One of the most pressing issues facing Berks County – and many communities across the country – is poverty. Poverty is not just an individual struggle–it is a community-wide concern. While poverty is often viewed as a stand-alone issue, the reality is that it’s deeply interconnected with many aspects of our lives, including physical and mental health, family relationships, cognitive development in children, and the risk of homelessness and violence.
To address these complex issues and spark meaningful conversation, we invite you to a Poverty Simulation. This unique, interactive workshop is designed to provide participants with a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by families living in poverty, and more importantly, to inspire action toward solutions.
What is a Poverty Simulation?
The Poverty Simulation is a role-playing exercise where participants are assigned a new persona and family profile that reflects the realities of low-income families. Over the course of the simulation, participants navigate through daily tasks—tasks that many of us take for granted, such as paying bills, buying groceries, and finding transportation.
However, the experience isn’t just about completing these tasks—it’s about realizing how hard it can be to meet even the most basic needs when financial resources are limited. The outcomes of the simulation are unpredictable, and participants are often surprised by how difficult it is to make ends meet.
The Poverty Simulation offers participants a rare opportunity to walk in the shoes of someone facing these challenges. It helps participants see firsthand how factors like limited access to resources, transportation, and support networks can impact the ability to thrive. The hope is that by experiencing this, individuals will gain empathy and a deeper understanding of the barriers that many in our community face.
After the simulation, participants engage in meaningful discussions about how our community can address these challenges. They are prompted to think critically about the systems in place and explore how we can all work together to create solutions that lift people out of poverty and support families in need. Participating in the Poverty Simulation is an opportunity to not only gain insight into the realities of living in poverty, but also to be part of a larger movement toward change.
Whether you’re a business leader, educator, healthcare professional, or simply a concerned citizen, your involvement in these discussions can help make Berks County a more equitable place for everyone. After participating in the poverty simulation, community leaders will be equipped to make decisions in their work while keeping the barriers faced by the people they serve in mind. Join us in this vital effort to make a difference. You can RSVP to the event by clicking here.
Bill Woolworth’s commitment to the well-being of young people in Berks County was more than just a passion, it was a mission he actively pursued throughout his life. As a dedicated advocate, volunteer, and leader, Bill played an integral role in supporting Co-County Wellness Services (CCWS) and its Berks Teens initiative.
Bill’s journey with CCWS began as a volunteer and fundraiser, using his platform as a co-owner of Dans at Green Hills restaurant to raise thousands of dollars for the organization through the annual Good Thyme for Life (GTFL) dine-out event. His commitment grew as he joined the board of directors, eventually serving as Board President.
When a 2014 community needs assessment highlighted the high teen birth rates in Berks County, Bill didn’t hesitate to step up. He was among the first board members to join the Berks Teens Leadership Team, bringing business insight, legal expertise, and a deep commitment to the youth of our community. Bill firmly believed that all young people deserve access to accurate sexual health information, and he saw CCWS as the perfect organization to lead the charge, given its long-standing reputation for providing free, confidential HIV and STD services.
Bill Woolworth passed away March 30, 2022. At the time of his death, he was the board chair of Co-County Wellness and was still very much passionate about the Berks Teens program.
An anonymous donor established the Bill Woolworth Memorial Fund for Berks Teens of Berks County Community Foundation to honor Bill’s memory and help support the program ensure that Bill’s vision continues, supporting initiatives that empower and educate young people in Berks County. Thanks to partnerships and programming, teen birth rates have declined by 60.3% in the city of Reading and 56.5% in the county. Read more about those partnerships by clicking here.
Bill’s impact can still be felt today, but the work is far from over. You can give to the Bill Woolworth Memorial Fund for Berks Teens of Berks County Community Foundation by visiting: bccf.org/funds/bill-woolworth-memorial-fund-for-berks-teens/
Together, we can honor Bill’s dedication by ensuring that all young people in Berks County have the resources they need to make informed, healthy choices.
For more information about this fund, please email me at mollyr@bccf.org.
As we age, maintaining strength, balance, and flexibility becomes essential for staying active and independent. Recognizing this need, the Home Health Care Foundation Fund of Berks County Community Foundation provided a grant to support older adults in their wellness journeys. Through a grant awarded to the TriCounty Active Adult Center’s Fitness Program, older people in the community now have greater access to a variety of fitness classes designed to improve their overall health and reduce the risks associated with falls.
The TriCounty Active Adult Center, formerly known as the Pottstown Area Seniors’ Center, is a nonprofit community center dedicated to serving individuals aged 50 and above across western Montgomery, northern Chester, and eastern Berks counties. With nearly 100 programs each week, many free or at a minimal cost, the center provides ample opportunities for older adults to stay active, learn new skills and connect with others.
