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Message REPORTimpact2024-2025
INTRODUCTIONAt the Lancaster Law Foundation, we believe that justice shouldnever depend on someone’s income, background, or zip code. Ourmission is rooted in the simple but powerful idea that equalaccess to justice is a cornerstone of a healthy, thrivingcommunity.Through this year’s Annual Report, you’ll see how your support iscreating meaningful, measurable change in Lancaster County.Whether it’s expanding access to legal services, supportingvulnerable children and families, or investing in programs thateducate and empower, your generosity fuels every step forward. Eachinitiative featured here reflects our shared commitment to building amore just, inclusive community - one where everyone has theopportunity to be heard and protected.The challenges facing our community are complex, but thanks to thegenerosity of our donors, the dedication of our partners, and thecommitment of our volunteers, the Lancaster Law Foundation isrising to meet them. We invite you to explore the stories, data, andoutcomes in this report as a reflection of what we can accomplish -together.Thank you for standing with us in the pursuit of justice for all.We promote equal access to justice for all in Lancaster County byfunding public interest law projects, delivering pro bono service, andeducating the public on civic and legal issues.OUR MISSIONThe Lancaster Law Foundation’s purpose is to improve the lives ofLancaster County residents by promoting equal access to justicethrough philanthropy, education, and service.OUR PURPOSE
A History Rooted in Service, A Mission Focused on AccessThe Lancaster Law Foundation wascreated to serve the communitythrough programs that promote equalaccess to justice, support legaleducation, and build a stronger, fairerLancaster County. While the Foundationwas formally established in 2002, itsroots stretch back nearly 300 years tothe founding of Lancaster County andthe formation of its legal system.From the First Court to a Community-Focused MissionIn 1729, Lancaster County wasestablished and held its first courtsession in a tavern in ConestogaTownship. That first session marked thebeginning of an organized legal systemin our region. Over the next twocenturies, Lancaster's legal professionalslaid the foundation for a tradition ofservice, forming the Lancaster LawAssociation in 1840 and the LancasterLaw Library Association in 1856. In 1881,the modern Lancaster Bar Associationwas born through the adoption of a newconstitution.The legal community in Lancasterhas always been home to leaderswho made a difference beyond thecourtroom. George Ross, a signer ofthe Declaration of Independence,was admitted to the Lancaster Barin 1750. Thaddeus Stevens, a fierceabolitionist and advocate foreducation and justice, served aspresident of the Lancaster LawLibrary Association. JamesBuchanan, the 15th President of theUnited States, and General DanielStrickler, a former LieutenantGovernor of Pennsylvania, also hadties to the Lancaster Bar.The Formation of the LancasterLaw FoundationIn 2002, the Lancaster LawFoundation was created to serve asthe charitable arm of the LancasterBar Association. Its goal is to takethe legacy of civic leadership andturn it into real, measurable impact.The Foundation supports programsand organizations that expandaccess to legal services, educate thepublic about the law, and providemeaningful support for peoplenavigating the justice system.Through grantmaking, courthouseComfort Rooms, youth educationprograms, and legal careerexploration, the Foundationensures that justice is not limited byincome, circumstance, orbackground. Our mission is to meetpeople where they are and opendoors to opportunity, safety, andempowerment through legalaccess.OUR STORY
Donations75.7%Special Events15%Investment Income9.3%Grants to Community53.8%Admin/Accounting35.7%Special Events10.5%FINANCESINCOMEIn 2024, more than 75% of theLancaster Law Foundation’sincome came from generousdonors, grantmakers, andcommunity campaigns like theExtraordinary Give. Your supportdirectly fuels programs thatprovide legal access, protectvulnerable individuals, and builda more just Lancaster County.EXPENSESOur expenses prioritizeprograms that advance ourmission, with most fundingdirected to community grants,education, and projects like theComfort Rooms. A smaller sharesupports events, outreach, andessential operations, ensuringdonor dollars are usedresponsibly while maximizingimpact in Lancaster County.
GIVING BACK2020$37,0002021$47,0002022$51,5002023$99,5002024$65,0002025$53,445Since 2020, the Foundation has awarded morethan $353,000 in community support, fundingprograms and initiatives that promote equal accessto justice and build a stronger Lancaster County.Each year, these grants reflect our donors’generosity and our shared commitment toexpanding the reach and impact of these vitalprograms.ASSETS2014$375,7552019$426,1682024$767,148Our assets have grown, and so hasour impact!Over the past 10 years, the LancasterLaw Foundation’s total assets havemore than doubled, growing from$375,755 in 2014 to $767,148 in 2024.This growth strengthens our capacityto fund grants, expand pro bonoinitiatives, and promote equal accessto justice across Lancaster County.
