If you're ready to see the real heartbeat of Lancaster County - the people rebuilding lives, feeding families, preserving farmland, and opening doors others thought were closed - then this episode is for you.

Join us for the inaugural Lancaster Connecties, where we celebrate the small businesses, nonprofits, and local heroes who didn't just talk about change in 2025 - they made it happen. From fighting homelessness and hunger to transforming lives through recovery, the arts, and adventure, these are the stories that prove Lancaster is more than a place - it's a movement.

This isn't your typical awards show. It's a tribute to the neighbors, leaders, and quiet warriors who give their time, heart, and talent to strengthen our community every single day.

Tune in to discover who's leading the charge - and how you can be part of what's next.

Brought to you by Gardner's Mattress & More - because great communities are built on great people.

???? Connect with Lancaster Connects:

✅ Official: https://lancasterconnects.com/

✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LancasterConnects

✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lancaster-connects

✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancasterConnects

???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net

➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better

Lancaster Connects is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead: https://CastAhead.net

In this episode, we’re joined by Michelle Kime and Kristen Hershey, Co-Directors of Conestoga Valley SEEDS, as they share the heart, vision, and impact of this growing community initiative. Celebrating three years of service as of October 2025, SEEDS was birthed from the passion of CV social worker Katie Reiff and a desire to cultivate a healthy, thriving Conestoga Valley community. Michelle and Kristen discuss how SEEDS enriches lives by connecting neighbors to vital housing resources, educational supports, and health services—walking alongside individuals and families to remove barriers through tools, resources, and meaningful relationships.

???? Connect with Michelle Kime and Kristen Hershey:

✅ Website: https://seedscv.com/

✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Conestoga-Valley-SEEDS/100087483900730/

✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seedscv/

✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cvseeds/

Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great.

???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net

➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better

LIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS:

Connect with Lancaster Connects:

✅ Official: https://lancasterconnects.com/

✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LancasterConnects

✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lancaster-connects

✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancasterConnects

Lancaster Connects is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead: https://CastAhead.net

In this episode, we sit down with Ruth Polillo, Owner and Certified Adaptive Personal Trainer at Special Strong Lancaster County. A seasoned physical therapist and mom of four—including two children with special needs—Ruth shares how her personal and professional journeys came together to fuel her passion for adaptive fitness. She explains why she launched Special Strong Lancaster County and how she’s helping individuals of all abilities access empowering, personalized fitness training.

We also highlight the origin of Special Strong, founded by Daniel Stein, who overcame his own disabilities through exercise and created the program to help people build strength, confidence, and healthier lives. Together, Ruth’s expertise and Daniel’s vision showcase a powerful mission: making fitness inclusive, accessible, and transformative for every person.

???? Connect with Ruth Polillo:

✅ Website: https://specialstronglancastercounty.com/

✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/specialstronglancastercounty

✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/specialstronglancastercountypa/

✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-polillo-4ba00a58/

Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great.

???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net

➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better

LIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS:

???? Connect with Lancaster Connects:

✅ Official: https://lancasterconnects.com/

✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LancasterConnects

✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lancaster-connects

✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancasterConnects

Lancaster Connects is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead: https://CastAhead.net