Ephrata, Pennsylvania

Beauty for
Ashes

A residential home of healing, discipleship, and renewal for young women

"Touched by a loving heart, wakened by kindness, chords that were broken will vibrate once more."

— Fannie Crosby, Rescue the Perishing Musical notes

Apply to Reside Learn Our Story

"Touched by a loving heart, wakened by kindness, chords that were broken will vibrate once more."

9–12

Month Stay

18–35

Ages Served

2024

Incorporated

Who We Are

A Home for
Hope & Healing

Stories Made New is a residential discipleship ministry located in the Farmersville community, near Ephrata, PA. We walk alongside single women from the Anabaptist community who are navigating some difficult seasons of life.

When accepted, the resident arrives for an average 12 month stay in a structured, family-like home setting focused on healing and discipleship.

— Leroy Smucker, Board Chairman

Vision

Fulfillment in Christ

To bring single women who are struggling into fulfillment and purpose in Jesus Christ, no matter where their story began.

Mission

Four Pillars of Care

We help women work through life-dominating challenges. We offer loving nurture and discipleship. We teach the value of intentional living through a structured, family-like home setting. We inspire joy through serving others.

Foundation

Rooted in Faith

We minister to women who support the 1963 Mennonite Confession of Faith, and we receive strong moral and financial support from conservative Anabaptist churches across our region.

Who We Serve

You Don't Have to
Carry This Alone

At Stories Made New, we walk with women from the Anabaptist community who are navigating some of life's hardest seasons. There is no shame here, only grace and a story being remade.

Single Women 18–35

We serve single women from within the Anabaptist community who are at least 18 years of age.

Depression & Despair

Women who are navigating seasons of deep depression, emotional darkness, or feelings that life is not worth living find a community of hope here.

Abuse & Trauma

For women who have experienced abuse and carry wounds from their past, our home offers safe, compassionate care and a path toward healing.

Behavioral Struggles

Women working through eating disorders, behavioral issues, or life-dominating patterns find structure, support, and loving accountability in our home.

A Twelve Month Journey

While there is no way to precisely predict the exact length of stay, the average is about 12 months.

Horseback Riding

We believe the outside of a horse is good for the inside of a person. Equine-assisted activities are woven into our holistic approach to healing.

Transformed Lives

Stories of
Redemption

These are real words from the women and mentors who have lived this journey. Their stories are proof that broken chords can vibrate once more.

I came hopeless, broken, fully embracing shame, trying to cope with my pain. Eight months into the program, God chose to heal me through anointing with oil. For the first time I experienced God's presence in the way I had always desired. My orientation became one of hope. Those new discoveries of grace and freedom in Christ became an amazing reality.

Keturah King

Resident turned Mentor at Stories Made New

I was tired of trying to do life on my own way. I was tired of feeling like life was not worth living. But praise God, I chose life. Along with that I chose asking God to take full control. How much happier I am when I'm not trying to control things, but just leaning on God's shoulder.

Wanita

Former Resident, Graduated January 2026

God asked me to wait, again and again. But He never shut the door. After 2½ years, He swung it wide open and made what seemed impossible truly happen. It was His miracle to me. I now serve as a mentor, and I can say confidently: He brought me here, and He keeps moving me forward.

Kimberly Kleinsasser

Mentor, joined August 2025 from Canada

Our Philosophy

Jesus is at the center of everything. Every letter of our name stands for something we believe a young woman needs in order to heal, grow, and step into her God-given purpose.

JESUS

Jesus is the Healer here at Stories Made New. From Him spiritual, mental, emotional, social, and physical wholeness flows. He is the center of everything we are and do. He is our total obsession!

STORIES

SSafe

TTime

OOpportunity

RReflection

IIntentionality

EEmpathy

SSolitude

MADE

MMotivation

AAccountability

DDiscipleship

EEncourage

NEW

NNourishing

EExercise

WWinning

REST

Solitude, tranquility, and aesthetic surroundings provide opportunities for the still, quiet voice of the Holy Spirit to minister deep into the souls of young women. Stories Made New is not only a happy hilltop of connection with God, but also a happy haven of rest and peace.

Admissions

Ready to Begin
a New Chapter?

The application process is simple and personal. We want to make sure every woman who comes to us receives the right level of care and support for her specific needs.

Reach Out by Email

Send an email to storiesmadenew@gmail.com to request an application. A family member or responsible person should be involved in this step.

Pastor & Parent Questionnaires

We require a parent or responsible person, as well as the applicant's pastor, to complete additional questionnaires. This helps us understand how to serve her well.

Receive a Decision

Our administrators and staff review each application prayerfully. Residents are received on an application-to-application, personalized basis, and we do our best to make the best fit for each resident in living together for this length of time.

Begin the Journey

When accepted, the resident arrives for an average 12 month stay in a structured, family-like home setting focused on healing and discipleship.

Eligibility

Before applying, please review the eligibility requirements below. We serve a specific community and it's important that the fit is right for both the applicant and our home.

Single women aged 18–35

From the Anabaptist community

Supports the 1963 Mennonite Confession of Faith

Must be 18 before arriving as a resident

Parent or responsible person willing to be involved

Pastor willing to complete a questionnaire

Request an Application

Support the Ministry

Your Generosity
Writes New Stories

Stories Made New is supported by the generous giving of individuals, families, and churches. Every gift directly funds the healing, housing, and discipleship of young women who need it most.

We give thanks for the two bedroom and bathroom combinations completed over the garage on the second floor last year. We currently have a need of $75,250 for updates and remodeling, including three additional bedroom and bathroom combinations on the third floor. In-kind donations of labor and materials are also deeply appreciated.

Mail a Check

Make checks payable to Stories Made New
154 E Farmersville Rd, Ephrata, PA 17522
Tax-deductible receipts provided for donations over $50.

Give Anonymously

Donations can be directed anonymously through Anabaptist Foundation. Reference: Stories Made New, EIN: 93-4466302

In-Kind Donations

We also welcome donations of labor, building materials, and household items. Contact us to discuss how you can give your skills and time.

A note from Mark King, Board Treasurer:
"We are grateful for your support. God bless you for sharing! A tax-deductible receipt will be provided for donations over $50 when an address is given, unless specifically requested otherwise."

Calendar

Upcoming Events

We welcome the community to visit and see the ministry firsthand. Everyone is welcome at our Open Houses. Come meet the team and tour our home.

Jun

2026

Annual Summer Open House

Tours of the mansion and ministry, with crafts and homemade food available for purchase from the ladies of Stories Made New. All are welcome!

154 E Farmersville Rd, Ephrata, PA 17522, 3:00–6:00 PM

Get in Touch

We'd Love to
Hear From You

Whether you're inquiring about residency, giving, volunteering, or simply want to learn more, we're here.

Administrators

Ernest & Yvonne Witmer
154 E Farmersville Rd, Ephrata, PA 17522
323-333-2279
storiesmadenew@gmail.com

Board of Directors

Leroy Smucker, Chairman

Old Order Amish

717-629-3915

Nathaniel Gingrich, Secretary

Mid-Atlantic Fellowship

717-572-7150

Mark King, Treasurer

Pequea Amish Mennonite Church

717-278-9287

Cleason Sensenig

Mid-Atlantic Fellowship

717-278-0364

To be supplied

Send a Message

Fill out the form below and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Beauty for
Ashes