History
The Mix at Arbor Place was founded in the early 1980s by a local pastor, Marvin Weaver of Laurel Street Mennonite. The Mix formally opened its doors for the first time in 1985. In 1999, the mission and vision were changed to more effectively address the growing needs of our community’s youth. In April 2000, Arbor Place transitioned to “The Mix” at Arbor Place, representing the cultural diversity of the community. Now The Mix has become a drop-in center that provides a safe environment for youth in the community. Beginning in 2010, in order to continue effectivly meeting the needs of our youth and prevent thousands of dollars in repairs each year for our building, the old building was demolished and a new state-of-the-art facility built in its place.
Our Vision
To provide a state-of-the-art learning and recreational facility where hundreds of youth become connected with caring adult mentors. These mentors from community churches will guide youth into becoming mature Christians who will impact Southeast Lancaster as it continues to grow into a community of hope and moral influence.
Our Building Campaign
After more than 25 years of ministry, The Mix at Arbor Place has started a new chapter in its ministry to Southeast Lancaster City by opening a brand new state-of-the-art facility.
The old Arbor Place building, formerly the Siegel-Ansel Bag and Burlap Company, was demolished at the end of 2010, and the new building erected on the same property, officially opening in March 2012. Our Board of Directors selected Scenic Ridge Construction Company and Cornerstone Design/Architects to construct our new facility, designed to suit our needs and to alleviate paying thousands of dollars each year to repair the old building, which was literally falling down.
Our new facility on North Street is one of several revitalization projects that have recently taken place in the Southeast quadrant of the city. These projects will greatly enhance the neighborhood and will also increase demand on our facility and services. To name a few, the SACA (Spanish-American Civic Association) built 13 new housing units on our block of North and Locust Streets in 2011, and a new shopping center is being constructed on South Duke Street.
Our new building will enable us to provide expanded programs to an increasing number of youth. These programs will address their educational, recreational, spiritual, social, and nutritional needs, and will also create unlimited opportunities for partnerships and collaborations as we work together to make today’s youth tomorrow’s leaders.
How You Can Help
Volunteer your time and talent to deserving youth
Pray for the after school program and and the youth we will serve
Board of Directors
Kimberly Grunden / President
Vacant / Vice President
Kurtis Groff / Treasurer
Laura Lee / Secretary
Dave Green
Susan Hall
Katie Reiff
Kate Rowen
Hadia Shertzer
Sheena Simmons
Staff
Janice Thomas / Executive Director
Jeremy Raff / Director of Programs
Shannon Windle / Office Manager
Joe Mobley / Evening Coordinator
Dexter Gillis / Evening Coordinator
Tatia Wright / Kitchen Supervisor