April 29, 2021
Dear Friends,
 
Many people have told us that we are simply the best! Now it’s time to make it official! Leadership Harrisburg Area has been nominated for the 2021 Simply the Best distinction from Harrisburg Magazine. Nominations were submitted through reader ballots and the top nominees are now positioned for public voting. Would you kindly take a moment to issue a vote for Leadership Harrisburg Area? Your vote would do more than confirm LHA as Simply the Best; it would be a vote of confidence in our efforts to continue leading throughout the pandemic. It would be a vote of approval for our community service activities; our efforts around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; and approval for the adaptation and continuation of our core programming. Recognition as Simply the Best would help Leadership Harrisburg Area attract new people to our mission of raising the quality of life for ALL in Central PA.  
 
LHA is in the Non Profit Organization category under the Harrisburg Community section. A quick registration is required before voting. It’s easy just click on the link below. At the same time, my name was put into the mix in the Local Hero category. Not sure about all that, but would love to accompany Leadership Harrisburg Area in the 2021 Simply the Best arena. Feel free to cast a vote for yours truly as you see fit!  
 

Congratulations to all of the business, individual, and non profit nominees. Clearly, your efforts are making a difference to change and save lives. Thank you for your service and KUDOS!
 
Sincerely,
Una Martone, '07
President & CEO
Leadership Harrisburg Area
Listed Alphabetically by Organization
Be a Beacon of Health & Hope
Beacon Clinic for Health & Hope, a medical free clinic and 501c3 organization located in Harrisburg, needs active and vibrant people to expand their board of directors. They are currently seeking individuals with expertise in marketing, public relations, and IT. Interested individuals should contact Lori Clark Robinson, Beacon Clinic Board President, at lorialrob@comcast.net 
Check Out This Leadership Opportunity
The Community Check-up Center (CCC) seeks board members with leadership and organizational skills for strong and successful functioning of the board, as well as skills in fundraising, and contacts with community leaders.  This non-profit health center, located in south Harrisburg, provides quality care to Harrisburg’s most diverse and underserved children and adults. All are welcome, respected and treated with care regardless of their ability to pay. Currently, most of the services focus on pediatric and gynecological care. Please contact CCC Board Member, Elizabeth Johnson at cej74dgd@verizon.net for more information.
Join the Fight to End Cystic Fibrosis
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Harrisburg Office is looking for board members to help launch a new advisory board that will represent Central PA. The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is to cure cystic fibrosis and to provide all people with CF the opportunity to lead long, fulfilling lives by funding research and drug development, partnering with the CF community, and advancing high-quality, specialized care. We are looking for individuals who can help us advance our mission by leveraging their contacts and their time to support our events and office. Interested individuals should contact Chris Lunden, Associate Executive Director at clunden@cff.org.
Envision Yourself Serving
Vision Resources of Central PA, is a 100 year- old non - profit organization with a mission to assist the Blind and Visually Impaired in Central PA by facilitating independence, enriching the quality of life, and empowering individuals who are visually impaired or otherwise disabled through prevention, employment and educational awareness programs. We are looking for interested individuals to serve on our Board of Directors. If you would like to learn more please check out our website or contact Danette Blank, Executive Director dblank@vrocp.org or 717 238-2531.
Listed Chronologically by Event Date
Dress for Success at a Reduced Price - SALE!
The YWCA of Greater Harrisburg Dress for Success is holding its annual Spring Inventory Reduction Sale, Thursday, April 29 - Saturday, May 1st from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. This pop up storefront is located on the first floor of the Harrisburg Mall. The Sunday BAG Sale will be Sunday, May 2nd from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Saturday ALL items are priced anywhere between $5 - $10. The Sunday BAG Sale is an amazing deal - fill an entire bag with items for $25 or get 2 bags to fill for $40. Click here for more information.
Day of Derby Fun Benefits Bethesda Mission
Since 1914, Bethesda Mission has been a missionary arm of the local church, reaching out to men, women, and children of all races, nationalities, and creeds, providing the poor and homeless with shelter, food, clothing, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, and discipling them in the Christian life. The Derby Day Committee of Greystone Brew House invites you to support Bethesda Mission at a Day of Kentucky Derby Fun on May 1, 2021, complete with a traditional Derby Day menu, mint juleps, a ladies’ hat and derby gent contest, silent auction, games, entertainment and live showing of the 147th Kentucky Derby. Tickets are available online for $150 per person. Visit www.greystonederby.com to learn more.
