Making a Milestone and Looking Ahead with Gratitude
Published August 12, 2025
Author: David Lacy
This past month marked an important milestone for the Interfaith Service Council. Since the organization began formally documenting its work three years ago, Interfaith has now completed 100 individual home repair projects for neighbors in need across Lancaster and Northumberland Counties.
That milestone represents more than a number. Over the past three and a half years, those 100 jobs reflect steady, consistent service—averaging one completed project every twelve days. Behind each job are hours of planning, assessment, coordination, material ordering, and often multiple site visits. Many projects require more than one workday to complete, making this milestone a testament to the dedication of volunteers, partner churches, and supporters who show up time and again.
July was an active and meaningful month within that larger journey. With the support of a group of approximately 50 volunteers from a Pennsylvania church, Interfaith completed several critical projects, including three accessibility ramps and a floor repair. These efforts helped restore safety and access for homeowners who depend on this assistance to remain in their homes.
This past month we strenghtened our connection with a local camp, creating a reliable lodging option for visiting volunteer groups. Two groups have already stayed at the camp, and the arrangement have worked smoothly, helping make volunteer service more accessible and sustainable.
Interfaith participated in two local parades, connecting with the broader community in a joyful and approachable way. Along the parade routes, volunteers distributed 1,000 popsicles and 500 informational brochures, helping spread awareness of available services and how neighbors can seek help or get involved. The positive response reinforced the value of meeting the community where they are, and there has since been interest expressed in using the Interfaith float in an upcoming high school homecoming parade.
A Little Rest... Then Back to Spreading Gods Love Through Service
Looking ahead, Interfaith has several approved projects ready to move forward, including four accessibility ramps, four step replacements, and four smaller home repairs. These are expected to be completed with the help of church volunteer groups scheduled to serve in September. August will serve as a planned pause—a time for rest and reset—before work resumes at full pace.
The spirit of service that defines Interfaith extends beyond any single project or location. During July, an Interfaith leader had the opportunity to take part in a home-building effort abroad with family—constructing a house in just a few days. While separate from Interfaith’s direct work, experiences like these reflect shared values of service, efficiency, and dignity in housing. Lessons learned through hands-on building, whether locally or elsewhere, continue to inform thoughtful conversations about how best to serve neighbors here at home.
As Interfaith pauses briefly in August and prepares for the months ahead, this milestone offers a moment of reflection and gratitude—for the volunteers who give their time, the donors who provide resources, and the community partners who make this work possible. One hundred jobs completed is not an ending, but a reminder of what steady compassion and commitment can accomplish.
How You Serve The Community
Interfaith Service Council relies on generous volunteers with varying backgrounds and expertise, who selflessly dedicate their skills and time to help us achieve our mission. Unable to volunteer at this time, but still want to help us reach as many families in our community as possible? Consider donating to the Interfaith Service Council. Financial and tangible donations stay directly within our community and are a crucial lifeline for those struggling to make ends meet.
Click below to learn about how you can volunteer with Interfaith Service Council in Northumberland or Lancaster counties or to donate.
If you are someone who needs assistance
We cannot take your referral directly. All of our jobs come through Social Services, local churches, local medical offices, the hospital, and The Link. Please call 804-480-0394 to arrange an appointment.
For more information on who we serve and the process, please click the link below.