United Way of Berks County

Live United

Let Your Voice Be Heard

Anyone can champion a cause, so let your voice be heard in support of a better Berks County for all of us. Join United Way in advancing the common good by advocating for issues important to you and your community! Below are some ideas to get you started in helping to create opportunities for a better tomorrow.

Advocate for Education:

  • Learn more about Pennsylvania’s Early Childhood Initiatives and declare your support for our young children. Visit www.papromiseforchildren.com
  • Promote quality child care through learning about the Keystone Stars Program. Visit www.pakeys.org
  • Do two simple things to let children know you care about them and their future: learn the names of children in your neighborhood; ask them about school and what they want to be when they grow up. Show interest in what they do!

Advocate for Income:

  • Educate others about the availability of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Click here to learn more.
  • Educate others about the Child Tax Credit (CTC).  To learn more, click here.
  • Ask your local school about the financial literacy programs they provide for students, and how you can support these efforts.

Advocate for Health:

  • Educate others about the importance of childhood immunizations, dental and eye screenings and lead testing.
  • Educate others about the existence of CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program), a health insurance program for children without coverage.
  • Visit www.chipcoverspakids.com

Advocate for Safety Net Services:

  • Thank your legislators for bringing 2-1-1 service to Pennsylvania. 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember telephone number that can be used to connect people with important community services and volunteer opportunities. Learn more about 2-1-1.

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Community Impact Contacts

Pat Giles, Senior Vice President, Community Impact
610-685-4567
patgiles@uwberks.org

  

Stella Leonti, Director of Education
610-685-4566
stellal@uwberks.org

 

Jane Moyer, Early Care and Education Program Director
610-685-4577
janemoy@uwberks.org

 

Jen O'Brien, Community Impact Director
610-685-4586
jennifero@uwberks.org

 

Darby Wiekrykas, Volunteer Engagement Program Manager
610-685-4574
darbyw@uwberks.org 

 

 

UWBC Initiatives and Programs

United Way Initiatives and Programs

Berks Early Care and Education Council

FamilyWize Discount Drug Program

 

Community Collaborations

Berks Money in Your Pocket Coalition

 

Special Funded Programs

Greater Berks Food Bank

RACC English as a Second Language Program

Reading Housing Authority Wellness Program

Did You Know?

Berks County faces many challenges each day that impact the present and future quality of life for many of its residents. Did you know…………..

  • Record numbers of Berks County residents (over 60,000) are receiving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assiatance Program) benefits
  • Between 2009 and 2011, there was a 33% increase in the number of Berks County residents who received SNAP benefits.
  • Over 50% of the SNAP Recipients in Berks County are below the age of 20.
  • 14% of Berks County families with children under the age of 18 were living below the poverty level.
  • The City of Reading is ranked as one of the nation’s poorest cities, having the highest poverty rate in Pennsylvania and the sixth highest in the country. (among cities with a population above 65,000)
  • Almost 17% of the Berks County adult population did not possess a high school diploma.
  • The Reading School District estimates that 70% of children entering kindergarten lack one or more skills needed to be successful in school.
  • The City of Reading has one of the highest rates of births to teen mothers in the state of Pennsylvania.