Taking the Fear Out of Fundraising for Boards
If we lived in a perfect world, every board member would double as a major gifts officer for their organization, but the reality is that fundraising is right up there with death and public speaking on the list of biggest fears. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be that way! In this session on May 6th at 10 AM with Stephanie Cory, provided by PANO, we’ll look at the board’s role in fundraising from a governance perspective, discussing what your organization can reasonably expect from individual board members. We’ll explore specific, do-able ways that even the most introverted board member can play a key role in fundraising – without making an ask! Plus, we’ll share engaging activities you can employ at your next meeting to get your board more comfortable with fundraising. Register Now!
Who is Your Hero?
Who is YOUR hero? Your CEO who has led the organization through a pandemic? The caretaker who has provided great care, or the delivery person who has made your life easier? A friend or family member? Join us on May 7, 2021 for lunch and a program celebrating YOUR hero! The Salvation Army Harrisburg is hosting a “Hero at Home” Celebration Event. Sponsor and fill a table, or buy a ticket and bring someone special. We will feature our heroes on the big screen for all to see. Contact Cindy Minnich at Cindy.Minnich@use.salvationarmy.org.
Tour to Benefit Historic Harrisburg Landmarks
A special guided walking tour of two extraordinary Harrisburg landmarks, the Zembo Shrine and William Penn High School campus, is being offered on Saturday, May 8 from 10AM to Noon by the Historic Harrisburg Association . The tour will explore the interiors and exteriors of both buildings, taking in the nearby Civil War Obelisk, Italian Lake and other sites along the way. Both properties are currently listed on Historic Harrisburg’s 2021 “Preservation Priorities” List, reflecting their architectural and cultural significance to the Harrisburg region and their pending transitions to new ownership. The cost is $15 per person, $10 for HHA members, and $5 for students. Click here for tickets and event information.
Race to Support Victims of Domestic Violence
The 17th Annual Randi’s Race to benefit Randi's House of Angels is scheduled for Saturday, May 8, 2021, Adams Ricci Community Park, rain or shine. This 5K Run/Walk for Hope and Courage is a community event that creates awareness, advocates against domestic violence and raises money for our programs. You can make a difference. Bring your family, friends and colleagues. Form a team and compete virtually or in person with us! Registration begins at 8:00 am, Race begins at 9:00 am. Click here for race brochure. Register here. Contact Nancy Chavez at 717-503-4498 or info@randishouseofangels.org with questions.
Forums to Improve Community Health
Penn State Health invites you to join them for their Community Health Needs Assessment - Community Partner Forums! Virtual forums will be held on two dates. Please register for the session that is best for you using one of the links below. You will receive additional log-in information in your registration confirmation.
  • Register: Wednesday, May 12th, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
  • Register: Thursday, May 20th, 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
The event will feature a brief review of findings from the CHNA covering six counties: Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon and Perry. We will also determine priorities and discuss possible collaborations to improve community health. We encourage you to share this invitation with your colleagues and anyone who may be interested in attending. There is no fee to attend, but registration is required and limited. If you have any questions or require a disability or language accommodation, please contact Rachel Weber, Data manager, at CHNA@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.
Making an Impact for LGBTQ+? Nominate now!
Do you know an individual, group, or organization who is making an impact for LGBTQ+ people? The LGBT Center of Central PA invites you to join them in celebrating the power of being connected across communities at FAB 2021! Nominations are open until May 15th. All nominees will be evaluated by the LGBT Center based on alignment with their Vision, Mission, and Values as an organization. On Saturday, September 18th, the LGBT Center will highlight its work fostering connections across communities, honor leaders who are doing impactful community-building work, and invite you to be engaged in this critical work at a critical time. Click here to nominate an individual, group, or organization for the FAB 2021 award!
Celebrating Young Artists
Mark your calendars for May 15, 2021 and plan to celebrate the creative talents of young artists. Youth Art Day is an annual showcase of visual art, music and literary talent from Perry County students or residents in kindergarten through 12th grade, made possible by local businesses and members of the Perry County Council of the Arts Board of Directors. Attendees can enjoy an expansive youth art exhibition, music and drama performances, as well as readings of award-winning student literature. In 2021, you can expect to see virtual elements with potential for in-person aspects sprinkled in. All Perry County students in Kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to participate by submitting an entry. Students must reside in the county or attend a public, private, or home school in the county. Click here for more information on submitting entries.
