No Place Like Home for Manna on Main Street

Home Sweet Home.

cut the ribbon Thursday morning at the dedication of its new home at 713 W. Main Street in Lansdale.

It can now continue its mission on a larger scale in a much larger space.

The new location features a dry food storage area, a food pantry, dining room, commercial-grade kitchen with stainless steel appliances, conference room, director's office, client services office and food drop-off location. There is also a 50-foot-by-18-foot office area, a far upgrade from the previous 10-foot-by-10-foot office at its old location.

“Each of you has been invited today because you have made an investment in the mission of Manna, the future of Manna, which is symbolized by this space,” said Karen Kispert, interim executive director of Manna on Main Street.

Rev. Dr. Susan Bertolette, senior pastor at , gave a blessing for the new facility.

“What we are celebrating today has been a long time in the making. For those who had a vision and persevered, for those who volunteered countless hours and for those who generously shared their talents and resources, we give thanks,” Bertolette said. “What began as a small operation run by volunteers over 30 years ago has grown into a ministry that reaches hundreds of people in need and touches lives in a multitude of ways.”

Bertolette asked that we never lose sight of Manna’s core vision: that all might be fed.

“May this new setting for Manna and the services provided here be a blessing to our community,” she said. “For those in need, may this be a safe refuge.”

Lansdale Mayor Andy Szekely said it was a joy to be at the opening of the new Manna on Main Street.

“Today is truly a great day for Manna, but it’s even a better day for Lansdale,” he said. “Manna can now serve even more clients and help our community. From what I’ve seen from this relocation, it is a joy to be part of this community and the community has come together to make this all possible.”

Lansdale manager Timi Kirchner said it was pure delight to be in attendance on behalf of the borough.

“What we say in the borough is Lansdale is on the move. It’s worth the investment,” she said. “There are a lot of very exciting things going on within this borough.”

Kirchner touted the development of the streetscapes, the construction of Cannon Square Townhomes, the potential development of Madison parking lot and 311 W. Main Street becoming a destination for Lansdale.

“There is a tremendous commitment by council and the people of Lansdale to all those exciting things, but the true measure of a community is its commitment to its needy,” Kirchner said. “Manna is that partner with the borough that exhibits that commitment to the needy. It indicates to all of us that this is one heck of a terrific community to live in.”

Pam Kelly, president and CEO of PennSuburban Chamber of Commerce, called the facility “absolutely beautiful.”

Kelly said many people in the Chamber have been working together for more than 15 years with representatives in its organizations and committees.

She said the Chamber and the Lansdale Business Association will be holding a business card exchange at Manna on May 17.

“It’s an opportunity for businesses both local and throughout the area to learn more about Manna,” Kelly said.

She said the Chamber’s women’s network has designated Manna as recipient of its Winter Beach Blast proceeds. The check from those proceeds will be presented to Manna at the end of the month.

“The Chamber is thrilled to be a part of the Lansdale community,” she said. “We are looking forward to a mutually-beneficial relationship with Manna for years to come.”

Lansdale Business Association President Doug DiPasquale congratulated Manna staff and the board on behalf of the association and every business in town.

“While this is a nonprofit, we consider them our neighbor, our friends, our business associate,” he said. “We are so excited to have them here and to have this facility to use. You always have 150 percent of our support and you always will.”

Jeanne Adolina, chairwoman of the board of directors, was called  aperson of vision and energy and commitment by Kispert.

Andolina gave praise and honor to God for making the center possible.

“It’s a great privilege to have you here. There are so many familiar faces. We are happy that you are here today to share the opportunities,” Andolina said.

Andolina recounted her first visit to Manna. She said it was clear at the time that she could make a difference.

“We had moved here. We didn’t find that perfect job, so I said I will go to Manna and volunteer. Shortly after, I did join the organization. Who would have thought nine years later, here I stand?” she said.

Andolina said she understands the commitment of each representation of organizations and families and friends in attendance.

“I want you to understand we are so thankful that you support our mission of underprivileged folks,” she said. “As you know, it’s an organization you can’t say no to.”

The tribute, she said, is an appreciation of the board of directors for its support of the many, many years that Manna has been able to sustain its services throughout the past 30 years.

“Through your generosity and support, we are blessed. Truly, truly blessed,” Andolina said. “With one common goal, we are here. We supervise services to those in need with respect and dignity. The great work we have accomplished with your support is now evident.”

Steve Zenuh is the building committee chairman and executive member of the board of directors.

He said they had three goals with the new facility: be on time, be on budget and be quality.

“We got two out of three,” he joked.

Zenuh thanked the board and the building committee members who were behind the effort from January 2010: Don Albacker, Charlie Cole, Rich L'Ecuyer, Susan O’Neil, and Dale Weber.
He also acknowledged architect Connie Lezenby of Lezenby Architects in Lansdale and general contractor Chris Detweiler.

“I also want to thank Tom Allebach, who had a vision for this project and was a great driver and was engaged in the project,” Zenuh said. “One thing Tom said tous early on is, ‘This time this team is going to be successful in finding a home for Manna.’ A few times in the past, we started down a path for one reason or another and we could not find a new home.”

Zenuh said everybody knew Manna needed a new space.

“We wanted to make sure Manna was around to help the people of Lansdale and North Penn as long as they need it,” he said.

Everyone that comes through the new space, he said, is safe and secure.

“We did not have that at the old facility,” he said.

He said the new building came with three objectives: Move all Manna activities into one location, have everything on one floor and move food in one direction.

“We looked at eight to 10 sites and we did minor design work on five sites. For whatever reason, I guess this was meant to be,” Zenuh said. “The staff and volunteers can offer more and better services to the community.”

Zenuh was also awarded an engraved award for “Building Committee Chair Superstar” by Kispert and Andolina.

Also honored was Natalie Gurka, a professional cleaner who volunteered her time to clean the new facility prior to opening.

“She went above and beyond the call of duty,” said Kispert.

“It was really dirty,” joked Gurka.

Kispert also recognized the vendors that made the new building a success: DiPasquale; Lezenby; Detweiler; Kevin Corsi and his team at Renald M. Corsi & Associates; Bob Swartley and his team at Swartley Bros. Engineers, Inc; Joyce Doebler of Decorating Den Interiors; Lewis Goodman, partner with Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg and Gifford; Mary and Bill Schwalje of ; Rod Kratz of Good Inc; and Barry Strittmatter of GnP Engineering.

Manna secretary Stanley Jaskiewicz said progress toward the new facility began in January 2009 with the "One Community: Helping Manna Feed Those People" event, which promoted Allebach's book. 

"It gave us enough money to get the help we needed to raise additional funds," Jaskiewicz said. 

That led to the 30th Anniversary event at PineCrest in November 2011.

"That raised the cash to get us over here. We signed the lease and we can invest in the facility," he said. "Friends of Manna donated to cover the shortfall from contributions."

Jaskiewicz said Manna doesn't have the crux of the old building anymore.

"It is designed for what exactly we want to do," he said. "With the space, volunteers and support of the community, we're up to the challenge."

Manna is staffed by Kispert, Phyllis Alcaro, Valerie Cortes, Nancy Day, Kristyn DiDominick, Nadja Mummery, Anthony Tarzia and Antonia Tyris.

The Manna on Main Street Board of Directors is Andolina, chair; Kareem Afzal, Vice Chair; Gary Candia; Lance Davidson; DiPasquale; Mary Fuller; Megan Hausler, Treasurer; Stanley Jaskiewicz, Secretary; Ed Maxfield; Joe Miller; Susan O'Neil; Babita Zaveri; and Zenuh.