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Local nonprofit SEEDS outlines housing, education and health supports for Conestoga Valley families
Summary
Co‑directors Kristen Hershey and Michelle Keim briefed the Conestoga Valley Board on SEEDS’ work: since Jan. 2024 SEEDS has received 52 referrals and helped 25 families, is partnering on a Bridgeport affordable‑housing project, runs ESL classes and launched occupational‑therapy supports in partnership with Etown College.
Representatives from SEEDS told the Conestoga Valley Board that the nonprofit has expanded services connecting residents to housing, education and health resources.
Kristen Hershey, co‑director of SEEDS, said the organization became partners with East Lampeter Township in October 2024 to do outreach for unhoused residents and that since January 2024 SEEDS has received 52 referrals through partners and district social workers. "Of that 52, we have helped 25 of them physically, or financially," Hershey said, and the organization has helped five Conestoga Valley families move out of hotels and into homes.
Michelle Keim, SEEDS co‑director, described educational supports including evening and new daytime adult English (ESL) classes with childcare, transportation and shared meals to reduce barriers to participation. Keim said SEEDS limits evening classes to 35 adults because of childcare capacity and plans two six‑week sessions per year.
On health services, SEEDS said it began occupational‑therapy services last April and has partnered with Elizabethtown College, Dr. Diane Martin and early‑intervention providers. SEEDS also announced a new autism support OT during the school day at the middle school.
Looking ahead, SEEDS said it is exploring a permanent "SEEDS home" to expand programming, has budgeted for a part‑time social‑worker case manager focused on housing needs, and is planning Connection Village, a quarterly stakeholder group to coordinate services with the district and local organizations. The group also mentioned involvement with a planned Bridgeport housing redevelopment (12–15 affordable units) in partnership with Forest Hills Mennonite Church and Chestnut Housing.
Board members thanked SEEDS and discussed the district’s potential role in a community showcase for volunteer organizations. SEEDS asked the board to stay connected with referrals and volunteer support as programs scale.