Marking a Major Milestone
March 2021 will mark the 100th anniversary for Vision Resources of Central Pennsylvania (VROCP). Join the celebration beginning May 19, 2021 with a dinner at Harmony Hall, Middletown. The agency began as a member of the Pennsylvania Association for the Blind (PAB) for Dauphin County and the area of responsibility expanded to include Cumberland, Perry and Franklin counties. Four major eye diseases are increasingly affecting the growing elderly population in Pennsylvania and across the nation. The result is a greater need for prevention specialists, case coordinators, the Eye Clinic, and low vision rehabilitation. Click here to learn more about how you can support VROCP's New Century of Service to the region during the next twelve months. A second celebration will take place on September 22, 2021 at the Linwood Estate in Carlisle. 
Celebrating Local Leaders
Join Leadership Harrisburg Area on May 26th as we Celebrate 60 Graduates from the Community Leadership Series Class of 2021, Executive Leadership Series Class of 2021, Inaugural ACES Class, and recently completed ACES 2 Class. The Platinum Award for Servant Leadership will be presented to Joseph Robinson, Jr. The Keynote Speaker is author and coach, Omar L. Harris. Activities, awards, celebration, and ceremony will be hosted outdoors at FNB Field on Harrisburg’s City Island. Safety protocols will be observed. You might not be able to hug your friends & fellow LHA alumni, but you can certainly greet them with a "smize"! To register, click here.
Survey to Help Understand Needs of Families
Do your part as a community partner and participate in a quick survey - 2021 Needs Assessment! Every three years, Tri County Community Action engages in a comprehensive needs assessment process. It helps them understand and address the needs of low-income families living in our region, and the results of the assessment directly impact how they invest their resources to combat poverty. While you have until May 28, 2021 to complete the survey, we encourage you to do it now! It should take you less than 10 minutes to complete. To take the survey, click here. The survey is completely anonymous, so please share it widely with both your professional and personal associations by forwarding this email. Should you have any questions, please feel free to email Tri County Community Action at jenwintermyer@cactricounty.org.
Go BIG for Kids' Sake Virtual 5K
Go BIG for Kids' Sake Virtual 5K! Traditionally, Big Brothers Big Sisters has hosted Bowl for Kids' Sake, but this year they're changing the game. Grab your running shoes, form your team, and pick your path. It’s easy! Register for the 5K at Go BIG for Kids' Sake and raise funds to support Bigs, Littles and families. Then, choose the day to complete your 5K by running, walking, hiking, skipping or jumping! As with their Bowl for Kids' Sake fundraiser, they're asking each participant to raise a minimum of $80 to support their youth. You can participate as an individual or in a team. Challenge your friends, family and coworkers to join your team OR create their own team. Complete your 5K fundraising by May 31st to qualify for raffle and top fundraiser prizes. 
Impact Your Community More Effectively
Applications for the Community Leadership Series Class of 2022 are now available. If you have a thirst for personal growth, a mindset for professional development, and heart for servant leadership, consider enrolling in the Community Leadership Series. Leadership Harrisburg Area prepares individuals with the understanding and insights, connections, resources, and tools to practice servant leadership and effectively serve their companies, their community, and the entire region. Full program detail, testimonials, and a link to the online application can be found on our website, click here. Deadline to apply is June 4, 2021.
Rejuvenate, Shop, Network, Learn about local businesses
Please consider participating in the 2021 Women's Expos. The 5th Annual Lancaster County Women's Expo will be held June 5, 2021 at the Wyndham Hotel - Expo Center, Lancaster. The 8th Annual Dauphin County Women's Expo is June 19, 2021 at the Harrisburg Mall (Former Boscov's), Harrisburg.
Women's Expos are excellent venues to reach women of all ages in a fun and relaxing atmosphere. Guests are able to unwind and have fun while shopping, enjoying free spa treatments, watching a fashion show and demonstrations, and relishing in “me” time. Be assured that during the 2021 expo event season, exhibitor booths will be spatially distanced and personal social distancing and other CDC guidelines will be observed. Click here for more information.
Continue Your Leadership Journey
Beyond Leadership is scheduled for Thursday, June 17, 2021, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm, online via Zoom. This virtual summit features the 10 Essentials of Servant Leadership in a fast-paced, interactive, multi-media format that will make you feel like your in the same room with up to 50 participants! Guest Speakers are confirmed and will “pop in” to help demonstrate some applications of servant leadership from their experiences in the Capital Region. A workbook that serves as a continued resource; a copy of Robert Greenleaf’s original essay The Servant as Leader; AND a certificate of completion will be mailed to all registrants in advance of the session along with zoom meeting details and reminders. Click here for more information and to register.