Operation Santa - Each year, the LLFteam and volunteers organize OperationSanta, a holiday celebration for theTransitional Living Center (a division ofTenfold). The event includes a visit fromSanta, gifts for every child, and towel setsfor all residents.Comfort Rooms at theLancaster County Courthouse -The Lancaster Law Foundation isproud to support the Children’sComfort Rooms at the LancasterCounty Courthouse. By helpingcreate and maintain thesespaces, we ensure that childrenentering the courthouse feelprotected, supported, and caredfor during difficult times.Wills for Heroes - TheLancaster LawFoundation providesboth financial andvolunteer support forthe Wills for Heroesprogram, which offersfree estate planningservices to local firstresponders andmilitary veterans.PROGRAMS
Translation Services - The Foundationsupports Translation Services throughthe Lancaster Bar Association, offeringinterpretation in over 200 languages toensure clear communication withcommunity members seeking resources.Mock Trial - The Foundationsupports Mock Trial teams inLancaster County, givingstudents the opportunity tolearn about the legal systemand develop critical thinking,public speaking, andteamwork skills.Juneteenth - TheFoundation hosts anannual JuneteenthProgram thathighlights the historyand significance ofJuneteenth whilefostering dialogue onequity, justice, andcommunity inLancaster County.PROGRAMS
INAUGURAL LEGAL CAREER FAIRIn February, the Lancaster Law Foundation partnered with the Lancaster Bar Associationto launch the inaugural Legal Career Fair, welcoming students, job seekers, law firms,schools, and community organizations to the LBA headquarters. Designed to showcasecareer opportunities in the legal field, the fair featured exhibits, breakout sessions, andspeed networking that attendees described as exceeding expectations and providingvaluable insights and connections. Exhibitors praised the event for its strongorganization and valuable opportunity to connect with future legal professionals.Building on this success, the Foundation is partnering with F&M College to expand nextyear’s fair with more space, enhanced programming, and additional networkingopportunities., programming, and networking opportunities.“The Legal Career Fair was exceptional. As an attorney new toLancaster, it was the perfect environment to familiarize myself withthe local practices and meet people. Everyone I spoke with wasgreat and the connections I made that day only grew from thereand led me to getting the job I wanted.” - Dominic Hite
In 2025, the Lancaster Law Foundation launchedits first Law Day Poster Contest, inviting studentsin grades 1–5 to explore constitutional themesthrough art. Aligned with the American BarAssociation’s national Law Day celebration, thecontest introduced young people to the rule oflaw, civic responsibility, and the principles thatshape our democracy in a creative and accessibleway. The theme, “The Constitution’s Promise: Outof Many, One,” encouraged students acrossLancaster County to submit posters reflectingideas of unity and diversity, with teachers ofwinning students receiving recognition forencouraging participation.The contest provided a new avenue for engagingstudents and schools while advancing theFoundation’s mission of promoting publicunderstanding of the law. By introducing the legalsystem in an age-appropriate format and fosteringearly connections with local educators, theFoundation laid the groundwork for a programthat can grow in future years and continue toinspire the next generation of informed, engagedcitizens.INSPIRING CREATIVITY: YOUNG ARTISTS SHINEIN THE LAW DAY POSTER CONTESTFirst Place - Zoe JamisonSecond Place - Angel RoblesThird Place - Liam Perez
SPEAKERS BUREAUThe Lancaster Law Foundation’s Speakers Bureau connects volunteer attorneysand legal professionals with schools, community groups, and civic organizations toprovide engaging presentations on a wide range of legal topics. Designed to makethe law approachable and relevant, these programs help explain the legal systemand encourage meaningful conversations about issues that affect everyday life.Presentations can be tailored to different audiences and settings, from classroomsto community workshops, making the program a flexible and impactful resourcefor Lancaster County.By creating opportunities for the community to interact directly with members of the legal profession, the Speakers Bureau fosters publicunderstanding of the law, promotes civic engagement, and builds trust between Lancaster’s legal community and the people it serves. Through this initiative, the Foundation continues to strengthen its role as a bridge between the courts and the community, advancing its mission of promoting access to justice and legal education.Find out moreor emailpenny@lancasterbar.org
