History

February 1968: First organizational meeting of Hanover Area Council of Churches at the Coffeehouse “The Pot” . The idea was for pastors and laypeople to work together to address community needs
1969: Clothing Bank opened
1970: Meals on Wheels started to be delivered by volunteers
1973: Stolte Scholarship Fund established
1976: Hanover Area Crop Walk stepped off
1983: Provide – A- Lunch started serving
1987: HACC became incorporated
1989: July 20th –Federal 501(C)3 granted
1995: Purchased 136 Carlisle St.
1996: Dedicated new Building to house Clothing Bank
1997: Mortgage Burning
2001: Cold Weather Shelter opened
2005: Signed intent to purchase 138 Carlisle St. as site of year round shelter
2007: June 21st Changing Lives Homeless Shelter opened ; approved Endowment Fund and the establishment of a new Executive Director, Carol Hinkle
2011: Partnership with Community Aid
2012: Clinic took steps forward
2013: Started Ruth’s Harvest at Hanover Street Elementary
2015: Added Bilingual Case Worker; Started Community Gardens; Added Hispanic American Center of Hanover to our ministries, Placed our Endowment fund with YCCF
2017: Opened 2nd account with YCCF
2018: Celebrated 50 years of service
2021: The establishment of a new Executive Director, Mirna Wildasin; The first paid Provide-A-Lunch Coordinator was instituted
2022: The first paid Meals-On-Wheels Coordinator was instituted
2023: The first paid Changing Lives Shelter Coordinator was instituted
2024: Began strategic planning to shift the mission and vision.

1997-1998: Rev. Bruce Bouchard, Grace United Church of Christ

1999-2000: Rev. Julian Hall, Trinity United Church of Christ

2001-2002: Rev. Leroy Doverspike, Lohr’s United Methodist

2003-2004: Rev. Julian Hall, Trinity United Church of Christ

2004-2008: Rev. Klaus Molzahn, Christ (Roth’s) Lutheran Church

2009: Rev. Doug Smith, All Saints Episcopal Church

2010-2011: Rev. David Miller, Black Rock Church of the Brethren

2012-2013: Rev. Nancy Werner, Utz Terrace Retirement Village

2013: Rev. Rick Smith**, Grace United Methodist

2014-2016: Rev. Nancy Werner, Utz Terrace Retirement Village

2017-2018: Rev. Kate Schroeder, St. Matthew Lutheran Church

2019-2021: Rev. Nancy Werner, Utz Terrace Retirement Village

2021-2024: Rev. Bonnie Whitaker

2024-Present: Pastor Paula Murray

Our logo represents the eight-pointed star symbolizing the eight beatitudes. The Beatitudes are often considered a profound guide for Christians, emphasizing humility, compassion, righteousness, and a deep spiritual connection with God.

The eight beatitudes:

1. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
2. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
3. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
4. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
5. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
6. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
7. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God.
8. Blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.