United Way Focused Grant Helps Berks Counseling Center Expand Youth Mental Health Services
With the pandemic sparking greater mental and emotional struggles for youth, United Way of Berks County awarded a Focused Grant to Berks Counseling Center (BCC) to support additional resources to address this growing issue. The grant allowed BCC to expand staff and...
United Way Supports Positive Connections
Four years ago, “Rusty was really down and out.” Explained Rusty’s mom, Nicole. He lost his dad and then he lost his Pop-Pop. During this difficult time, Rusty stayed in his room and played video games. Nicole knew Rusty needed to connect with someone to help him...
Child Development Associate Profile-Araika Correa
The Child Development Associate (CDA) program, a part of Ready.Set.READ!'s Growing Readers, is designed to enhance early childhood education and curriculum support; focus on kindergarten readiness and reduce turnover of the trained workers. The CDA program gives child...
Child Development Associate Profile- Jordan Valentine
The Child Development Associate (CDA) Program, a part of Ready.Set.READ! Growing Readers, is a 3-year program designed to enhance early childhood education and curriculum support; focus on kindergarten readiness and reduce turnover of the trained workers. The CDA...
Child Development Associate Profile- Mary Leon
The Child Development Associate (CDA) Program, a part of Ready.Set.READ! Growing Readers, is a 3-year program designed to enhance early childhood education and curriculum support; focus on kindergarten readiness and reduce turnover of the trained workers. The CDA...
Street Medicine Program Improves Lives
United Way’s support of the Street Medicine Program (a program of Reading Hospital) is crucial in helping the homeless access medical care. The Street Medicine team meets homeless individuals where they are by setting up clinics at shelters and soup kitchens. The team...
Virtual Tutoring Helps Kids Become Better Readers
Becoming an Engaged Reader Carson’s excitement is unmistakable to his tutor, Chris Brennan, without even seeing his face. The second-grade student is reading a book aloud over Zoom, and a passage reminds him of his sister. He gives a quick aside; they share a laugh,...
Youth Mentors Find New Ways to Engage During COVID
Despite COVID, youth mentors have found new ways to connect to the children and youth served by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berks County.If asked to list who served as role models when growing up, most of us would probably share answers that include parents, siblings...
Giving Kids a Safe Haven Contributes to Their Future Success
Stability is one of the most important factors contributing to a child’s success in life. That’s why United Way of Berks County supports Olivet Boys & Girls Club, a local organization giving kids a safe haven and offering diverse programs for youth to learn life...
United Way and New Journey Community Outreach Help Those in Need
The past few years have been tough for Richard. Financial hardship is a major stress for him; he does not have enough money to buy food, clothing, or other basic necessities. He is in dire need, and it is difficult to imagine where he and others might be without the...