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Neighborhood Engagement Launches 2020 Programs and Initiatives

February 14, 2020 | Department of Neighborhood Engagement Mayor's Office

This Valentine’s Day, the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Engagement is showing that its love for the neighborhoods of Lancaster city is growing through the launch of its 2020 programs and initiatives.

“Building community is an important aspect of the quality of our neighborhoods. ‘Loving your Neighbor’ can mean so many things and we encourage everyone to take the extra step towards being a good neighbor this Valentine’s Day by getting involved with one of our programs,” said Milzy Carrasco, Director of Neighborhood Engagement. 

Love Your Block Mini Grant Applications

Residents throughout the City of Lancaster, as well as related neighborhood organizations and their volunteer partners, are invited to apply for mini grants through the Love Your Block program. Love Your Block is a community engagement program that supports and incubates resident-led improvement projects and makes it easier for residents to connect with City leaders and resources. The mini grants, ranging from $500 to $2000, are offered for projects that focus on reducing litter, addressing simple facade repairs, and small streetscape improvements, with an emphasis on beautification. The application is available online at  www.cityoflancasterpa.com/love-your-block or at City Hall, 120 N. Duke St. Applications due March 20.

Neighborhood Leaders Academy

This returning program is intended to recognize and cultivate motivated neighborhood leaders.  The six-week training is open to Lancaster City residents who have demonstrated a commitment to making a positive impact on their neighborhood through engagement, service, and advocacy. Applications are available online at www.cityoflancasterpa.com/neighborhood-leaders-academy or at City Hall, 120 N Duke St. Applications are due no later than March 27.

Mayor’s Block Party

Residents that have good relationships with other households in their neighborhood are more likely to engage in neighborhood improvement activities. Block parties facilitate the creation of those relationships. For the third year, Mayor Sorace will provide a select block with permits, food, drink, and entertainment for a summer block party. Residents can apply to be considered for the Mayor’s Block Party online at www.cityoflancasterpa.com/mayors-block-party. Submissions are due May 1, and applicants are required to submit a short video, photos, a song, a poem, or other creative documentation of the block.

Lunch with the Mayor

The Mayor’s Office is seeking restaurants interested in hosting informal, public meet and greet lunches with Mayor Sorace on weekdays throughout the year. These will be open to the public, with guests purchasing their own food and beverages. Restaurants interested in hosting can request to be considered at www.cityoflancasterpa.com/lunch-with-the-mayor.

Dinner with the Mayor

To give residents an opportunity for Mayor Sorace to meet them where they live, the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Engagement is seeking residents who would like to host her for dinner throughout the year.  Those chosen will host in their home or office and invite their own neighbors. Food and beverage will be provided by a sponsor. Residents interested in hosting can request to be considered at www.cityoflancasterpa.com/dinner-with-the-mayor.

Women of Color Brunch

Back for a second year is the Women of Color Brunch! The event will take place on Saturday, March 7 at 10 a.m. at Bright Side Opportunities Center, 515 Hershey Ave. Tickets are free but limited and must be reserved at www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-women-of-color-brunch-city-of-lancaster-tickets-94713850677. The Second Annual Women of Color Brunch is made possible by GIANT Food Stores, Brent L. Miller Jewelers, the Lancaster County Community Foundation, Capital Blue Cross, WGAL, Maher Duessel, Barley Snyder, the Lancaster YWCA and Bright Side Opportunities Center.