Nonprofit briefs West Goshen board on eviction‑prevention, opens family shelter serving local children

Friends Association for Care and Protection of Children leaders told the West Goshen Township Board on June 2 that the nonprofit recently moved into the area and is operating a small family shelter and eviction‑prevention programs serving local families with children.

Joyce Chester, chief executive officer, said Friends moved office and a 10‑unit apartment to the township late in the previous year and can house families with children in units above the office. "We have units that house families experiencing homelessness," Chester said, noting the organization aims to provide dignity and support through shelter, case management and connections with local services.

Eviction‑prevention director Yas Cole outlined program performance metrics and services. For fiscal year 2025, the organization reported serving more than 1,081 individuals across programs, assisting 425 households and supporting 593 children. Cole said Friends provides free legal services, limited financial assistance and housing‑stability case management; when the nonprofit provided legal representation, she said, 73.8% of cases had favorable outcomes and 59.4% of represented cases resulted in withdrawals — outcomes she described as evidence the program helps keep families housed.

The presentation also described a trauma‑informed, two‑generation case‑management model designed to move families from crisis to stability, with an average program length of nine months to a year for case management services. Chester and Cole emphasized partnerships with county courts, churches, other nonprofits and local agencies to stretch limited funding and to deliver services efficiently.

Board members and presenters discussed potential traffic and safety concerns tied to a nearby commercial redevelopment (the planned 7 Brew drive‑through in the same shopping center). Chester said she is monitoring traffic patterns because families and a new playground are adjacent to the shopping center and she flagged potential safety concerns where left turns into the site are common.

What's next: Friends Association provided contact cards to the board and said it will continue to coordinate with township staff and local police for family supports. Board members thanked presenters and offered township resources, including parks for fundraising and program outreach.

The nonprofit asked that the board and community remain aware of traffic and neighborhood impacts as nearby commercial projects proceed.