Adjusting to Move Forward: 2019-20 Annual Report

Jul 21, 2021 | News

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

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