Jan’s Circle of Friends was founded with the purpose of providing funding for children who have experienced parental loss or are survivors of domestic violence.
There is a great need to provide these children with counseling and a sense of understanding. Their families may not always have the resources or are not equipped to help these children grow into healthy adults – adults who have high self-esteem, adults who understand the importance of trust, who have respect for others and have hope for the future.
According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence, one-half to two-thirds of the residents in domestic violence shelters are children. It reports: “On one day in 2007, 13,485 children were living in domestic violence shelters or transitional housing (facilities). Another 5,526 sought services at non-residential programs” (National Network to End Domestic Violence, n.d.)
Children growing up with the loss of a parent suffer emotional pain on a daily basis. Many try to block out this pain by going into their own world; they do poorly in school and have difficulty developing relationships. Many have trouble attaching to someone else for fear of experiencing additional loss. Too many times these children are expected to pick up the pieces of their fractured lives and assimilate into a new and strange world without guidance on how to handle the many challenges they will face.
Jan’s Circle of Friends wants to provide hope for these children. We want to help them build themselves up again, look forward to a bright future and believe in themselves. We want to help them find ways to trust others and build a future that is rich in meaning and purpose. Children are the future of our community; help us invest in their happiness and success as they go through life.
On July 22nd, 2008, our beloved mother, sister and friend died at the cruel hand of domestic violence. Perhaps the greatest tragedy of her loss was that her four children were left without the guidance and love she always provided through her unwavering parental support. Shocked by her tragic passing, yet inspired by her dedication to her children and the community, Jan's Circle of Friends was created to provide assistance to victims of domestic violence and parental loss.
A 1981 graduate of Cocalico High School and 1985 graduate of Penn State University, Jan was employed as the Branch Manager of Fulton Bank, Reinholds until the birth of her second child in 1995. She was actively involved in various charitable and community organizations until the end of her life. Jan served faithfully as a Denver Fair Committee Member, East Cocalico Swim Team President and Treasurer of the Cocalico Creek Watershed. She loved gardening, animals, yoga and fitness, but nothing filled her heart with joy more than children.
Susie has led the development of Jan's Circle of Friends as a tribute to her beloved sister and the wonderful legacy Jan has left behind. Recently retired after teaching Family Consumer Sciences in the Cocalico School District for 35 years, she has many years of involvement in various community organizations and functions. Susie enjoys spending time with her two children Alex and Allison; nieces Rachel and Stella; nephews Sam and Noah and her two grandchildren. She is a graduate of Messiah College.
Laurie is employed by Fulton Bank as a Financial Center Supervisor at the Cocalico Branch. She has been involved in volunteering for various community organizations for many years, including serving as board member, treasurer, as well as church co- treasurer. Laurie is a graduate of Shippensburg University and resides in Reinholds with her husband. She enjoys spending time with her family, husband Jeff, son Nate, daughter in law Katelyn and granddaughter Brinley.
Joan is the Vice President at Zimmerman Ind., Inc. and has more than 30 years of experience in the areas of finance, human resources and marketing. As a lifelong resident of Lancaster County, she has been an active community volunteer for years, serving as church treasurer, president of the PTA and a member of the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce. Joan enjoys spending time with her husband Jerry, her children and grandchildren.
Alissa is currently employed at Conrad Weiser Area School District as the Director of Accountability and Innovation. She is a Clemson graduate (BS), and a Lebanon Valley College graduate (MBA), and earned two degrees from Drexel University; M.S.Ed., and Ed.D. Her professional background includes work in advertising, marketing, education, and school administration for over 25 years. She enjoys warm weather travel, playing tennis, and following Clemson athletics. Alissa resides in Denver with her husband Chad and son Jack.
Tia is employed by Clark Service Equipment located in Lancaster PA. Tia’s focus at Clark is providing support to the construction aspect of their business. Previously she had an extensive 25 year career in dentistry. She started her dental career as a dental assistant and ended in dental management. Tia enjoys spending time with her husband Shawn, her dog Walter, being outdoors, traveling the country and relaxing in the Caribbean.
Wendy is a Realtor for 30 years with Kingsway Realty in Ephrata. A lifelong resident of Cocalico she is dedicated to the local community. Serving as a volunteer soccer and field hockey coach, church youth group lead and business mentor over the years. She resides in Reinholds with her husband, they enjoy traveling, the outdoors and spending time with their adult children and grandchildren.
Jaime is a process excellence leader with 18 years of experience in the pharmaceutical sector and is currently employed by West Pharmaceutical Services. Her background includes business strategy and operations, process and system transformation, and supply chain management. She grew up in the Denver area and graduated from Shippensburg University. Jaime lives in Malvern, PA with her husband Rick, and daughter Juliet. Together they enjoy time with family and friends, the outdoors, and discovering live local music. They are active supporters of various local charitable organizations.