“I decided to go to a class to check it out. It was then that I realized what I had been missing. I’ve met new friendly people and there are many things to do. It filled the void in my life. I felt I had a new life now. Something to look forward to,” one participant mentioned after attending a class.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2021 falls caused 38,000 deaths among those age 65 and older. The center offers a variety of classes for all abilities to help people over 50 improve their strength, stamina, flexibility, and balance to avoid falls and to reduce the severity of injuries when falls do occur.
The grant from the Home Health Care Foundation Fund of Berks County Community Foundation supports programs and organizations that benefit the health of residents in Berks County and surrounding counties. Since 2019, this fund continues to be a crucial resource for supporting health and wellness efforts across the region, ensuring that older adults have the tools and resources they need to age well. You can read more about the fund by clicking here.
Together, we can build a stronger, healthier future for all!
Police K9 units play a vital role in keeping our communities safe. These hardworking dogs help officers track suspects, find missing people and detect illegal substances. But, maintaining a skilled and effective K9 unit requires continuous funding for training, equipment and proper facilities. That is where the Darrell and Gloria Rank K9 Corps Fund of Berks County Community Foundation can help.
This fund provides grants to help train, purchase and maintain K9 units for governmental entities in Berks County. Right now, applications are open for organizations that need funding to support their K9 teams.
How was the fund created? Darrell and Gloria Rank dedicated their lives to making Berks County a safer place. Darrell was the first executive of the Berks Earned Income Tax Bureau and took action when his community needed him most. He once rescued a woman from a flooded car in 1972 during Hurricane Agnes and helped bring a dangerous criminal to justice after witnessing an assault.
When Gloria passed away in 2012, she left most of her estate to Berks County Community Foundation, ensuring that their commitment to public safety would continue. Today, the Darrell and Gloria Rank K9 Corps Fund honors their legacy by providing essential resources for K9 units in the county.
How is this fund making a difference? A recent grant was used to update and maintain two K9 facilities where police dogs are housed and trained. These facilities are critical for keeping the unit efficient and ready for duty. The grant covered the cost of materials and labor to complete much-needed improvements, ensuring the facilities are still safe and functional for years to come.
The project was delayed due to circumstances such as switching contractors. However, the team worked hard to overcome challenges and keep the upgrades on track. Thanks to this funding, K9 handlers and their dogs now have a safer and more effective training environment.
The Darrell and Gloria Rank K9 Corps Fund of Berks County Community Foundation is currently accepting applications to help provide essential funding for K9 training, equipment, and facility maintenance. To apply, click here.
In Boyertown, Pennsylvania, a story of resilience, love, and community support unfolds through the lives of Stephanie and her 13-year-old son, Micah.
Micah has Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, obstructive sleep apnea, and other medical complexities. He is nonverbal, requires constant care, and depends on his mother for every aspect of daily life. Despite the challenges, Stephanie knows him to be a precious, beautiful blessing. The past year has been especially hard for Stephanie. In addition to her responsibilities as Micah’s sole caregiver, she has been navigating life without her husband, who passed away last year from pancreatic cancer. “He was Micah’s best friend,” she said. “Losing him was devastating for both of us. I have had to take on everything alone since then.”
As Micah’s needs require 24/7 attention, his mother is unable to work full-time. She works while he is at school, but with a limited income, it can be difficult to keep up with expenses. When Stephanie’s vehicle broke down and the repair bill was over $5,500, this created a difficult situation since Stephanie relies on her vehicle to get to work, to take Micah to his doctor appointments, and to take him to his upcoming surgery in January. Her vehicle is not just a mode of transportation, it is a lifeline.
This is when Jess’s Sunshine Fund of Berks County Community Foundation stepped in to cover the expense. Jess’s Sunshine Fund was established on February 20, 2001, to honor Jess Schaeffer, who was the manager of the Boyertown boys’ basketball team. Jess used a wheelchair because of a rare type of cancer called Langerhans cell histiocytosis.
The fund helps families in Berks County who have children or dependent adults with special needs caused by long-term serious illnesses or injuries. It focuses on helping families in the Boyertown Area School District, though all Berks County residents are eligible. Since it started, the fund has provided over $73,000 in grants to families who need financial support during tough times.
“I don’t know what I would have done without this grant,” Stephanie says. “Micah has so many medical appointments and procedures that require transportation. Missing them is not an option, but I did not have the resources to fix the car.”
The money from the grant also allowed her to buy a video baby monitor. Micah has obstructive sleep apnea and must wear a CPAP mask at night, requiring his mother to check on him often. With the monitor, she can ensure he is safe without getting up multiple times during the night, giving her some much-needed rest.
Through tears of gratitude, Stephanie shares how much the grant meant to her family, “This has been such a huge blessing for us. I cannot thank everyone involved enough. Micah and I have been through so much, but knowing there are people who care and want to help gives me hope.
