About Our Chapter
Our Movement
Safe Families for Children – Central PA operates in collaboration with Bethany Christian Services, a global and local nonprofit organization providing quality social services to children and families. Safe Families for Children is aligned with the goal of keeping families together, a component of the Bethany Christian Services mission. The movement of SFFC keeps families together by hosting children and supporting parents through a temporary crisis. It is a preventative, non-coercive alternative to foster care driven by volunteers motivated by Christian hospitality and supported by professionals. SFFC Central PA currently has 14 partner churches, 22 organizational partners and also collaborates with various shelters, hospitals, schools, and mental health facilities.
Our Team
Our team of compassionate and experienced professionals work together with trained volunteers to meet the needs of families struggling through a tough time. The team is passionate about the church coming around these families by connecting them to local resources while also providing a stable, extended support system.
Laurel Phipps
Outreach CoordinatorLaurel Phipps has joined Safe Families for Children as an outreach coordinator in Lancaster County in 2024. Laurel graduated from Misericordia University with a bachelor’s degree and then furthered her education with a master’s degree from Shepherd University. Laurel moved back to Central PA from South Carolina where she lived for the past 10 years. During that time, she was working in student services at the high school and collegiate level and enjoyed working with people from all around the world. Laurel also served as a Christian education director and youth leader for the church she attended. She currently resides in York, PA where her husband serves as a senior pastor. In her free time, she enjoys exploring and hiking with her husband and their Australian shepherd, Samson. Family is very important to her, and she is driven by a deep desire to support our local community by being the hands and feet of Jesus as she continues to walk by faith in joining Safe Families for Children in Central PA.
Steve Holsinger
Church Engagement CoordinatorSteve Holsinger recently joined Safe Families as a Church Engagement Coordinator in Lancaster County in 2024. Steve began his vocational career as a biomedical tech; however, he sensed God’s calling to get his college and seminary degree and graduated with his bachelor’s from Lancaster Bible College. Steve feels that his job allows him to help build networks of support for families who need assistance while also serving alongside Christian Human Services professionals.