At asantY Community, we’re dedicated to empowering New Americans from Africa families resettled in Lancaster, PA. Through education, employment opportunities, and supportive connections, we create pathways for individuals and families to flourish while honoring their rich cultural heritage. Together, we are restoring dignity and building lasting community bonds.
Pastor Isaac relocated from Congo to Tanzania in 1996 With his family and 3 siblings.
In 2016 they relocated to Lancaster he lives here with his wife and 5 children.
He has assisted many in the community by helping during job orientation, translation, transportation, and hosting.
Mr. Amani resettled in our community along with his beautiful wife and children. He is a peaceful and quiet leader. He is a giver who is ready to serve the community with his time and finances.
His kindness and gentleness are valued.
Emmanuel Malobi Balidja and his family fled from the war in Congo and found refuge in Uganda in 2002.
Emmanuel, his wife, and their children arrived in Lancaster in 2017.He has Volunteered in the community to help people who are resettling in our community by transportation, interpretation, and being present when the community needs him.
His welcoming smile and cheerful attitude towards life have made many feel welcomed. He appreciates the peace in this community and educational opportunities for his children in this country. His dream is to see every New American be employed so they can provide for families.
Pastor Jean Baptiste Paluku Mulovery and His family fled from Congo to Uganda in 2009 In 2016 they relocated to Lancaster.
He is married to Jeannette Masika, they are the parents of 9 beautiful children. Jean resettled in Lancaster with experience in advocacy for people’s souls as a pastor and freedom as a trained Human Rights Advocate.
He has assisted the community in interpreting during appointments, transportation, and finding employment. He warms everybody’s heart with his joyful exuberant personality
Furaha Diane and four of her siblings relocated to Lancaster from Rwanda in 2013. She has since married Mfaume and they are the parents of four handsome boys.
Furaha is a busy mom, yet she finds time to connect with others in the community. She interprets, provides transportation, and buys diapers for mothers of young babies.
On Most Tuesdays, you will find her at a local market buying fresh food for her family and others in her community. Her easy laugh and bright smile endear her to the hearts of all who meet her.
Ms. Mkandama moved to the United States with her husband.
They are the parents of two beautiful daughters. Her husband went to be with the Lord a couple of years ago. While this has been difficult for her, she has turned her pain into passion for the community. She is a tireless leader who gathers the women in the community and leads on projects that empower the women and the community. She is well-loved in the community
Mr. Msambya moved into the community with his beautiful wife, Salima, and their children. His parents and siblings have also resettled in the same community.
He is a hard-working man who joins others to build the economy of Lancaster. He is a family man who connects with his parents and siblings. He is appreciated as a community leader
Mr. Sibakulu resettled in Lancaster with his family. He is a leader who actively leads his home and in this community. He is an elder who provides wisdom in a godly and culturally acceptable manner. He is a great organizer and well-respected in the community. His family continues to grow and thrive in Lancaster
Pastor Swendi resettled in Lancaster with his family. He is available to the community to give godly sermons and guidance. He is a great Kiswahili teacher and speaker. His family and our community are blessed to have him as a leader.
Nyambura Robi Byler settled in this community 20 years ago.
She is happily married to Jon, they are the parents of three adult children, two daughters-in-love, and the prettiest and most intelligent granddaughters in the world!
Her position as a student advisor and Cultural Navigator has allowed her to meet and interact with Swahili speakers from Congo.
These African brothers and sisters have inspired her to work together so this community can thrive in their new home. The people’s resilience is unmatched.
affectionately known as “the German Shepherd” due to his upbringing in Germany. He serves as a respected leader within a network of churches in Lancaster, affiliated with the LMC Conference.
He is married to his beloved wife, Brenda, and together they are the proud parents of three sons. Bishop Josef is deeply passionate about people and is renowned for his remarkable ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
His wisdom and guidance have been invaluable, and he has offered thoughtful counsel in support of this project.
Kate is an OB/GYN in residency training at York Hospital. Influenced by her family and church, she developed a strong commitment to caring for others and sharing God’s goodness with those around her.
This foundation has grown into a passion for supporting women through her medical work and a desire to serve underserved rural and global populations. During her training, she has had the opportunity to travel to Uganda, Ghana, and communities of Eritrean and Sudanese refugees. Now working with immigrant and refugee populations in York and Lancaster Counties, Kate engages with people from all over the world and is dedicated to ensuring they feel heard, welcomed, and cared for.
She is currently partnering with asantY to extend that welcome to the women of the African community in Lancaster.
Maria Ronneburger is an Educational Consultant and the State Lead for the PaTTAN English Learners Initiative, with an accumulation of over 27 years of experience in Pre- K through secondary, Special Education, teaching English as a Second Language, and advanced studies and research in the field of Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition.
Mrs. Ronneburger’s combined experience in education, linguistics, and her collaborative work as a leader of numerous community partnerships and programs has cultivated her advocacy for access and equity for all learners providing culturally and linguistically responsive systems, practices and supports.
Prior to joining PaTTAN, Mrs. Ronneburger served as an English Language Development specialist with the School District of Lancaster and Director of the RSIG Language Program in partnership with the School District of Lancaster, IU 13 Refugee Center, Millersville University, and Eastern Mennonite Missions.
Mrs. Ronneburger earned her Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Millersville University and her master’s degree in applied Linguistics from the University of Massachusetts- Boston. In addition, she holds a Secondary English Language Arts teaching certification and an English as a Second Language Specialist certification.
Mrs. Jacobs is a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. By the grace of God, she is a follower of Jesus Christ. Together with her late husband, she spent several years in East Africa, serving with Eastern Mennonite Missions (EMM).
She has a deep compassion for the immigrant population in Lancaster. Because of this, she strongly supports the ministry of Mrs. Byler, particularly among the Swahili-speaking community. She recognizes how easy it is for individuals to become lost in this culture or to fall into sinful behaviors.
Her prayer is for people to encounter Jesus, choose to follow Him, and become productive members of the community.