United Way of Berks County

Live United

HelpLink Network

 

With the current economic conditions, more and more people are facing unemployment, reduced income and a greater need for food and other basic needs to live. However, many people do not know where to go for help and do not realize they may be eligible for various supports and services.

United Way of Berks County has partnered with several local agencies throughout Berks County to create the HelpLink Network, a group of local agencies with trained staff and volunteers committed to assisting individuals and families find the benefits, programs, and local resources needed to help them through these difficult times.

Volunteers use a software system called Benefit Bank to screen clients for benefit eligibility, and will assist them in submitting an electronic benefits application directly online. Therefore, clients do not need to visit the County Assistance Office to complete and submit the application - it can be done right at the HelpLink site!

Benefits people can apply for include:

  • CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program)
  • TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
  • LIHEAP (Low Income Heating Emergency Assistance Program)
  • Food Stamps
  • Medical Assistance
  • Child Care Subsidies

HelpLink Sites are located around Berks County and appointments can be made on varying days and time schedules. Sites and their availability include:

  • Berks Community Action Program City of Reading  (610) 406-5045
  • Berks Encore City of Reading, Wernersville, Fleetwood and Shillington  (610) 374-3195
  • Boyertown Area Multi-Service Boyertown  (610) 367-6957
  • Catholic Charities City of Reading  (610) 376-7144
  • Centro Hispano Daniel Torres City of Reading  (610) 685-1265 
  • Friend, Inc. Community Services Kutztown  (610) 683-7790
  • Salvation Army: Reading Corps City of Reading  (610) 373-5208
  • United Community Services City of Reading  (610) 374-3319

An appointment is necessary. Click here to find more information on the HelpLink sites in your area and call to make an appointment. 

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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.