A New Chapter, Rooted in a Shared Story
When an organization has served its community for nearly three decades, stepping into a new leadership role isn’t just about what comes next — it’s about honoring what has come before.
As I begin serving as Executive Director of New Hope Community Life Ministry, I’m mindful of the story that’s already unfolding here. Since 1998, New Hope has stood as a place where neighbors find help and hope through professional counseling, community connection, and compassionate care. From the quiet, steady work of our Counseling Center to the everyday generosity that flows through our Community Closet thrift store, this ministry has always been about coming alongside people in real, tangible ways.
I didn’t arrive at New Hope to write a brand-new story. I’m here to help steward the one that’s already in motion — to listen, to learn, and to lead in a way that strengthens what makes New Hope so trusted and so loved.
That means:
Honoring the relationships and foundations built by those who have served before me — including former Executive Directors Ken Zieber, Frank Heron, Ginger Holler, Neil Uniacke, and Deb Riddell — each of whom helped shape New Hope’s story in meaningful ways, alongside many faithful staff, board members, volunteers, churches, prayer supporters, and generous donors.
Supporting our dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and board members who show up every day to make hope visible.
And looking ahead to what’s next: continuing to grow our capacity to serve, strengthen partnerships, and ensure New Hope remains a place where all are welcomed, supported, and valued.
This is an organization shaped by both restoration and development: helping people heal from what has been lost, and helping others build what they’ve never had before. That dual mission speaks to me both personally and professionally.
In many ways, stepping into this role reminds me of one of our community’s landmarks: Jackson’s Sawmill Covered Bridge. That bridge has carried travelers across the same stretch of creek for generations — steady, reliable, rooted in history. But its story hasn’t been without change.
At one point, the bridge was washed away by flooding. Yet rather than abandoning it, the community restored it to its original setting — raising it higher so future floods couldn’t sweep it away again. Like any lasting structure, it’s needed ongoing maintenance and care over the years to remain strong and usable.
New Hope’s story feels much the same. Over nearly three decades, this ministry has needed to evolve in order to remain a constant, supportive presence in Quarryville and the surrounding Solanco area. Like the bridge, we’re committed to remaining—serving as a pathway to healing and hope, evolving with our community as we help address needs over time with long-term solutions.
Ultimately, our vision is to promote well-being by transforming the mental health of our community — not just for today, but for the generations to come.
Over the coming months, I look forward to meeting more of you — whether through a conversation at the store, a counseling center visit, a community event, or simply connecting through this blog and social media.
Thank you for welcoming me into this story. I’m honored to serve and excited to walk forward with you.
Stay Connected
If you’d like to follow along with New Hope’s work, I invite you to connect with us on social media or subscribe to our email newsletter, The Common Thread. I’ll be sharing regular updates as we continue this journey together.
By Sheila Derr, Executive Director, New Hope Community Life Ministry