Health impacts every aspect of a person’s life. Good health allows children to learn better and helps adults live more independent, productive lives. By funding programs at our agency partners and collaborating with various community organizations, United Way creates opportunities for people to achieve their optimal health and independence. Programs supported by United Way address the preventative aspect of physical and mental health issues, while also addressing interventional needs. Agency Partners and their supported programs in the area of Health are listed below.
Community Collaborations
- Veggie Rx Program: With more fast food and corner stores than grocery or market options, the City of Reading is considered a “food desert”. To assist with improving access to fresh fruits and vegetables, United Way of Berks County has invested $25,000 in the Veggie Rx Program, a pilot program developed by Penn State Health St. Joseph.
- SingleCare Prescription Drug Discount Program (formerly FamilyWize): The SingleCare Discount Prescription card is available free-of-charge to anyone who needs assistance in paying for prescriptions not covered by insurance.
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 Cancer Society Northeast Region | Funded programs designed to assist the patient, family and community at large. Cancer hotline 1-800-ACS-2345. Early detection, prevention education and patient services programs. |
| Berks Encore | Meals on Wheels for homebound individuals who are disabled or over age 60 and not able to shop or prepare meals for themselves due to chronic disease or medical conditions. |
| Boyertown Area Multi Services, Inc. | Supportive services for older adults. |
| Co-County Wellness Services | Leadership and operational support for the community-wide initiative to prevent teen pregnancy, Berks Teens. |
| Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania | Therapy programs, evaluations and other medical services for children with special needs to help them overcome obstacles to independence. |
| Family Guidance Center | Evaluation, diagnosis, mental health, and drug and alcohol counseling provided on a sliding fee scale. Outreach to rural communities such as Kutztown and Hamburg. |
| Greater Reading Mental Health Alliance | Advocacy to help individuals and families navigate the social service system and find mental health services. Information/referral services and support groups. |
| Street Medicine, a program of The Reading Hospital | Healthcare and related services directly for the unsheltered homeless, those living in homeless shelters, and those at high risk of being homeless. |
| Tower Health At Home Berks | Skilled nursing, social services, and physical, speech, and occupational therapy at home for persons not covered by insurance, Medicare, or unable to pay the full cost. |