PROGRAMSWelcoming New Citizens - TheFoundation’s NaturalizationProgram celebrates new citizensat ceremonies in LancasterCounty, recognizing theirdedication and highlighting theimportance of inclusion,community, and civicparticipation.Law Suits Donation Program - Allclothing collected supports theLancaster County Food Hub’sProfessional Clothing Bank, whichprovides free business attire toindividuals preparing for interviewsor starting new jobs. Local sheltersand CareerLink refer clients to theclothing bank so they can look andfeel their best as they take the nextstep toward employment.Scholarship Program - TheFoundation’s new ScholarshipProgram will support LancasterCounty students pursuing legalcareers by reducing financial barriersand encouraging communityleadership. We look forward toawarding the first scholarships in2026.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2025 COMMUNITY GRANTEES!The Lancaster Law Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025–2026 Community Grants, awarding $53,445 to seven organizations whose workadvances legal services and equal access to justice in Lancaster County.Aaron's Acres - $3,000: Expanding support for young adults with disabilitiesby helping families access legal and educational resources.Bench Mark Program - $5,445: Strengthening mentorship-basedprogramming with legal education workshops and interventions for at-riskyouth.CASA of Lancaster and Lebanon Counties - $10,000: Supporting court-appointed volunteers advocating for abused or neglected children, sustainingLebanon expansion, and trauma-informed training.Church World Service - $10,000: Providing legal services and casemanagement for immigrants and refugees in Lancaster County.MidPenn Legal Services - $10,000: Funding the Family Law Attorney Projectto assist low-income individuals with custody, protection from abuse, anddivorce cases.Pennsylvania Immigrant Resource Center - $5,000: Supporting the RapidResponse Legal Team to aid detained immigrants with rights education,screenings, and emergency representation in Lancaster County.Tenfold - $10,000: Offering eviction prevention services and housing stabilityeducation through legal clinics and outreach.
STORIES OF IMPACTA Voice for Children: CASA’s New Preventive Advocacy ProgramWith support from the Lancaster Law Foundation, CASA of Lancaster andLebanon Counties is piloting an innovative new program called PreventiveAdvocacy.This initiative was created at the request of local judges, who saw a need forchildren in custody court to benefit from CASA’s trusted best-interestadvocacy - just as children in dependency court already do.To meet this need, six specially trained CASA volunteers are now serving incustody cases that have overlap with child welfare concerns. Workingalongside four judges in Lancaster County, these volunteers ensure the child’svoice and well-being are front and center in complex cases.Though many cases are still ongoing, the impact is already clear. In one case, aCASA report identified the need for ongoing family counseling, helping thecourt reach resolution. In another, a CASA volunteer documented how thecustody conflict was affecting the child’s mental health and education -crucial insights that may not have otherwise been brought to light.By piloting Preventive Advocacy, CASA is giving children in custody disputesthe same opportunity to have an unbiased advocate dedicated solely to theirbest interests.
STORIES OF IMPACTYWCA Lancaster: Expanding Legal Advocacy Through OutreachThe Lancaster Law Foundation is proud to support YWCA Lancaster’s LegalAdvocacy Project, which strengthens community awareness of the legal resourcesavailable to survivors of sexual assault. Through the Sexual Assault Prevention andCounseling Center, YWCA Lancaster provides critical services that inform, empower,and connect survivors with support.With funding from the Foundation, the YWCA launched a collaborative socialmedia campaign with the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design, expanding itsdigital presence and reaching new audiences across Lancaster County. Legaladvocacy services were also promoted at community events and throughinformational tables designed to connect people directly with staff and resources.Outreach extended into the justice system and local law enforcement. YWCALancaster met with President Judge Brown and his staff to share details about legaladvocacy services, hosted training sessions that incorporated legal advocacycontent, and distributed posters to police departments throughout the county. Inaddition, an article highlighting these services was prepared for the July issue ofLancaster Physician magazine, broadening awareness among medicalprofessionals.Together, these efforts have created a stronger, more visible network of support forsurvivors, ensuring that no one has to navigate the aftermath of sexual violencewithout knowing that help is available.