To learn more about Jess’s Sunshine Fund or apply for assistance, click here.
With the support of Reading Pride Celebration Gives Back Fund of Berks County Community Foundation, Opus One brought a unique musical event to our community. Opus One, a non-profit choral ensemble founded in 2012 in Reading, aims to offer local vocal musicians an affordable, collaborative space to perform diverse choral music and foster appreciation for the choral arts in the community.
On October 11th, they held Coming Out: A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Composers at Calvary UCC in Reading. The concert honored the contributions and stories of LGBTQ+ composers throughout history. Thanks to the funding, Opus One collaborated with local groups like Reading Pride, The LGBTQ+ Center of Greater Reading, the Spectrum, All Souls Ecumenical Church, and KU Allies to make this event memorable.
“The concert was not just about enjoying music. It was also a chance to educate the community on an often-overlooked part of classical music history. Many people do not realize that some classical composers were part of the LGBTQ+ community. Unfortunately, their identities were sometimes hidden or misunderstood in history.” says Christopher Hoster, Executive Director of Opus One. Through this concert, Opus One took a key step in honoring these composers and the personal stories they brought to their music.
The concert allowed the audience to view these composers from a different point of view, adding a layer of understanding to the music. This deeper connection between music, identity and culture helped create a lasting impact on those who attended.
The support from the Reading Pride Celebration Gives Back Fund of Berks County Community Foundation assisted in the covering of essential costs like music, advertising, and publicity. This fund supports projects and programs that affirm and enhance the lives of LGBTQ+ youth in Berks County. Created with a portion of the proceeds from the annual Reading Pride Celebration Festival, this fund allows educators and community organizations to develop or expand programming that directly impacts the lives of LGBTQ+ students in Berks County.
With community support, Opus One is creating a more inclusive environment through the arts.
If you would like to learn more about the Reading Pride Celebration Gives Back Fund of Berks County Community Foundation and how your gift could help foster inclusivity and support within our community, please click here.
Imagine a place where young girls with disabilities come together, not just to talk but to build confidence, friendships, and life skills. That’s exactly what Girl Talk 101 has been doing since its founding in 2022 at the John Paul II Center for Special Learning. Designed for girls ages 10-21, this program offers more than just conversation—it offers a community. Here, they learn to stand up for themselves, practice safety, and support one another, using skills that will last a lifetime.
Melissah Jablonski, the program’s leader explains, “What makes this group unique is the deep sense of connection the girls share. Watching the girls care for each other is a gift and that care is transforming not just their lives, but the lives of their families and friends.”
One highlight of the program this year was a horse therapy trip that made a big difference for Jailys, a new member. Jailys was nervous about joining the group. However, the other girls welcomed her, and she quickly felt accepted. This moment showed how Girl Talk 101 helps every girl feel valued, no matter their abilities. The program gives girls a sense of belonging that they might not find elsewhere.
John Paul II Center for Special Learning is a school that has been helping children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1982. The center’s mission is to support students as they grow and succeed in different areas of their lives. Through programs like Girl Talk 101, the center focuses on teaching life skills that help students become more confident and independent. This supportive environment helps participants reach their full potential.
In 2023, Girl Talk 101 received a grant from Power of the Purse of Berks County Community Foundation, which allowed the program to expand. The girls were able to learn more about managing their emotions and standing up for themselves. They also had the opportunity to make new friends and try new activities, like the horse therapy trip. This support made it possible for the program to include some of the most vulnerable girls, ensuring that everyone felt valued and included.
Local women leaders established the Power of the Purse Fund through the Berks County Community Foundation to support programs that help break the cycle of poverty by removing barriers for individuals looking to enter or re-enter the workforce or pursue the education they need. Thanks to this fund, Girl Talk 101 has been able to grow and help more girls each year. Programs like this are essential for giving girls the tools they need to become strong, confident individuals. With continued support, Girl Talk 101 will keep making a difference in the lives of girls with disabilities, helping them reach their full potential.
To Learn more about Power of The Purse Fund of Berks County Community Foundation: click here.
For grant opportunities currently accepting applications, click here.
Berks Teens’ pregnancy prevention initiative, a program of Co-County Wellness Services, announced a significant decrease in teen birth rates in Berks County. Carolyn Bazik, Executive Director, recently shared the exciting news with funders in the community. This announcement is based on the newest data that has just been received from the Department of Health, from 2022.
A community health needs assessment done in 2012 clearly outlined the need to do something impactful. Berks Teens, formerly Berks Teens Matter, was formed in 2014 to reduce teen pregnancy by 40% by 2022. Modeled as a collective of private and public stakeholders and as an initiative of Co-County Wellness Services, the goal was to develop and implement a plan, programs, and practices to reduce teen pregnancy. Many community partners lent support to the initiative from its inception including Berks County Community Foundation, United Way, Wyomissing Foundation, The Kindness Coalition, and Senator Judy Schwank.
