Our Past

In September of 1952 the York County Council of Churches was officially formed with 95 member congregations. Since its early beginnings, the Council has had a profound impact upon the quality of life in York County, collaboratively addressing and meeting its spiritual and social needs with a variety of religious and secular agencies and organizations. As a result, the Council has a historic relationship with many of the valued social programs of our community, serving as an incubator for some, a bridge to resources for others, and as an advisory group to still others. Among those outreach programs:

      * Contact-York: a 24 hours listening ministry formally under the Council's umbrella for 21 years  before becoming an incorporated non-profit

     * York Habitat for Humanity: a ministry dedicated to helping people achieve home ownership 

     * Access-York: a highly respected program that helps women and children affected by domestic violence

     * Bell Socialization Services: aiding persons challenged by mental illness or providing shelter for parents & children who are homeless

     * York Hospital Chaplaincy: was begun at the initiation and support of the Council.

     * The Atkins House: for women-re-entering public life after prison came into existence as a result of Church Women United & the Council.

     * The York County Literacy Council: had its birth in tutorial programs co-sponsored by Church Women United and the Council.