Have you ever felt like you had something important to say, but worried no one was listening? We’ve all been there. It’s that feeling of shouting into the wind, hoping your concerns might actually lead to something real. Well, here’s some good news: your voice has incredible power and Justice in Action (JIA) is proof of it.
It all starts with a simple conversation. A few years ago, people just like you sat down in listening sessions across Lancaster County and shared their stories. They talked about the struggles they faced, the fears that kept them up at night and the hopes they had for our community. From those honest, heartfelt conversations, three major priorities emerged. These weren’t ideas from a boardroom; they came directly from the community. Your community.
And the best part? JIA didn’t just listen. JIA acted.
From Conversation to Concrete Action
Those initial listening sessions sparked a movement. JIA, a group of 26 local faith communities, including First Lutheran, took those concerns and turned them into powerful campaigns that have made a tangible difference.
Here’s a look at what happens when we listen to each other:
A Lifeline for Mental Health
One of the biggest concerns JIA heard was how difficult it is to find mental health support. People shared stories of getting lost in a confusing system, feeling overwhelmed and alone while trying to find care for themselves or a loved one.
Because you spoke up, JIA is now on the verge of launching a county-wide mental health navigation system. This tool will help people find the right resources without hitting dead ends. We’re working with major local partners to get this up and running, creating a clear path to care for everyone in Lancaster County. This incredible progress started with someone sharing their story.
A Fairer Path Forward
JIA also heard about the crushing weight of our overcrowded county jail system. People were stuck in jail before trial for nonviolent offenses, losing their jobs and falling deeper into crisis. Many of these individuals were dealing with mental health and substance use challenges that jail simply can’t solve.
JIA took this to heart and began pushing the County Attorney to expand pre-trial diversion programs. The goal was simple: get people the treatment they need instead of letting them sit in a cell. A recent county study on jail overcrowding confirmed what we already knew from your stories—pretrial detention, especially for nonviolent drug charges, was a huge problem. Now, the county is looking at the very solutions JIA has been advocating for.
Keeping Families in Their Homes
The fear of eviction is a heavy burden. JIA heard from so many people worried about losing their homes and the stability that comes with them. The affordable housing crisis felt like an unstoppable force.
But your stories inspired another huge win. This fall, JIA is celebrating the launch of a pre-trial eviction mediation pilot program in partnership with Lincoln’s Mediation Center. Volunteer mediators are being trained right now to help landlords and tenants find common ground before an eviction filing. This program, set to officially start in November, is designed to keep families together and securely housed. It’s a solution born directly from community concern.
Now, It’s Your Turn to Shape the Future
The success of the mental health and housing campaigns is so significant that they are now moving into a monitoring phase. This is an amazing achievement and it means we have an opportunity to tackle a new challenge.
This is where you come in.
We are once again holding listening sessions across Lancaster County to hear what’s on your mind. We want to know what challenges your family is facing and what your hopes are for our community. Your story, your concerns and your ideas will help us identify the next big issue JIA will focus on. This is your chance to plant the seed for the next major positive change in our county.
Your voice is the most important part of this process. It’s what transforms a problem into a solution.
Join the Conversation
We would be honored if you would join us. Come share your story or just come to listen. Every perspective matters.
Upcoming Listening Sessions:
- October 8th: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM at First Lutheran
- October 9th: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM at Gere Library
- October 21st: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM at First Lutheran (a light supper will be offered)
What to Expect:
- About 90 minutes of your time.
- Friendly, small-group conversations where everyone has a chance to share.
- A space where your voice is valued and heard.
Don’t miss this chance to make a real impact. Your story could be the one that sparks JIA’s next big success. Let’s build a better Lancaster County, together.
