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Keystone Human Services announces new CEO

Charles S. Sweeder
Charles S. Sweeder. PHOTO/PROVIDED

Harrisburg-based Keystone Human Services has named Charles S. Sweeder as the third president and CEO in the company’s history, succeeding Charles J. Hooker III, who retired Jan. 24.

KHS is a multi-national human services organization that operates in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, India and the Republic of Moldova, providing advocacy; services; and supports in early childhood education and family support, mental health, autism and intellectual, developmental, cognitive and physical disability.

“We build communities where everyone can thrive, direct their own lives, establish homes, find meaningful work, pursue education alongside their peers, and fill valued roles in the community,” a release said.

“I have worked with Chuck for two decades, and I am excited that he is the next president and CEO of KHS,” Hooker said. “The future of KHS is bright with his continued dedication to those we support, their families and our employees.”

Sweeder began with Keystone Human Services in 2003 as controller and continued his leadership within KHS as chief financial officer, vice president of finance and executive vice president. He served as president-elect for the majority of 2022.

“I am honored to be the next president and CEO of KHS,” Sweeder added. “I am grateful to Charlie and the KHS Board for their confidence and support during this transition,” said Chuck Sweeder. “KHS is a global leader because of our collective commitment to inclusion and supporting people to live full lives within the community.”

Paula Wolf is a freelance writer

Lancaster funeral home to break ground on Willow Street location this August

A rendering of Charles F. Snyder’s new funeral home and crematory set to open next spring in Willow Street. PHOTO/PROVIDED

Lancaster-based Charles F. Snyder Funeral Homes & Crematory said it plans to break ground on its sixth funeral home and third crematory in Willow Street this August.

The funeral home company announced on Tuesday that it will be opening a 12,500-square-foot Willow Street location in 2022.

The new funeral home, planned for three acres of land in Willow Street, will feature 145 parking spaces, a large chapel with 350 seats, a small chapel, four arrangement offices and more.

Charles F. Snyder currently has locations in Lititz, Millersville and Lancaster, where it operates three facilities. The family-owned company has operated in the region for 74 years.

“Our family has been in search of real estate for many years in the Willow Street area so that we can better serve the communities south of Lancaster City,” said Charles Snyder, Jr. “This has been a long-time dream and journey of planning and research, and we believe that we have found the perfect location.”

The new funeral home will feature an on-site crematory, the first crematory south of Lancaster City, according to the company.

Kelly Gramola Townsend will serve as the supervising funeral director for the new location.

“I’m honored to be able to serve the Willow Street community as supervisor. I have lived, sent my kids to school and dance in this community, and look forward to growing relationships and the funeral home,” said Townsend.

The project was designed by Cox & Evans Architects. Site work design was done by RGS Associates and Benchmark Construction will be the general contractor on the project.

Benchmark intends to break ground on it in August with an expected opening date of 2022.