Current Projects

Hands Are Not for Hitting Project

In June 2007, the Junior League of Lancaster launched the three-year program "Hands Are Not For Hitting: A Conflict Resolution Curriculum for 2nd Graders". This program will run through June 2010 and provides 2nd graders in partner schools with the tools and ability to resolve conflicts without hurting others on the inside (feelings) or outside (bodies). The Hands Are Not for Hitting curriculum was developed 12 years ago and has been presented at 20 elementary schools in the Ann Arbor, MI school district with great success. The students at those schools, as well as teachers and volunteers have great praise for the program emphasizing that everyone learns a lot while having fun.

Hands Are Not for Hitting is a progressive conflict management curriculum that is especially designed for second grade students. It is based on the idea that early intervention and education are the keys to the prevention of abuse and bullying in our schools and community. The program teaches children to express their feelings in appropriate, constructive and healthy ways. By working with trained Junior League of Lancaster volunteers inside their classrooms, children will begin to build the skills necessary to settle disputes peacefully - with their words, heads and hearts instead of their hands.

Hands Are Not for Hitting is designed to teach conflict resolution in creative, engaging ways that are developmentally appropriate for young children. The curriculum reinforces the value of teamwork and incorporates many activities, role playing, games and art. The program will be presented in seven 55-minute classroom sessions beginning in January 2008.

This is a three phase program spanning 3 school years, starting in January 2008. During Phase One, JLL volunteers will present the curriculum and provide all the required books and materials. During Phase Two (January 2009), the curriculum will be presented jointly by JLL volunteers and PTO members. In Phase Three (January 2010), PTO members will present the curriculum to second grade classes. Three separate second grade classes will benefit from this initiative.

We look forward to partnering with Schaeffer Elementary School on this meaningful project and implementing this program in elementary schools throughout Lancaster County.

Aaron's Acres

Aaron's Acres provides recreational services to children with special needs. The program includes a summer camp and eight respite care sessions which are held through the school year. Aaron's Acres mission statement is "to provide a comprehensive, year round recreational program to children with developmental disabilities and their families, focusing on increasing socialization and communication for children who have special needs."

For typical children, many recreational activities can be found within the community; however, for the child with special needs, these activities are limited. Aaron's Acres programs provide a) children, regardless of their abilities, with the opportunities to interact with their peers and b) families with opportunities to connect with other families in similar situations. Each child's needs are addressed by qualified staff counselors and instructors.

The summer camp has been held annually since 1998 at the Lancaster Jewish Community Center, and includes a camp carnival for the children and their families. The respite care program started at the Lancaster Jewish Community Center in 2002. During the school year, children ages 5-21 are invited to attend a monthly recreational program. Siblings are invited to attend these respite sessions, thereby giving the parents a much needed break from their daily care-giving responsibilities.

Working with the Aaron's Acres Executive Director, Junior League of Lancaster (JLL) members were instrumental in the development of the respite care program. Initially, JLL volunteers planned all activities, made necessary purchases, and provided hands-on assistance with the children. Since its inception, more than 120 children have benefited from the respite program.

Currently, JLL members volunteer at the monthly respite sessions and at the summer camp carnival. Additionally, the JLL will provide 5 scholarships for respite sessions during October 2007-May 2008.

Done-in-A-Days (DIAD)

In addition to our ongoing projects, the Junior League of Lancaster continually presents oppotunities for "Done-In-A-Day (DIAD) projects.  DIAD projects, which are typically completed in a day, partner with local organizations who are in need of temporary help for a special event.  The Junior League of Lancaster (JLL) will usually be responsible for organizing the event, suppling volunteers during the event and providing financial backing to make the event a success.  The following are a few previous and future DIAD projects sponsored by the Junior League of Lancaster.

Done in a Day Project: Kids in the Kitchen

The Junior League of Lancaster (JLL) presented a Kids in the Kitchen DIAD project on April 23, 2008 at the Steinman Clubhouse of the Boys and Girls Clubhouse. Forty children between the ages of six and twelve from the 3 local Boys and Girls Clubhouses, as well as their parents benefitted from this project. Betsey Sterenfeld, creator and owner of Essen, generously agreed to be the Host Chef for the event.

The JLL's Kids in the Kitchen project coincided with the Kids in the Kitchen project sponsored by the Junior League of Harrisburg, PA (JLH). The shared goal of these Junior Leagues is to empower youth to make healthy lifestyle choices and to help reverse the growth of childhood obesity and its associated health issues.

In February of 2006, the Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. (AJLI) and its member Leagues launched an initiative called Junior Leagues' Kids in the Kitchen, designed to help communities address the urgent issues surrounding childhood obesity and poor nutrition. Junior Leagues conduct the programs in partnership with local community organizations where children are invited to join in demonstrations and lessons on how to select and prepare healthy, affordable meals and snacks. AJLI provides the guidelines and materials to support the success of these educational activities. AJLI also provides a website www.kidsinthekitchen.ajli.org which includes recipes, tips on nutrition and healthy lifestyles plus a "Kids Corner" which is supported by the Cartoon Network. The Cartoon Network provides support for program activities and Public Service Announcements to increase traffic to the website. AJLI estimates that 200 million people have been reached via this media coverage in the past two years.

The JLL has participated in two Kids in the Kitchen events: in 2006, JLL members organized events with the Hempfield School District and the Manheim Township School District; in 2007, the Provisional Class facilitated an event at the Boys and Girls Club in Lancaster.

Future DIAD Opportunities

Carter’s Corner

Project Development is looking for 10 DIAD volunteers to make 10 sets of crafts for Carter’s Corner. Carter's Corner was founded by one of our own, Mrs. Megan Brown. Carter's Corner is an interactive and child-oriented space at Womens and Babies Hospital that offers children waiting at the hospital during the laboring/delivery process the opportunity to create crafts for moms and new siblings. 

Ephrata Performing Arts Center 2009 Family Series needs volunteers!

Project Development offers a unique opportunity to volunteer with and learn about the Ephrata Performing Arts Center and its Family Series, The Miracle Worker, which will be presented throughout the month of February.

Junior Achievement of Central PA Young Women’s Futures Symposium – March 3, 2009

Project Development is again proud to offer League members the opportunity to volunteer with Junior Achievement’s annual Young Women’s Futures Symposium.  Volunteers are need as Symposium Facilitators (which requires a full day commitment plus 45 minutes of training in February) and Symposium Mentors (which requires a 2-hour commitment during the March 3 lunch hour plus 30 minutes of training in February).

Lancaster Science Fair

PD is pleased to provide volunteer opportunities for the Lancaster Science Fair on March 22 – 25, 2009. 

Past Projects

Wheatland Restoration • Rock Ford Restoration • Boy’s Club Projects • Art Goes to School Project

Radio Station for the Blind • Asset Builders • Children’s Room at Lancaster County Library

Demuth House Renovation • Community Opportunities Fund Establishment • Sunflower Project
Hands-on-House Museum Established • Stork’s Nest • Leadership Lancaster

Local Chapter of National Committee for the Prevention of Child Abuse • Children’s Literacy Project
Project LEAD (Leadership Education And Development) • Respite Care Project

New Directions Employment and Counseling Center Project • Deb’s House Crises Nursery
DUI Project (Alcohol Awareness) • TAPP (Teenage Pregnancy and Prevention Project)

Environmental Resource Library at Lancaster County Parks • Habitat for Humanity Women Build Home
Voter Assistance for People with Disabilities • Substance Abuse Babies Project • Adult Literacy Council Project Free Kindergarten in Lancaster City Voices Against Violence Youth Conference