serve as points of contacts for the residents on their block and for SoWe. The Liaison works to inform residents of programs and resources available to them. They also work to address residents’ concerns on their block. If you are interested in serving as a Block Liaison or learning more about the program contact Amos Stoltzfus at (717) 455-3626.
SoWe Mini-Grants
SoWe believes the residents of Southwest Lancaster are closely connected, celebrate the diversity of racial/ethnic backgrounds, and share a sense of joint responsibility to care for one another. To ensure that these values are promoted, residents can apply for SoWe Connect mini-grants to strengthen relationships on their blocks. Mini-grants can be utilized by SoWe residents to hold community events and gatherings.
Block Liaisons of SoWe can apply for a mini-grant to support a block event. This event must work to bring your neighbors together. Block Liaisons are required to organize the event collaboratively with their neighbors. The event must be inclusive to all residents on your block and efforts must be made to engage all residents on your block. Examples of events could be a block party, barbecue, potluck dinner, ice cream social, etc. Grants are up to $250 and can cover costs of food, supplies, entertainment. If additional funds are needed, applicant should seek donations from neighbors and local businesses.
United Way – Pennsylvania 2-1-1 East
2-1-1 East is a free, confidential, non-emergency, comprehensive informational and referral service that connects Lancaster County residents with health and human services, including child and elder care, food banks, and basic needs. Just dial 2-1-1 to be connected to the great services offered in Lancaster and beyond.
The Lancaster Community Meal Program started in 2002. Since its inception, this loose network of churches and organizations has provided free daily meals to community members in Lancaster City and County who are confronting food insecurity. The program relies upon hundreds of volunteers who plan, prepare, and serve the meals. It serves well over 150,000 meals to our friends and neighbors every year.
106 North Charlotte St., Lancaster, PA 17603
PA CareerLink is a job-matching system for employers and job-seekers. They offer free access to many career resources and services such as career tools and exploration, veteran services, and training opportunities.
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
The Lancaster Chamber is a business-focused organization dedicated to building a prosperous community by helping businesses excel and people thrive. The organization provides resources for individuals and businesses, opportunities and solutions, as well as helping to connect business professionals to one another through their programs such as its Business Success Hub. The Chamber’s job board is a great resource for local job opportunities.
Lancaster Works goes above and beyond the traditional employment agency model by providing wrap-around support services for job seekers who face barriers to employment. We also cultivate trusted, mutually-beneficial relationships with companies to ensure an environment in which a dedicated employee base can thrive. Lancaster Works is Lancaster’s only B Corporation employment agency. Apply for your next opportunity.
Lancaster offers a few modes of public transportation:
Red Rose Transit Authority
Red Rose Transit Authority (RRTA) offers public transportation to Lancaster City and County. Seniors ride the public transit system free with a PA Senior Citizen Transit ID Card. For information about how to ride, schedules, and fares click here.
Red Rose Access
In addition to the public bus system, RRTA operates Red Rose Access. Red Rose Access is a shared-ride program for senior citizens and persons with disabilities in Lancaster County. Services are available to individuals who are unable to use RRTA’s fixed-route bus system.
Access to Jobs Program
RRTA’s Access to Jobs program can help you with your transportation needs by enabling customers to travel to and from work at times when the bus is not operating. For more information on this important service click here.
Carpool/ Rideshare
PA Commute
PA Commute is a free service that helps individuals find and organize carpools to work. Find members who live and work near you to organize a shared ride to work. Emergency rides home from work are also available through the service.
Uber and Lyft are available throughout Lancaster and offer an alternative means of transportation to and from work.