A cross-sector collaboration of organizations, businesses, and community members in Lancaster County participated in the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia’s second annual Reinventing Our Communities cohort program. This program used a lens of racial justice to focus on equitable business recovery, and to support business owners disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and those that have been historically and systematically oppressed. In July 2022, the cohort finalized a multi-year plan for Lancaster County. Currently, the ROC cohort is working on implementation.
The ROC cohort launched the ROC Loan, hired a Community Engagement Coordinator, hosted the president of the Federal Bank of Philadelphia, and launched the ROC Giving Circle. The next steps for the Lancaster ROC Cohort are filled with promise and impact. Read on to learn more about these ongoing initiatives.
Throughout their learning journey, the ROC cohort engaged more than four dozen BIPOC-small business owners, and with their help, identified three strategic priorities:
The strategic plan includes clear goals and actionable steps to implement solutions within a three to five-year timeline.
Ongoing Programs and Initiatives
Lancaster County was represented in the Reinventing Our communities Cohort by twelve cross-sector organizations and businesses: ASSETS, Communication Essentials LLC, Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County, Lancaster City Alliance, Lancaster City Council, Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce, Lancaster County Community Foundation, PhotOle Photography, The Cultured Professional Network, United Way of Lancaster County, Waller Tax & Financial Services, and YWCA of Lancaster.
After the program ended, the cohort rebranded into the Reimagining Our Community (ROC) Cohort to continue the work locally. Current members include Amer AlFayadh (Communication Essentials LLC), Danielle Beattie (KW Elite), Denzel Brown, (ASSETS), Alissa Calhoun (Department of Neighborhood Engagement (LOOP), City of Lancaster), Chelsea Christmas (ASSETS), Javar Colon (Lancaster Chamber), Alma Felix (Lancaster County Community Foundation), Casey Flores (Spider Image Promotions), Ariana Garcia (KWElite), Ole Hongvanthong (PhotOle Photography), Adam Hosey (Cultural Bridges to Justice), Whitney Lupton (TCP Network), Ashleen Nice Weaver (Truist), Alex Otthofer (Lancaster City Alliance), and Travis Kirkland (Truist).
Previous small business members include: Hattie McCarter (Mend Consulting), Kelvin Harris (Coldwell Banker Realty)
The work of the cohort is also strengthened by the ongoing participation of dozens of local small business owners who attend the ROC community conversations and those who are part of the advising team.
Be a part of this initiative
Learn More About The Team's Progress
Throughout the process we will publish news where we will share insights on what we learn throughout the program, and update on any strategies we develop. Read the latest news items:
The ROC cohort launched the ROC Loan, hired a Community Engagement Coordinator, hosted the president of the Federal Bank of Philadelphia, and launched the ROC Giving Circle. The next steps for the Lancaster ROC Cohort are filled with promise and impact. Read on to learn more about these ongoing initiatives.
Find out how the Lancaster ROC Cohort is building a strategy with BIPOC business owners for equitable small business recovery.
We once again want to invite BIPOC small business owners to a community conversation where the ROC cohort will be presenting a draft strategic plan. We hope to hear small business owners feedback on the multi-year plan given their current needs and future aspirations for our community.
