Our Mission

Anchor Lancaster is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and hardship in Lancaster City. We provide essential services that empower our guests to regain stability and independence.

People serving food at a buffet line in a community kitchen, wearing hairnets and gloves, with trays of food and bowls on the counter.
A man leaning over a bed, talking to a guest lying in it.
Two people sitting across from each other at a table, engaged in a conversation, indoors with other tables and people in the background.
People sitting at a table in a community center, engaging in a conversation, with some people standing in the background.
A man kneeling to the left and resting his hand on a man's shoulder, who is seated in a folding chair. They are inside a large industrial space with brick walls, large windows, and various supplies and equipment in the background.

Our Programs

We offer a range of programs and resources to meet the immediate and long-term needs of our guests:

  • Breakfast: Delicious, warm breakfast each weekday (even on holidays).

  • Day Center: Safe and welcoming spaces for individuals in need.

  • Case Management: Personalized support to help individuals regain stability.

  • Showers: Access to clean, private shower facilities to promote personal hygiene and dignity.

  • Laundry Services: Free access to laundry facilities to help individuals maintain cleanliness and confidence.

  • Community Resources: Connections to employment, housing, medical, and other vital services.

Our Approach

We are guided by our core values of compassion, dignity, and respect for every person who walks through our doors. We focus on creating a welcoming and safe environment where individuals can:

  • Overcome barriers to receive the support they need.

  • Work toward independence and self-sufficiency.

  • Find hope and healing through personalized care.

Our Low-Barrier Perspective

Anchor Lancaster is committed to being a low-barrier community program. This means we:

  • Remove obstacles to access services — there’s no application process or interview procedure.

  • Welcome all, regardless of background, current situation, or past experiences.

  • Treat everyone with dignity and respect, meeting them where they are.

Our Foundation

We are rooted in the love of Jesus, which inspires our actions and guides our work. We believe in treating everyone with the kindness and understanding they deserve, as we work together to build a more compassionate community.

Meet Our Team

  • A smiling woman with long gray hair, wearing a navy blue turtleneck and framed blue glasses.

    Patty Eastep

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Since joining Anchor Lancaster in 2017, Patty has been the driving force behind our programs, wearing many hats every day. From offering a listening ear to guests and guiding volunteer groups, to forging community partnerships, securing funding, and jumping in to help with laundry or kitchen tasks—no two days are the same for Patty, and her dedication is at the heart of everything we do.

    Email: Patty@anchorlancaster.org

  • A man with light skin, short brown hair, and a beard, smiling, wearing a gray zip-up sweater, against a plain gray background.

    Connor Doyle

    DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES

    Connor is a dedicated resource for our guests, walking alongside them as they navigate the often-overwhelming path to stability. Whether it’s securing housing, accessing medical care, finding transportation, or searching for employment, Connor provides hands-on, personalized support to help each individual overcome barriers and build a brighter future.

    Email: Connor@anchorlancaster.org

  • A middle-aged man with blond hair and a goatee, wearing a black pinstripe shirt, smiling at the camera against a plain gray background.

    Stan Shenk

    KITCHEN MANAGER

    Stan brings a wealth of food management experience to Anchor Lancaster, turning every meal into an opportunity for dignity and care. From expertly planning menus and managing inventory to ensuring Safe Serve standards and leading kitchen teams, Stan’s passion for serving others is evident in every nutritious, flavorful meal he creates for our guests.

    Email: Stan@anchorlancaster.org

  • A smiling woman with long blonde hair wearing a black top against a gray background.

    Kelly Gibbel

    OFFICE ASSISTANT

     Kelly is the heartbeat behind Anchor Lancaster’s daily operations, seamlessly coordinating volunteers, organizing community events, and providing crucial support to staff as they tackle the unexpected challenges each day brings. Her energy and flexibility ensure that everything runs smoothly, making her an essential part of our team’s success.

    Email: Kelly@anchorlancaster.org

  • A smiling woman with curly blonde hair wearing a black top and green cardigan against a gray background.

