Frequently Asked Questions

The Emerald Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2010. In September of 2017 the Emerald Foundation purchased a 30,000-square foot building in Lancaster, PA, now called The Emerald Community Campus (ECC) or the E. The Emerald Foundation has turned the building into a collaborative hub for non-profits and a community center. The Foundations vision is to engage the community and non-profit organizations in a way that will enrich and empower lives. Everyone is welcome at the E. With a focus on education, youth and healthcare, we strive to create a thriving community by providing (1) rental subsidies and collaborative programming opportunities for non-profits, (2) develop Emerald non-profit programming to fill unmet community needs, and (3) offer opportunities for diverse citizens to meet and learn from one another. Currently, the Emerald Foundation is home to five non-profit tenants, and has four of its own non-profit programs, including our “Access to Opportunities” After School program for at-risk youth, Autumns Food Pantry for food insecure families, Rise ‘N Shine programming training adults with disabilities, and our Educational E-Sports programming. We also hold many community educational events, and an emerging artist series.

• Our vision: Engage the community and non-profit organizations in a way that will enrich and empower lives. Everyone is welcome at The E.

• Our mission: With a focus on education, youth and healthcare, we strive to create a
thriving community by providing (1) rental subsidies and collaborative programming
opportunities for non-profits, (2) develop programming to fill unmet community needs,
and (3) offer opportunities for diverse citizens to meet and learn from one another.

The E is open to the public Monday – Friday from 9:00am – 5:00pm.

The food pantry is open every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm. However, during the November and December of 2019 we will be open the 2nd and 3rd Thursdays of the month in order to avoid holidays.

No, we are not able to deliver food.

Absolutely everyone is welcome. No questions asked. We are NOT zip-code restricted. You will only be asked to complete a required state form asking for your name, address, signature, date, and to circle the number in your family and associated income.

Currently, all of our students come from Brecht and Nitrauer Elementary Schools in Manheim Township and are selected by their principals to participate. Manheim Township provides busing from those two schools to the E. If your child attends either of those schools, please talk to your principal.