Sleep One Night Without a Bed - Homelessness Awareness
Family Promise Harrisburg Capital Region is partnering with Family Promise affiliates from around the country on Saturday, June 26th to host their second annual Night Without a Bed event and they want YOU to join them! Night Without a Bed is a social media challenge that raises awareness for families experiencing homelessness. Answer the challenge! Decide you are going to sleep somewhere besides your bed on June 26th and challenge friends or family members to join you! Learn more and get involved by clicking here.
Save the Date - Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans
Save the date of Sunday, November 7, 2021 for a special event to honor Vietnam Veterans by Hospice of Central PA. Soldiers returning home from World War II, or the Korean War, were welcomed back as heroes. This was not the case when our soldiers returned home from Vietnam. Some Vietnam Veterans were greeted with anger or hostility. Others noticed there was no reaction at all. Many shared that civilians seemed uncomfortable around them, and did not want to hear about their wartime experiences. Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans event will honor the Veterans in our community. This program is just one way HCP recognizes the unique needs of Veterans, thanks them for their service to our country, and provides a respectful Welcome Home. More details will be available closer to the event date.
Listed Alphabetically by Organization
Volunteers Needed for Event Leadership Teams 
The American Cancer Society is looking for volunteers to serve on our volunteer leadership teams for the 2021 PA Hope Ride and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Harrisburg event.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (MSABC) of Harrisburg
Each year, MSABC of Harrisburg brings the south central PA community together to unite against breast cancer. As a member of the leadership team, you will have the opportunity to help lead our efforts in the planning and execution of this event. We are looking for passionate and dedicated individuals who want to make an impact in the fight against breast cancer while helping raise more funds for our mission. The 2021 Drive-Thru event date is Saturday, October 16th.
More info on event available here.

Pennsylvania (PA) Hope Ride
The PA Hope Ride is a one-day cycling event where participants and volunteers come together to honor cancer survivors, spread the word about reducing cancer risk, and raise money to help the American Cancer Society. The 2021 event is Sunday, September 19th, beginning and ending at Our Town Brewery in Lancaster, PA. More info on event here.

Please complete this brief SURVEY to capture your specific interests. If you have any questions, please contact Yalonda Rice at 717-288-9707.
Virtual Volunteers Needed 
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region is looking for virtual mentors. During COVID-19, many youth are dealing with feelings of isolation, anxiety and loneliness. The time for change is now! We’re looking for positive individuals who will give the gift of time and become a virtual mentor. Help a child in your community build resilience and inspire them to continue pursuing their dreams, even during difficult times. To learn more and sign up to be a Big, visit our website today!
Adopt An Apartment Volunteers Needed
Adopt-An-Apartment volunteers needed! Brethren Housing Association (BHA) is in need of volunteers for our Adopt-An-Apartment program. Volunteers (whether they are from a church, community group, family, or corporation) commit to cleaning and furnishing an empty apartment before a new family moves in. Volunteers have the opportunity to personalize the apartment and make it a home for the incoming family. Interested? Visit bha-pa.org for more information or contact BHA Program Director, Marilyn Bellesfield, at mbellesfield@bha-pa.org.
Help Families Experiencing Homelessness 
Interested in volunteering to help families experiencing homelessness? Brethren Housing Association (BHA) is need of volunteers to support our Adopt-An-Apartment program by cleaning and furnishing an empty apartment before a new family moves in. BHA is also in need of volunteers to donate cleaning and hygiene supplies, and work groups to assist the BHA Property Manager with renovation projects, maintenance needs, painting, and cleaning. These opportunities are great for church and community groups, families, and corporate team building activities. If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities at BHA, visit bha-pa.org or contact BHA Program Director, Marilyn Bellesfield, at mbellesfield@bha-pa.org.
Your Time is a Gift We Need!
Your time is a gift! Volunteers at the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank produce the equivalent of a meal a minute while helping sort and pack food into boxes for families in need. Individuals or groups up to 30 can safely volunteer in the large, off-site Central Packing Operation with wide space for social distancing and other COVID-19 protocols. Volunteer shifts are available Monday-Saturday and volunteers must be 18 or older. To learn more, and to indicate your interest in volunteering, please visit the Give Time section of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank’s website.
Is Your Company Looking to Inspire Local Students?
Junior Achievement of South Central PA recently launched a new way to help prepare students for a bright future. JA Inspire Virtual is a virtual career fair targeted to 8th-12th grade students. Students will enter the career fair after completing a career assessment, learning about career clusters and uncovering where they might excel in the working world. This information allows students time to select high school courses that fit within their newly found career interests. Your company can inspire students by sharing cool things about your business and marketing your company to students, educators, parents, and other businesses through JA Inspire. For more information please contact Allison Kierce at akierce@jascpa.org or 717-843-8028.