    Aftan Hoffer

    DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

    Aftan joins us as our Director of Communications, where she combines her heart for people and passion for words. She’s the voice behind our social media, weekly emails, quarterly newsletters, and so much more. Aftan is thrilled to share the unique stories of the individuals we serve and our amazing volunteers.

    Email: Aftan@anchorlancaster.org

  • A man with gray curly hair and a beard, wearing glasses, a light blue collared shirt, and a dark vest, smiling at the camera against a plain gray background.

    Bruce Etter

    CASE WORKER

    Bruce is committed to making a difference in the lives of those we serve. He works one-on-one with our guests, connecting them to housing, job opportunities, and social services. With kindness and dedication, he offers guidance, support, and a path forward. His compassion and expertise help bring hope to those facing challenges in our community.

    Email: Bruce@anchorlancaster.org

Meet Our Board

  • Portrait of a middle-aged man with a shaved head, wearing a light blue shirt, smiling outdoors with a blurred background of water and greenery.

    Jerry Murray

    Board Chair

  • A man with gray hair wearing a green vest, white clerical collar, and a headset microphone, smiling indoors with a stained glass window in the background.

    Joe Dipaolo

  • Professional headshot of a woman with long red hair, wearing a dark blazer and smiling.

    Laura Dipaolo

  • Close-up of a smiling woman with short gray hair, wearing a black and white striped top, against a plain light background.

    Jolyn Gibbel

    Board Co-Chair

  • A woman with long blonde hair smiling at the camera, wearing a pink top and a stethoscope around her neck.

    Loura Keepers

  • Close-up of a woman with short blonde hair, glasses, and a light-colored top, smiling in front of a plain gray background.

    Fran Keller

    Secretary

  • A man with glasses, wearing a checkered shirt and a red bow tie, standing in front of a dark wooden background.

    Ken Kmieczak

    Treasurer

  • Professional woman with curly brown hair smiling, wearing a black blazer and blue blouse, against a gray background.

    Audrey Landis

  • A smiling woman with glasses and shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white top, standing against a plain gray background.

    Sue Grimm Mattox

  • Portrait of a smiling woman with short, light brown hair and glasses, wearing a green patterned top against a neutral background.

    Laura Medvic

  • A portrait of an elderly woman with short curly hair, glasses, and a blue top, smiling at the camera.

    Kathy Seaber

Meet Our Volunteers

Quite simply, we could not do what we do without the hundreds of volunteers who support the mission of Anchor Lancaster each year. We are grateful for their steady commitment and unwavering support of everything we do for our community. Our volunteers are at the heart of what we accomplish together. If you’re interested in joining this incredible team, email Kelly at Kelly@anchorlancaster.org.

An older man cooking scrambled eggs in a commercial kitchen.
Two people preparing food in a kitchen, with one person wearing a hairnet, apron, and gloves, and the other wearing a hat and gloves, lifting a tray of food.
An older man wearing a white cap, red t-shirt, and gloves washing dishes in a commercial kitchen.
A man in a red T-shirt and white cap serving peach and red fruit pudding at a community food event, with people in line in the background.
An elderly man wearing glasses, a beige cap, a striped blue and white shirt, a black apron, and gloves is standing in a commercial kitchen next to a stove with several frying pans and a teapot on burners, preparing food.
Two women, wearing maroon shirts with an anchor logo and the words "ANCHOR Lancaster," stand behind trays of individual fruit desserts, smiling for the photo.

Racial Equity Statement

Anchor Lancaster is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all guests, volunteers, employees, board members, subcontractors, and vendors. Anchor Lancaster welcomes and provides services to all persons. In the provision of services, it does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, disability, marital status, military status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression.

In accordance with the Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture civil rights regulation and policies, the USDA, it Agencies, office and employees, and institution participation in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discrimination based on race, color, nation origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by the USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, ASL, etc.) should contact Agency (State or Local) where they applied for benefits.  Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.  Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form. (AD-3027) found online at http;//www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html. and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form.  To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866)632-9992.  Submit your completed form or letter to the USDA by:

1. Mail:
US Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington D.C. 20250-9410

2. Fax: (202) 690-7442

3. Email: program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.