On Friday, November 21, 2025, the Lancaster Law Foundation will once againparticipate in the ExtraGive, Lancaster County’s largest day of community giving.For 24 hours, every donation made to the Foundation will be boosted by theExtraGive stretch pool - and, thanks to our generous match sponsors, gifts to theFoundation will be matched dollar for dollar, multiplying your impact evenfurther.The Lancaster Law Foundation relies on the generosity of donors like you tosustain programs that expand access to justice, promote legal education, andstrengthen our community. Your support during the ExtraGive helps fundinitiatives such as our Community Grants Program, Comfort Rooms at theLancaster County Courthouse, Speakers Bureau, Law Day Poster Contest, LegalCareer Fair, and the newly established Scholarship Program.When you give during the ExtraGive, you’re not only investing in these programs- you’re helping ensure that Lancaster County remains a place where fairness,equity, and access to justice are within reach for all. Mark your calendar, spreadthe word, and join us in making this year’s ExtraGive our most impactful yet!JOIN US FOR THE EXTRAGIVEVisit our ExtraGive page!
THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 DONORSHeather AdamsJames AdamsMichael AegbuniweKristina AhrensScott AlbertMatthew AlfonsoKevin AllenAppel & Yost LLPJames AppelKathleen AshworthEric AtheyRobert BacherAndrew BainbridgeAshley BakerLauralee BaketJacqueline BarnettElizabeth BartlowMary BartonTammy BaumillerKelly BellJeffrey BellomoJohn BenderH. BennerWilliam BennerRobert BeyerSteven BlairDavid BlanckMatthew BleacherMichael BoomsmaEric BorgiaKaitlyn BoswellPamela BrenemanDan BrookhartKenneth BrownTheodore BrubakerShawnee BurtonSteven ButerbaughColin ButlerTeresa CalabreseDavid CampbellVictoria Carroll WilliamsLindsay CasadeiGerryanne CaulerThomas ChairsWendy ChanSusan CharlesFrank ChestersJonathan ChiepporDaniel CicalaJosele ClearyPaul ClouserJoshua CohenDenise ComminsConestoga Title InsuranceCompanyRory ConnaughtonAndrew CooperAnne CooperMary Frances CooperCaitlin CostelloGeorge CradicJason CradicLeslie CradicLeslie and Jason CradicWilliam CrosswellTyler CrowleyHobie CrystleGretchen CurranSusan DavisPatrick DeiblerMaggie DiCostanzoAnthony DidonatoJames DiehmRichard Dieterle, Jr.Jesse DillonCaitlin DonahueLucy DowdMegan DreisbachAlexis DriendlJosh DriendlLisa Driendl-MillerJacqueline DrygasJayne DuncanRay DurkinNancy DyerGary EfstrationAlexander EgnerLeonard EisererDenise ElliottMaria ElliottKristie EssisThomas FanningAndrea FarneyMitch FenimoreWarren FaulkNicole FerrariKimberly FetrowLouis FiorillaLinda ForemanSamantha FugagliAnn FultonLaura GallagherKurt GardnerAnthony GeorgelisMarjorie GerhardtMakayla GilchristRyan GivensR. Douglas GoodGood Law FirmThomas GoodmanJeffrey GonickKathie GonickLeslie GorbeyKatharine GordonKatherine GranboisJ. GrayLance GreeneWilliam GregoryRichard GreinerBrandon GriestMary GrillRichard GromenMatthew Grosh
THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 DONORSStephen GroshRachel GroveSteven GuinterJeffrey GutkowskiDuane HagelgansJames HagelgansMackenzie HainesJamie HallThomas HallRobert HallingerAnita HannaHarry HarmonWilliam HarringtonBradford HarrisBrandon HarterNicholas HeadlandKristen HeapsAlexander HendersonRobert HermanJason HessGregory HirtzelJay HobergLori HockenberryCaroline HofferMelissa HoffmanBernadette HohenadelAaron HollisSteven HolsingerAnthony HopkinsTimothy HuberJason IsbellMelissa JabourRita JabourRobin JabourDrew Jabour-GehmanMelissa JabourRobin JabourBrett JacksonJozefa JacksonKenneth JacobsMark JamesLynda JohnsonRobert Cronin Jr.Joanne JudgeRandall JusticePaula KatchmerRichard KatzMelinda KaufmanJames KearneyGrant KeenerEric KeepersKegel’s ProduceJoseph KenneffMarianne KellyMaria KennisonDavid KindermannStacy KnickerbockerKelly KnightMark KoganM. KokenAmanda KowalskiKatherine KravitzKarl KreiserLancaster ToyotaJulie LarisonJill LaskowitzChristopher LarsenGreg LatimerRobyn LazarusAndrew LeFeverHanna LevinsonDavid LewisHeather LewisSharon LopezMark LovettRichard LowAndrew LucarelliSeth LuptonChristopher LydenAmy MacinantiBeulah MallDerek ManinfiorAaron MarinesMichael MarinaroLauren MartinJoanne MatuskoBarbara MayJohn MayVirginia MayRyan MacDonaldJohn MateyakMatthew McDonaldMichael McDonaldJoseph McMahonJennifer MejiaAshely MichaelPhillip MichaelAdrienne MillerJulie MillerKristi MillerLarry MillerMark MillerRandall MillerDaneen & Doug Miller-SmithJeanne MillhouseJeffrey MillsStephen MoniakCourtney MonsonMelissa MontgomeryStacey MorganDavid MorrisonAlicia MuirElizabeth MyersKenneth MyersSherri MyersVictor MyersAmanda Myers-CampbellFrank NardoMelvin NewcomerSusan NicholasRichard NuffortLindsay O’NeilJeffrey Ouellet
