In the simplest terms, we build, operate, and invest in local initiatives to create positive social change in our region and financial sustainability for vital non-profit work. We do this by building local businesses as a force for good and supporting non-profit initiatives that ignite systemic change in Southern Chester County, Pennsylvania.
Business Initiatives
We build local businesses to create opportunities for community growth, connection, and thriving. Beyond that, 100% of our profits help power our non-profit initiatives. Our local businesses are sustainable economic engines that drive our ability to create systemic change now and into the future.
THE CREAMERY
A repurposed century-old building turned community center, beer garden, and arts hub to generate economic opportunity for residents and contribute to social impact work.
ARTELO
A 14-room local motel turned artistic hotel with immersive murals painted by regional artists to celebrate creativity and contribute to social impact work.
HOUSING
A portfolio of safe, well-maintained housing comprised of market-rate and subsidized properties.
COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES
A portfolio of development projects that serve as gathering spaces for hospitality and community connection.
COMING SOON:
THE FRANCIS HOTEL & SUITES
A boutique stay in a restored downtown home offering a window to the past with all the comforts of a modern retreat for short and extended getaways.
COMING SOON:
A NEW RESTAURANT CONCEPT
A renovated space with outdoor seating, a beautiful cocktail bar, and inventive cuisine that welcomes guests to enjoy the arts in all senses.
COMING SOON:
STAR & LANTERN
A speakeasy that celebrates African-American stories through food and drink.
COMING SOON:
CREAMERY EXPANSION
A continuation of adaptive reuse at The Creamery to include an events space and additional opportunities for enjoying food and fun as a community.
Non-Profit Initiatives
We build and invest in community-oriented non-profit initiatives to realize systemic change in Southern Chester County. In addition to Kennett Trails Alliance and Voices Underground, we incubate projects that might grow into organizations in areas like housing insecurity and leadership development.
KENNETT TRAILS ALLIANCE
A 501(c)(3) building a regional trail network to connect people to nature and each other.
VOICES UNDERGROUND
A 501(c)(3) researching, telling, and memorializing African American stories of the Underground Railroad in Chester County in service of racial healing.
HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
Helping Family Promise graduates transition to market rent through step-up housing and financial coaching, supporting long-term stability and independence.
CIVIC VOICES & SHARED STEWARDSHIP
In collaboration with partners, we launched Kennett Decides, a participatory-budgeting initiative that empowers residents to propose and vote on community projects, jointly funded with Chatham Financial.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP
Paid internships for Kennett High School students to gain practical skills, civic exposure, and mentorship in community development.
INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Partnering with community organizations at The Creamery to host events such as the Hispanic Heritage Festival After Party, Juneteenth, and Three Kings Day, bringing Kennett’s diverse residents together to share culture and build community.
Our Approach to Igniting Systemic Change
Each business and non-profit initiative focuses on an area that’s vital to community thriving so we can work toward igniting meaningful improvements in Southern Chester County. We don’t build a business, create public programming, operate a non-profit, or donate to one unless it impacts the systems—like housing, transportation, economic opportunity, or education—that shape everyday life, so more people can thrive in the place they call home.
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Improving Connectivity & Infrastructure
Making our region more physically accessible to the community.
- Kennett Bike Park
- Chandler Mill Road Renovations
- Birch Street Streetscape
- Kennett Greenway -
Cultivating an Inclusive Community
Bringing everyone together through participatory programming.
- Voices Underground
- Three Kings Day
- Juneteenth at the Creamery
- Dia de Los Muertos -
Restoring Community Spaces
Revitalizing historic and natural sites for public enjoyment.
- The Creamery
- Artelo
- Cypress Beach
- Red Clay Park Stormwater & Stream Restoration Planning
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Celebrating Art, Nature & Storytelling
Supporting local artists and preserving green spaces.
- Brandywine Red Clay Cleanup
- Art on the Greenway: EcoMural 23
- Artelo
- Kennett Trails Alliance
- Star & Lantern
- The Creamery
- The Francis -
Community Development
Expanding the capabilities of local sites.
- Kennett Borough Police Station
- Magnolia Crossing
- Chandler Mill Road Renovations
- Anson B. Nixon Water Works -
Economic Vitality & Opportunity
Creating economic and professional opportunities for everyone.
- The Creamery
- Artelo
- The Francis
- Star & Lantern
Our Giving
We support the community through the Square Roots Community Initiative, our sustainable model for financial giving that’s focused on providing grants to non-profits and other community partners to ignite systemic change.
If you’re scratching your head about a 501(c)(4) or how our business model allows us to support local non-profits, here’s a list of FAQs to learn more about us.