Since its roots, Hoffer Farm has been the heart of community and generosity, of celebration, of sustainability, of discovery, and of creativity.
Inspired by a profound act of kindness that kept Hoffer Farm her home after her father died when she was eight, Edna Hoffer utilized Hoffer Farm’s resources to care for senior neighbors in need (as she established what is now Pleasant View Communities).
The Heart of Community and Generosity
In 2023, Ron Kreider of Kreider Farms made a transformational gift to join generous donors and Pleasant View to build the Kreider Farms Cultural Center at Hoffer Farm.
Owned and operated by Pleasant View Communities, Hoffer Farm is the shared vision of Ron Kreider, Pleasant View CEO Jonathan Hollinger, and capital campaign co-chairs, Dr. Lew Jury (former Manheim Central Superintendent) and Mike Williams (retired Manheim Central Football Coach).
Hoffer Farm embraces Edna Hoffer’s legacy of compassionate service while addressing contemporary community needs and fostering community connection in the heart of Manheim.
The Heart of Celebration
The event spaces in the Kreider Farms Cultural Center are perfect for weddings, corporate or nonprofit events, and family gatherings. Shelli, the mother of the groom for the first wedding at the Cultural Center, shares: “The interior is gorgeous. The courtyard and views are breathtaking. The staff were so generous and helpful.”
Theresa Albright is the Events Director. She looks forward to making sure your event exceeds your expectations.
The Heart of Sustainability
Hoffer Farm is still a working farm—with animals that provide therapy, hydroponics that address food insecurity, and partnerships with the Manheim Central School District Ag Department and with Life Skills students. The master green plan outlines the exciting dreams for the future.
Olivia St. Clair, the first Hoffer Farm manager, began her service in September 2024 and is passionate about educating others about growing local, sustainable food.
The Heart of Discovery
The Manheim Community Library moved to the Cultural Center in April 2025—where they have 5000 more square feet of space, plentiful parking, a new hitching post (for Amish visitors), and rent of “one book a year.” Since the move, 200 new people have signed up for library cards. With as many as 600 visitors a day, monthly circulation has grown from 8,000 to 12,000.
LaTrobe Barnitz (MLS), a published author, is the new librarian (and grandson of Pleasant View residents Trobe & Nancy Barnitz). LaTrobe explains: “We’re getting a lot more community interaction now. So, we can better meet our community’s needs and have their feedback on what they want their library to be.” Gina, a recent visitor, shares: “The new library is amazing! They have a great selection and friendly staff.”
The Heart of Creativity
In the future, Hoffer Farm will be home to a Makerspace that will include four studios for pottery, art, textile arts, and technology. Residents and community members will be able to sign up for classes or studio time.
Mindy Fetherman, Pleasant View’s Development Director, would love to talk with you about how you can make the Makerspace a reality—by serving on the committee, making a gift, or naming a studio.
The Heart of Gratitude
Thank you to Justin and Todd of Headline Consultants and David and Nick and their teams at MIND Development & Design for creating the HofferFarm.org website and logo.
Thank you to EGStoltzfus, D.H. Funk & Sons, and all the contractors and vendors who built the Cultural Center. Many thanks to all The Heart of Community donors. The donor wall will be installed by the end of the year.
We invite you to explore HofferFarm.org and to visit Hoffer Farm in person. Relax in the event space or courtyard, check out a book at the library, and take a walk on the trail to say “hello” to the animals.