Anthony SchimaneckGrant SchonourPhillip and Carol SchonourHannah SchroerCatherine SchultzJoshua SchwartzMatthew SetleyJeffrey ShankNate ShankNina ShapiroDaniel ShertzerHoward SilvermanRebecca SimeralBryan SimmonsRobert SiskoW. SlatonJames SmithJason & Penny SmithKim SmithJohn SmuckerJennifer SnyderMichael SochaMargaret SorrentiPatti SpencerPatricia SpottsCharles StambaughEric StarkJohn StevensJessica StillmanEric StrandClifford SwiftAdam SzilagyiTHANK YOU TO OUR 2024 DONORSKimberly OverbaughHelen PageSavannah ParsonsShannon PascalKim PatersonChristopher PattersonGregory PaulsonSusan PeipherDean PiermatteiShawn PiersonRachel PinskerRobert PontzAndrew PootJohn Pyfer, Jr.Chad RankinElizabeth ReedSarah RiderAngela RieckLorraine RieckMichael RighiJesse RobinsonCatharine RolandDavid RomanoLynn RothCheryl RoweDorothy RundThomas SabatinoMatthew SamleyJohn SampsonRobert SandkuhlerJoseph SavocaAnthony ScicchitanoElaine UgolnikBenjamin VanasseElizabeth VanasseMichael VanasseNicholas VeronisNeil VestermarkMichael WagmanDavid WalkerTerry WarcoAngela WardKeri WeaverThomas WeeJill WelchKate WelchDonald WertLeo WhiteLinda WilliamsMichael WintersLisa WolfPhilip WolgemuthCarolyn WoodsTimothy WoolfordMichael YeagerAdrian YoungJ. David YoungKris YoungSteven YoungPatrick ZaepfelConnie Zappia-StevensJohn ZervanosPaul ZimmermanJennifer Zuidema"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."- Winston Churchill
2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORSPresident.............................................................................................Amanda KowalskiVice President............................................................................................Alicia E. MuirTreasurer......................................................................................................John H. MaySecretary.....................................................................................................Leslie CradicDirector.................................................................................... Bernadette HohenadelDirector...................................................................................................Jeffrey OuelletDirector..................................................................................................Grant SchonourDirector................................................................................Mary Elizabeth (Lisa) WolfDirector.................................................................................................Kristen HartmanDirector.......................................................................................................Ian BrinkmanDirector.................................................................................................Lance D. GreeneDirector...........................................................................................................Witt WelchDirector...........................................................................................Catharine L. RolandDirector..............................................................................................Elizabeth VanasseExecutive Director..........................................................................Lisa Driendl-Miller
MEET THE TEAMPenny SmithLisa Driendl-MillerEXECUTIVE DIRECTORDIRECTOR OFDEVELOPMENTLexi DriendlMackenzie HainesDIRECTOR OFPROGRAMSEDUCATION &MEMBERENGAGEMENTCOORDINATOR"Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others."- Winston Churchill
www.lancasterbar.org28 East Orange StreetLancaster, PA 17601Lisa Driendl-Miller, Executive Directorlisa@lancasterbar.orgPenny L. Smith, Director of Developmentpenny@lancasterbar.org