Part of United Way’s mission is to ensure that the basic necessities of life are available for those in need. United Way’s partnerships and funded programs provide a crucial safety net for vulnerable populations to quickly access help and receive the necessary support to help them have a better quality of life, both now and in the future. Agency Partners and their supported programs in the area of Safety Net Services are listed below.
Community Collaboration
211 Information and Referral: The free 211 service provides people with information about essential human services, such as child care, quality care for aging parents, basic needs or job training programs. 211 centers are staffed by trained specialists who assess the callers’ needs and refer them to the help they seek. Call center specialists also facilitate calls and questions from those interested in volunteering or donating items. 211 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in a number of languages. Online search is available at PA211East.org and assistance via text is available by texting your zip code to 898211
United Way Grants
Visit the Grants Overview page to learn about the local community organizations and agencies that have received United Way grants.
United Way Agency Partners and Supported Programs
| Agency Partner | Supported Programs |
|---|---|
| American Red Cross Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter | Disaster relief services providing immediate emergency needs. Transportation for local veterans to receive healthcare. |
| Boyertown Area Multi Services, Inc. | Basic needs assistance to individuals and families in need. |
| CATHOLIC CHARITIES, Diocese of Allentown | Case management and counseling services for veterans and their families. |
| Centro Hispano Daniel Torres | Bilingual and bicultural information and referral services to help members of the Latino community gain self-sufficiency. |
| Family Promise of Berks County, Inc. | The U-Turn program serves homeless teens and young adults up to age 22 with advocacy, case management, shelter, permanent housing, and a Drop-In Center. |
| Friend, Inc. Community Services | Information and referral to community resources for people in the northeastern portion of Berks County. Food pantry and emergency assistance with utilities and other financial needs. |
| Jewish Family Service: A program of the Jewish Federation of Reading | Services to help individuals and families with food, transportation, case management, and information and referral services. |
| MidPenn Legal Services | Legal representation for low-income clients to help them access basic needs. |
| New Journey Community Outreach, Inc. | NJCO operates the largest Soup Kitchen in downtown Reading and a weekly Food Pantry that focuses on the immediate and long-term health implications of receiving a nutritious daily meal and supplemental groceries. |
| Opportunity House | Emergency shelter services for men, women, children, and families. |
| Safe Berks | Crisis intervention for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, including a 24-hour hotline in English and Spanish. Emergency temporary shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children. |
| The Berks Coalition to End Homelessness, Inc | Emergency assistance with utility and rent costs to prevent homelessness. |
| The Salvation Army: Reading Corps | Emergency assistance programs to help with utility costs, rent costs, prescriptions, food, and clothing. |
| The Salvation Army: Service Extension Unit | Crisis intervention, disaster services and emergency assistance to individuals and families in need in Northern Berks. |