Members of the Arras Foundation staff and board joined our partners from Lancaster Promise Neighborhood, the United Way of Lancaster County, and Ascend Advising at the Spartanburg Academic Movement THRIVE 2026 conference in Spartanburg.

Dr. Raj Chetty, Harvard University and Opportunity Insights economist spoke about the four factors that drive high economic mobility neighborhoods: (1) lower poverty rates, (2) more stable family structures, (3) better quality schools, and (4) greater social capital. Of these factors, he noted, social capital has the greatest impact on economic mobility. 

We celebrate three new Healthy Community Grant partnerships this month, with Christian Services, Fort Lawn Community Center, and Hospice & Community Care.

Established in 1981, Christian Services works to improve the quality of life of families and children by eliminating barriers to opportunity. Key issues addressed include food insecurity and support for children and families living in hardship in Lancaster. In addition to programs, Christian Services operates the Family Thrift Store, which has recently been upgraded. The new Healthy Community Grant partnership will center on the Saving Our Families Together project, supporting the Christian Services food pantry, the Angel Tree program (Christmas gifts for children in need) and Kin Care (support for grandparents raising children). 

Since 1998, the Fort Lawn Community Center has served as a community hub, providing educational, cultural, health, wellness and human services to the residents of Fort Lawn and surrounding community. The Center operates a food pantry, senior meals, monthly county - wide food distribution, a First Steps 4K, and other community services. During 2018-2021, the Center developed the Fort Lawn Community Heart & Soul effort and continues to steward the plans and projects that matter most to residents. The new Healthy Community Grant partnership will support the Taking Care of Our Neighbors project, which aims to effectively reduce food insecurity and chronic illness in Chester County, especially Fort Lawn and Great Falls areas, while helping to stabilize families financially by providing greater access to nutritious foods.

Founded in 1985, Hospice & Community Care currently serves 6 counties, including Lancaster and Chester Counties, with the mission to give hope, comfort and compassion to our community when needed most. The only nonprofit hospice in the area, they operate the Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House in Rock Hill, hospice and palliative care, grief support, a Caring Closet (medical equipment that the community can borrow), and education. In addition, they operate two Resale Shops (Lancaster and Rock Hill), that provide opportunities for community support (shop, donate, volunteer). The new Healthy Community Grant partnership will center on the Community Outreach and Charity Care project to raise awareness and access to services for individuals facing terminal or chronic illnesses, seniors and caregivers, focusing on uninsured, underinsured, and promotion of both hospice and palliative care, dispelling misconceptions often associated with both.