• Preferred Pronouns: she/her
• Why I wanted to be part of Arch Street’s board: I have personally watched Arch Street Center make life-changing impacts on people’s happiness, wellness, and overall quality of life. Having a place to go where a member knows they will be warmly, and sometimes exuberantly, greeted when they walk through the door (think NORM! entering Cheers) is a place where they know they belong. Being part of a board that continues to drive that mission forward has been deeply meaningful to me.
• “For me, I am driven by two main philosophies: know more today about the world than I knew yesterday and lessen the suffering of others. You'd be surprised how far that gets you.”― Neil deGrasse Tyson

Why I love Arch Street Center:

There is a comforting feeling of belonging that arises as soon as you enter Arch Street Center. From providing a safe and supportive environment for all of its members to having dedicated and compassionate staff and volunteers, what’s not to love about Arch Street Center!

One Interesting Fact:

I once “played” guitar backstage with the rock band Buckcherry during a concert (Note: I use the term “played” loosely because I am not musically inclined and had never even picked up a guitar before the concert).

Why did you want to be part of Arch Street’s board?

Arch Street Center, from the very beginning, provided a place for those ‘in the shadows of life,’ to be seen, supported with an opportunity to contribute.  I want to be part of that kind of effort.

What is something interesting (or fun) about you?

I met my native Minnesotan wife in Kenya, East Africa.

"To turn toward what life means rather than what it provides …"

Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers
Why I wanted to join the Arch Street board: My home and heart has always been in the Lancaster County community. Arch Street Center is just an amazing example of how community should look and how through relationships and unconditional support we can all grow into the version of ourselves we aspire to be. Mental Health is a common topic in both my personal and professional life. The Arch Street Center truly creates a space where everyone belongs and I was immediately pulled to want to be a part of this amazing work.

One interesting fact about me: I am a very proud Nero-divergent member of our community, and embrace and adore the fact that I will never fit in the average cardboard box.

“The most interesting people you’ll ever find are ones that don’t fit into your average cardboard box. They’ll make what they need. They’ll make their own boxes.”-Dr. Temple Grandin

• Why did you want to be part of Arch Street’s board?
  • I truly believe in the social rehabilitation that takes place at Arch Street Center, and I love that I can be a part of keeping this work moving forward for more folks to be well and maintain their wellness as members.
• What is something interesting (or fun) about you?
  • My great grandfather started the Rough and Tumble Engineers association in the early 40s and my family operates antique farm equipment as a hobby. The same great grandfather created the first hay bailer that wraps hay bales together with twine which is still used today!

 “I suppose it is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail.”― Abraham Maslow

Preferred Pronouns: She/Her

Why I love Arch Street Center: Being at Arch Street Center "fills" me, in that I always leave there feeling better than when I arrived. Volunteering and doing Board work at the Center empowers me to fulfill my goal of supporting those in my community that are vulnerable.

What is something interesting about you: I also volunteer for Off the Streets, whose mission is to help our homeless neighbors secure permanent housing with assistance for security deposits and donations of furniture to make their new permanent home comfortable and safe. We have recently been able to add Arch Street Center as a referral for Off the Streets, and we have assisted 7 members in their quest for a home.

"Apply these sublime and glorious truths to the situation now before you. Put away your race prejudice. Banish the idea that one class must rule over another. Recognize the fact that the rights of the humblest citizen are as worthy of protection as are those of the highest, and your problem will be solved; and, whatever may be in store for it in the future, whether prosperity, or adversity; whether it shall have foes without, or foes within, whether there shall be peace, or war; based upon the eternal principles of truth, justice and humanity, and with no class having any cause of complaint or grievance, your Republic will stand and flourish forever"  - F Douglass

Why I Love Arch Street Center:
I’m proud to be part of the organization at this time in history because right now has proven to be trying for many people. Arch Street Center staff are providing a stabilizing force in this current unknown sea of chaos. Changes in services provided have shown people just how change can be embraced and just how committed the staff and this board are to make adjustments for the betterment of the community.

