History of Manheim Community Life Group
Manheim Community Life Group (MCLG) originated from the local Mennonite churches in Manehim, but it quickly outgrew its initial boundaries to include multiple congregations in the surrounding area. MCLG began to seek ways for the committed Christian to connect to the needs in the Manheim community. With relationships being the central focus, the group explored various ways for believers to be the hands and feet of Christ to meet physical, practical needs. Several needs were met in the community through the provision of rent assistance, food, clothing, and transportation.
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MCLG was established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 2020. As the Board pressed further into God’s calling for the ministry, housing was a need that continued to surface. God graciously provided a property to MCLG that allowed the ministry to pursue providing transitional housing for women and children facing homelessness. The building was transformed through many hours of labor into a beautiful home to serve that specific demographic and was named Home on Ferdinand.
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Home on Ferdinand opened in November 2021. Since that time, women and children have been blessed to call it their home. The women receive individualized case management and coaching to help them work toward their goals, reach stability, and become more self-sustaining. The need for this type of housing has been overwhelming, and MCLG continues to explore how the organization can meet more needs in the community by providing housing and other resources.
Meet the Staff
Nicole Milburn
House Director
Nicole comes to us with many years of experience working in the Human Services field working with the homeless population and at-risk youth. She is our first hired staff and has been with us since November 2021 when Home on Ferdinand was opened. Nicole has a passion for helping those in need and enjoys deep meaningful conversations along with lighthearted chats with all of ladies who enter Home on Ferdinand. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephews along with volunteering with several nonprofit agencies. She attends the Ephrata campus of Victory Church and serves on the hospitality team.
-Nicole’s life verse: Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; but in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Kaitlyn Hill
House Coordinator
Kaitlyn has always had a passion for serving others. She served in missions for one year in Central America working with a local church to reach and serve the community. Since returning from Central America, she has made it a priority to help others. Kaitlyn started her journey with Home on Ferdinand before the home was open by volunteering her time as the home was being renovated. She was our first live-in staff member. She has a desire to continue learning about social services and the ways she can help the community. Kaitlyn enjoys working with others and creating a safe place where people feel that they can come as they are. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, discovering new styles of music, playing guitar, and spending time with family and friends. She attends Erb Mennonite Church where she currently serves on the worship team. She also previously served as a youth advisor.
-Kaitlyn’s life verse: 2 Thessalonians 3:3 – But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.
-For more information about donations and volunteering, email Kaitlyn at khill.mclg@gmail.com
Alicia Sprenkle
Residential Coordinator
Alicia is our Residential Coordinator. She was introduced to Home on Ferdinand during her senior year at Lancaster Bible College as a social work intern. She fell in love with the mission and vision and was in awe of how God moved throughout the Home. Compassion is what drives her to come alongside people, and believes that each individual has an infinite worth and intrinsic value as they were made in the image of God. Because of this, each person should be treated with love and kindness. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, trying new food, and volunteering. She attends Alliance Church in Elizabethtown.
-Alicia’s life verse: Romans 12:9-13- Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
-For housing inquiries, email Alicia at asprenkle.mclg@gmail.com
Melissa Rumpf
House Manager
Melissa is our House Manager. She became a member of our team in February 2023. With a deep-rooted passion for serving those experiencing homelessness, joining Home on Ferdinand has been a fulfilling aspiration for her. Having overcome her own share of hardships in the past, Melissa brings a unique and empathetic perspective to our program. In her free time, she enjoys activities such as beach outings, boating, traveling, and hiking. Melissa is an active member of Lifeway Church in Lebanon, where she finds spiritual inspiration and community.
-Melissa’s life verse: 1 Corinthians 13:3 NIV “Three things will last forever faith, hope, and love and the greatest of these is love.”