Give the Gift of Storytime Online
Volunteers are needed to sign up for daily time slots to read a book to elementary age students. Reading 365 started on October 1, 2020 and will end September 30, 2021. Everyday from 11:00 a.m. till 11:30 a.m. with 15 minute time slots, The ALC is scheduling two readers from across the country to read. The reading will be held via Zoom and Facebook live Monday-Sunday. To sign up for a slot, click here.

Reading 365 is a program of The American Literacy Corporation, which is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Since 2000, the ALC has served the community by partnering with community-based organizations, and other institutions with programs targeting educational enhancement and development for elementary-aged students. If you have any questions, please contact Madison Stokes at (717) 580-5429. You may also visit our website at www.superreader.org.
Serve the Hill This Summer
Wildheart Ministries seeks people willing to have an awesome opportunity in local missions this summer! If you or someone you know is interested in coming alongside the staff to love on the community of South Allison Hill, please go to the website and click on yearly internships.
Listed Alphabetically by Organization
You Write! Monthly Essay Contest for Kids
The American Literacy Corporation and the African American Memorial Fund are both running monthly essay contests. There will be a different theme each month. This is a wonderful activity for children 3rd through 12th grade during this time of social distancing. Children can earn cash while expressing themselves. For contest rules, prizes, and monthly themes, click here for specifics on ALC and here for specifics on African American Memorial Fund. Please forward this to children, schools, teachers, and parents who might be interested in submitting an essay. 
You Might be Board Solid, but are you BOARD STRONG?
Board Strong is a program of Leadership Harrisburg Area that was made possible through a partnership with The Foundation for Enhancing Communities. This 90 minute video series addresses: the roles & responsibilities of non-profit board members; the financial oversight, fiduciary and compliance responsibilities of non-profit board members; non-profit board members’ role in fundraising; tips for non-profit board member to effectively tell the organization’s story; and tips for engaging high performing board. Anyone who is considering serving on a non-profit board; or who is already serving on a non-profit board will gain valuable insights from the experienced non-profit leaders featured in this video. To begin your certification process, click here.
Get Back Outside!
Hiking, bird watching, art and more! Check out all the opportunities and activities available at Wildwood here. And it's not too soon to start registering your kids for day camps. Check out the complete list of upcoming camps for children and youth offered by Friends of Wildwood.
Beyond Bananas - Food Donations Needed
Save the Bananas project is asking for donations of food that will be used to supplement food boxes given to families in need either directly or through area churches. We currently need pantry items including tuna, breakfast cereal, hot cereals, rice and other grains, potatoes, macaroni and cheese, jelly, crackers, canned stews, breakfast/granola bars, pasta sauce, salad dressing, soup mix, canned Beefaroni/Ravioli. Individuals, businesses, or organizations who are interested in supporting this project can contact Lee Casher through the Lee's Good Eats Facebook page.
Help Create a Calming Room for Children
The Camp Curtin YMCA is seeking materials to create a calming room for the youth we serve. The purpose of a calming room is to provide a sensory place for children that are feeling overwhelmed by visual noise, sensory overload, stress, and anxiety. Items needed include kinetic sand, used for children to utilize their senses while displaying play, fidget toys, used to help children return to their baseline behavior, and aromatherapy essential oils and diffusers, creating a calming and pleasantly-smelling environment. Our primary goal is to provide the children with a calming sensory environment that will assist them in de-escalating their destructive behaviors and emotions, returning to baseline behavior. If you're interested in helping us stock our Calming Room, please visit our Amazing Wish List here.
The Community Caller is emailed to over 2700 subscribers on a regular schedule every month. The goal of the publication is to match people and resources with service opportunities and missions & programs that benefit the community. Announcements are placed primarily by non profit organizations, educational institutions, and other community organizations. If you would like to include an event or announcement in the next issue, please feel free to contact LHA with detailed information including:
  • Organization Website
  • Contact Name, Phone Number and Email
  • Date of Event
  • Specific Request
  • Description
  • Attach a flyer of the event, if applicable
Please send submissions to Leadership Harrisburg Area at LHA@leadershipharrisburg.org or call 717-216-5200. All content is subject to approval by LHA and may be edited for space. 
Mission Statement
As a resource for businesses, our alumni, and community organizations throughout the Capital Region, Leadership Harrisburg Area teaches servant leadership and effective community service through discussion, demonstration, and experiential practices.

Diversity Statement
Leadership Harrisburg Area recognizes and values the diversity inherent in the communities we serve. We commit to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of who we are and what we do.
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