As we reflect on the last 18 months, we want to thank each of you for helping Advoz arrive in 2021 in a stronger position than we were before COVID-19 first hit.
Looking back to last year, right before the pandemic, we had experienced an organizational change with a new Executive Director and, on top of that, had moved from our old office to a new location in the Griest Building, overlooking Lancaster Square. Two of these challenges would have been enough for most organizations but to experience them during a pandemic made it even more challenging.
Looking back, we are thrilled to be able to highlight some of our achievements:
- We achieved an internal goal of significantly increasing our Board makeup with diverse members (and you can “meet” them at the end of this publication).
- We were able to significantly increase our training revenue, both for our volunteers for our mission, and for organizations needing specific help.
- Conduct a number of successful mediations, victim-offender conferenced, trainings, and circle group discussions via Zoom. This was a revelation as our work is predicated on face-to-face experiences.
- Improved partnerships with police and community groups for trainings, mediation, and conversations.
It is our hope that your support of our organization will continue to expand the mission and vision of Advoz, as we seek to transform conflict into conversation.
Advoz Board of Directions; as of June 2021
James Landis, President, Management Consultant
Lucille Connors, Vice President, CEO at Significa Benefit Services
John Huber, Secretary, Retired Attorney at Gibbel, Kraybill & Hess
John Bomberger, Treasurer, Retired CEO, Choice Books
Shuan Balani, Vistage Chair
Rob Bomberger, President at Benjamin Roberts, LTD.
Jennifer Creel, Operations Director, Leadership Lancaster
Jesus Cruz
Dr. Ling Dinse, Assistant Professor, Counseling and Social Work, Lancaster Bible College
John Eby, Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Messiah College
Peter Faben, Attorney, Barley Synder
Marjorie Carkhuff Mattey, Retired Health Care Consultant
Ken Nissley, Retired Case Manager, IT Professional
Judge Jodie Richardson, Magisterial District Judge
Barbara Spiegelberg, Retired Real Estate Professional
Warren Taylor, Director of Development, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
Staff; as of June 2021
Chris Wenden, Executive Director
Chris Fitz, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Training
Krista Rittenhouse, Director of Restorative Justice
Ra’Nyah Oden, Case Manager, Mediation
Addrienne Whitfield, Office Manager
