Dear friends and supporters,
As we move into the summer months, I am grateful for the remarkable momentum taking place across SACA and throughout the Lancaster community we proudly serve. Every day, I have the privilege of witnessing the impact that is possible when dedicated staff, committed partners, generous supporters, and engaged community members come together around a shared mission.
The first half of 2026 has already brought meaningful progress across our organization. From expanding workforce development opportunities through Tec Centro to advancing affordable housing initiatives, strengthening community meals and senior services, and growing the reach of our public broadcasting efforts, SACA continues to create opportunities that help individuals, families, and neighborhoods thrive.
The updates throughout this newsletter reflect the collective effort of so many people who believe in building stronger communities and improving lives. Whether through education and job training, housing, nutrition programs, or community engagement, we remain committed to creating pathways to opportunity and addressing the evolving needs of our region.
As you explore these stories and milestones, I hope you feel the same sense of optimism and possibility that inspires our team every day. Thank you for your continued partnership, trust, and belief in the work we do together. Your support makes this progress possible.
Together, we are building stronger communities and bettering lives across Lancaster County.
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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Building Momentum Through Affordable Housing
SACA Development Corporation continues to make meaningful progress in expanding access to quality, affordable housing throughout the community. Most recently, the organization successfully sold 506 Beaver Street and settled on the property on June 16. At the same time, work continues on several additional projects, including renovations at 309 Pershing Avenue and 305 Coral Street, as well as new construction at 470 Beaver Street.
These investments reflect SACA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening neighborhoods and creating safe, affordable housing opportunities for local families. To celebrate another major milestone, SACA will host an Open House on July 23 to mark the completion of renovations at The Apartments at General Cigar Place, showcasing the transformation of the property and the impact these developments are having on the community. |
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Community Meals & Senior Center
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Senior Center Hosts Landmark Alzheimer’s Awareness Event
SACA was proud to partner with the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter this quarter to host the first in-person Lancaster screening of Memories of My Grandfather (Recuerdos de mi abuelo), a bilingual mini telenovela designed to help Hispanic and Latino families navigate conversations about memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, and caregiving.
Held at the Luis Muñoz Marín Senior Center, the event brought together community members for a powerful and culturally relevant discussion about brain health, raising awareness of an issue that disproportionately affects Hispanic and Latino populations. Following the screening, attendees participated in a bilingual panel discussion focused on dementia risk, prevention, and the importance of early diagnosis.
The event reflects SACA’s ongoing commitment to addressing health disparities and ensuring families have access to trusted information, resources, and support. Through partnerships like this, we continue to create opportunities for meaningful community conversations that strengthen health outcomes and improve quality of life for older adults and their caregivers. As our senior programming continues to grow, SACA remains dedicated to providing services and educational experiences that empower individuals, support families, and help our community age with dignity and connection.
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Public Broadcasting (WLCH Radio)
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SACA Fiesta 2026: A Celebration of Culture, Community, and the Spirit of the ’80s
SACA Fiesta 2026 brought the excitement and energy of the 1980s to life while celebrating the rich history, resilience, and contributions of the Latino community.
This year’s theme, “The ’80s,” paid tribute to a transformative decade in American history. It was a time of growing opportunity, visibility, and influence for Latinos across the United States, with remarkable achievements in education, business, public service, the arts, and entrepreneurship helping shape communities and strengthen the fabric of our nation.
Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed an unforgettable celebration filled with iconic music, colorful fashion, delicious food, and the unmistakable nostalgia that made the decade so memorable. More than just a themed event, Fiesta honored the traditions, talent, and cultural pride that continue to enrich our communities today.
Most importantly, SACA Fiesta reminded us of the power of coming together. Friends, families, community leaders, and supporters gathered to celebrate our shared heritage, recognize the progress that has been made, and look ahead with optimism for the generations to come.
It was an evening filled with laughter, dancing, connection, and pride, and one that beautifully reflected SACA’s ongoing commitment to building stronger communities through culture, education, and opportunity.
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Workforce Development (Tec Centro)
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Preparing the Next Generation of Hospitality Professionals
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On April 15, Tec Centro Lancaster welcomed the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association (PRLA) and a diverse group of community partners for a Workforce Development Roundtable focused on strengthening pathways to employment within the hospitality and culinary industries. Representatives from the Lancaster County Workforce Development Board, Lancaster Chamber, Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, local employers, and workforce development organizations gathered alongside Tec Centro staff and students to discuss current workforce challenges, emerging opportunities, and the collaborative solutions needed to build a stronger talent pipeline for our region.
The event also provided an opportunity to showcase the impact of Tec Centro’s Culinary Arts Program firsthand. Students prepared and presented an impressive culinary spread while sharing their personal journeys, career aspirations, and training experiences with employers and community leaders. Their professionalism, talent, and enthusiasm served as a powerful reminder of what is possible when workforce development, education, and industry partners come together around a shared goal: creating meaningful opportunities that change lives, strengthen businesses, and support the long-term growth of our community.
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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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