"Everything is figureoutable" -Marie Forleo

Preferred Pronouns: he/him

Why I love Arch Street Center:

Everyone needs a place to belong, and Arch Street is that place for many people. There is a kindness and geniality in the atmosphere that you notice right away. It’s a very special place.

"We may affirm absolutely that nothing great in the world has been accomplished without passion." - G.W.F. Hegel

Preferred Pronouns: she/her

One Interesting Fact:
I have the self-proclaimed world's tackiest bathroom in my house.

Why I Love Arch Street Center:

One Interesting Fact:
I am the mother of teenage boy/girl twins.

Why I Love Arch Street Center:
I BELONG at ASC because the members and staff give me a sense of worth.

One Interesting Fact:
I have extensive experience in feral cat rescue. I also run a website dedicated to terrible movies.

Why I Love Arch Street Center:
I BELONG because I believe that everyone deserves dignity, compassion, and the opportunity to enjoy a fulfilling life.

One Interesting Fact:
My favorite things to do include reading, gardening, and watching movies.

Why I Love Arch Street Center:
I BELONG at Arch Street Center because when I started, everyone was so welcoming and friendly, and now I enjoy being part of a team and the Arch Street community.

Preferred pronouns: He/Him

Why I love working at Arch Street Center: Every day that I am at Arch Street, I have interactions with members that inspire me to continue my recovery journey and encourage me to strive to be a better human. This is truly a special place where we all support each other with kindness, benevolence, and respect while also enjoying an environment of fun and friendship. Words don’t do it justice. You need to stop by and witness it for yourself. I will personally serve you your coffee.

One Interesting Fact: I am terrified of lightning and when I was young, I would hug a sneaker while sleeping because I heard that rubber would protect you from a lightning strike. While I believe I may have been deceived, I stand by my intelligence.

“Be good.” – E.T.

Preferred Pronouns: She/Her

Why do you like working at Arch Street Center: I've found both the staff and members to be incredibly warm and welcoming. As I am a new addition to ASC, I'm sure I will find many more things to love!

What is something interesting (or fun) about you:

• I am a local artist who goes by the name SOOP
• I am a huge Billy Joel fan
• I studied improv and sketch comedy at Upright Citizens Brigade in NYC

"Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen" - Conan O'Brien

Preferred Pronouns: He/Him

Why do you like working at Arch Street Center:

To be of service and give back while creating a safe and welcoming environment for our members and staff.

What is something interesting about you:

I have a goal to work in Real Estate so I can take my earnings and donate a portion to a worthy causing helping the homeless/recovery.

"Have you ever heard of John D. Rockefeller? I'm Dominique Rice" - Dominique Rice, 9/16/2024

Millersville University, Behavioral and Human Services

January 21 - May 5, 2025

Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Why do you like interning at Arch Street Center:

I like meeting new people and gaining new experiences. I believe that Arch Street Center is a great place for that!

What is something interesting about you:

I have 10 siblings (including me!)

"Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together" - Marilyn Monroe

Masters of Social Work

Widener University

January - May, 2025

Preferred Pronouns: She/Her

Why do you like interning at Arch Street Center:

I love getting to know the members on a deeper level and be able to support them as they need. The family aspect of this community center is truly such a blessing to be part of.

What is something interesting about you:

I am an 80 year old woman living in a 28 year old's body; my friends call me Nana!

"If you want to keep your memories, you first have to live them" - Bob Dylan

Why do you like working at Arch Street Center?

I really love the member care and culture here. I love that the employees demonstrate a unique love and concern for each member.

What is something interesting about you?

I love music, however, I can not sing.

• Why do you like working at Arch Street Center?
  • It is such a family-like atmosphere, how could I not?
• What is something interesting (or fun) about you?
  • I love art and laughter!

"I am the sole author of my life, unfortunately, I am writing in ink, therefore I could not erase"