Dear friends and supporters,
What an exciting year it has been so far at SACA! In just the past three months, we have seen steady progress and meaningful growth across all of our program areas—from housing and workforce development to substance use disorder services, nutrition, and public broadcasting. Every milestone reached and every life changed is a testament to the power of our community coming together with generosity and vision.
Thanks to your partnership, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of real impact. As we look ahead, we are energized by the opportunities before us: new initiatives, deeper collaborations, and expanded services that will allow us to touch even more lives in Lancaster and beyond.
We invite you to continue walking alongside us as we finish this year strong. Your ideas, involvement, and advocacy fuel our mission and remind us that together, we are building something truly transformational.
If you’d like to connect or start a conversation, please feel free to reach out to me directly at jrlopez@sacapa.org.
With gratitude and hope,
Jose R Lopez
CEO, SACA & SACA Development
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Every quarter, we share a highlight from each of SACA’s main program areas. We invite you to reach out should you ever wish to learn more about our programs and how you can help. |
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Revitalizing Lancaster, One Project at a Time
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SACA Development continues to transform Lancaster’s neighborhoods with projects that preserve affordable housing, expand homeownership, and bring vital services to our community. Significant progress has been made at the Apartments at General Cigar Place, a $1.2 million renovation supported by $850,000 in City ARPA funds and an additional $350,000 in SACA Development capital. The project is on track for completion by mid-November, ensuring quality, affordable rental housing for Lancaster families.
Beyond rental housing, SACA Development is helping more residents achieve the dream of homeownership. Recently, 110 Green Street was sold to a first-time homebuyer, and renovations were completed at 506 Beaver Street, now listed at $160,000 for a qualified first-time homeowner earning 50% of AMI. Construction is also beginning on a new single-family infill home at 470 Beaver Street, part of our ongoing commitment to expanding pathways to homeownership in the city.
Looking ahead, SACA Development is advancing the Sanavida project with a Final Land Development Plan now under review by the City. When completed in 2027, this ambitious mixed-use development will include a new Fulton Bank branch, a Union Community Care urgent care center and pharmacy, additional retail and office space, and 48 workforce rental housing units. These efforts underscore our mission: to restore, revitalize, and reinvest in Lancaster so that more families can live, work, and thrive right here in our community.
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Drug & Alcohol Counseling (SUD)
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Streamlining Client Care with Our New EMR System
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SACA’s Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Program has taken a major step forward in how we serve our clients by implementing KIPU, a new electronic medical record (EMR) system. Until recently, our team relied on paper charts, which made managing documentation and conducting audits both time-consuming and cumbersome.
With KIPU, launched in June 2025, we’re now able to streamline and organize documentation, conduct timely audits of client records, and ensure improved accuracy, efficiency, and compliance across the program. Most importantly, this transition allows our staff to dedicate more time and energy to client care instead of paperwork.
It’s worth noting that this upgrade was made possible without relying on any state, local, or private funding. By embracing innovation and investing in sustainable solutions, our program is better equipped to provide reliable, efficient, and compliant care for every individual who walks through our doors.
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Nourishing More Neighbors Than Ever Before
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This past year, SACA’s Community Meals program has seen a significant increase in the number of meals provided to our neighbors in need. From July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024, we served 29,543 meals. Just one year later, that number has grown to 33,321 meals—a powerful reminder of both the growing need in our community and the vital role SACA plays in meeting it.
As more families face food insecurity, our commitment to serving daily hot meals remains stronger than ever. But we cannot do this alone. Your continued generosity ensures that no neighbor goes hungry and that Community Meals can keep growing to meet the demand.
Mark your calendars: SACA and Community Meals will once again participate in Lancaster’s ExtraGive on November 21, 2025. This is a unique opportunity for every gift, no matter the size, to go even further. Together, we can continue to feed hope, one meal at a time.
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Public Broadcasting (WLCH Radio)
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WLCH Radio Centro Faces Funding Cuts
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WLCH Radio Centro, the bilingual public radio station operated by SACA, is facing a major challenge after losing nearly one-third of its annual budget due to recent cuts in federal broadcasting funds. The reduction represents about $140,000 from its $450,000 operating budget, creating serious concerns about the station’s ability to sustain its programs.
For nearly four decades, WLCH has been a vital source of news, education, cultural programming, and emergency information for the Lancaster and York communities. The station now faces the difficult task of adapting its operations while seeking new ways to maintain the trusted, community-centered broadcasting it has provided for generations.
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Workforce Development (Tec Centro)
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Tec Centro Lancaster Launches Renewable Energy Pilot
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This summer, Tec Centro Lancaster marked an important milestone by launching its first Renewable Energy training program, designed to prepare Pennsylvanians for the jobs of the future.
The pilot cohort of 10 students began classes on August 18, gaining hands-on training in solar installation, energy efficiency, and other emerging technologies. By introducing this program locally, Tec Centro is ensuring that Lancaster residents have direct access to industry-relevant skills that not only provide pathways to family-sustaining careers but also support the growing demand for a greener economy.
The Renewable Energy pilot reflects Tec Centro’s commitment to connecting workforce development with real-time market needs. Over the past three months, the program has already generated enthusiasm from students, employers, and community partners who see the potential for long-term impact.
As the program continues to grow, Tec Centro Lancaster is positioning itself as a leader in advancing both economic mobility and environmental sustainability, demonstrating how intentional workforce investments can create opportunity and resilience for entire communities.
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SACA is actively seeking community partnerships at all levels and for every program. We ask our supporters and stakeholders to keep an open eye and ear for opportunities to expand our impact through both financial and physical donations, sponsorships, and sharing of resources. All we need is an introduction! Have an idea or someone you’d like to introduce to SACA leadership? Please contact jrlopez@sacapa.org.
Or make an impact right now…
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