Still Crazy

As Manna begins celebrating the arrival of our 30th anniversary (more details on our web site) we look back to consider our beginning. We think about our founding and consider that at the time, creating a soup kitchen in Lansdale may have seemed like a crazy idea. Soup kitchens were considered a relic, a stigma from the depression era, something relegated to large cities. Getting started was not easy. There was resistance from some myopic community members, but the thoughtful leaders of Manna persevered.

Over the years Manna earned a solid reputation for humility and service, and because of a generous community was able to grow and meet other emerging needs; needs like emergency funding for shelter, utilities and medical costs. Outreach and community involvement was broadened, including all ages, faiths and points of view.

As we look to our future, we envision the expansion of our outreach to a larger geographic area, and becoming more involved in gaining access to food for people in need. There are those that may consider us crazy in trying to do more, but we see the needs continuing to grow and believe we can help alleviate some of the suffering around us.

We are hopeful that you will continue with us on this crazy journey of service, and dreaming with us of the possibilities for the next 30 years…