Since the program began in 2014, the teen birth rate has declined by 60.3% in the city of Reading and 56.5% in the county.
“There had never been any programs in our community aimed at primary teen pregnancy prevention,” said Bazik, “or programs that taught youth the importance of postponing pregnancy until they were emotionally and financially capable. But there were a lot of programs that assisted teens after the birth of their child.”
Berks Teens created a peer education group at Reading High School and a virtual group throughout the county. The Youth Ambassador program focuses on educating teen volunteers on things like consent, healthy relationships, birth control, and sexual health and follows the principles of comprehensive sex education. The Youth Ambassadors educate their peers and other youth throughout the community. They work with adolescents at programs like the Olivet Boys and Girls Club and create health campaigns at school.
Berks Teens also started a Health Resource Center, funded by Access Matters, and based in Reading High School. They also conduct educational training in the community on things like “Giving the Talk”, “Supporting LGBTQ Youth”, and “Being an Askable Adult”.
These numbers show that the investments that have been made and continue to be made are paying off! Through increased education and awareness, birth rates are impacted, and for the first time in 12 years, the county’s rate is better than that of the United States.
Carolyn Bazik said, “We knew when we began that the results would be slow in coming, but with continued efforts at raising awareness, the support of other community organizations, and the growing success of the Health Resource Center at the high school, we are making a difference.”
This initiative was funded in part by support from multiple funds, including Arrow International Scholarship Fund, Bill Woolworth Memorial Fund for Berks Teens, Community General Hospital Fund, Hawley and Myrtle Quier Fund, Home Health Care Foundation Fund, Kim and Kevin Murphy Fund, and the Power of the Purse Fund, all managed by Berks County Community Foundation. For more information on Berks Teens or Co-County Wellness Services, contact info@cocounty.org.
Imagine the daily challenges faced by a mother trying to provide the best for her child with disabilities. Accessibility issues can turn simple tasks into daunting obstacles. For one local mother, the dream of a reliable vehicle and a lift hoyer* seemed out of reach, but thanks to the Arthur O. and Clara M. Schlegel Memorial Fund of Berks County Community Foundation, this dream has become a reality.
The purpose of the fund is to help to defray the costs of treating and correcting physical differences in children residing in Berks County who are either without parents or whose parents are unable financially to meet such expenses. Clara M. Schlegel originally established a trust fund in 1984 which required using an Advisory Board to award grants. The structure of the fund made it difficult to administer; at that time, prior to the creation of Berks County Community Foundation in 1994, there was no well-known charitable organization model in Berks County with an affiliated group to identify community needs.
By August of 2000, an advisory board was created, including Kevin Murphy, president of Berks County Community Foundation, as a member. Kevin’s involvement on the advisory board included transferring the fund over to the foundation to start facilitating the distribution of grants. Since the time the Foundation has been managing the fund, the Arthur O. and Clara Schlegel Memorial Fund has distributed over 1.1 million dollars in grants in Berks County, overseen by the advisory group and Community Foundation staff members, myself included.
Recently, a mother submitted an application to request an electric lift hoyer and assistance with purchasing a reliable vehicle. Jayvien, a 13-year-old male diagnosed with sickle cell anemia and Lowe syndrome, travels to Philadelphia every 3-6 months to see a specialist. Due to recent car problems, appointments were missed and/or rescheduled. Jayvien also requires total assistance with transportation transfers and daily life activities. Jayvien’s mother and his grandmother have been helping, but using a manual lift is unsafe.
After reviewing the request, I knew that this application should be presented to the advisory board for consideration. The Community Foundation has a solemn obligation to honor the donor’s intentions set forth when establishing their fund. I knew this fund could make an impact on this family.
The committee approved the grant with the instructions to find a car through a dealership rather than a private owner and send the funds directly to the dealership towards the purchase of a reliable car, so that Jayvien can safely and reliably make his appointments in Philadelphia. The committee also approved the grant request for the electric lift hoyer.
I met with Jayvien’s mother at the dealership, and she was grateful for the funding that was available to help her family. She said, “I truly appreciate all that you guys do. It has left a huge imprint in my heart, not so much the material things, but the root core of what the foundation stands for. The fact that this will help Jayvien as well as my family means the world to me, and I hope to be able to give back to the foundation to forward the help to families like mine. My family and I are forever grateful. Thank you so much!”
The recent funding provided to the mother in need for her son with disabilities is a powerful testament to the ongoing impact of the Arthur O. and Clara M. Schlegel Memorial Fund. It’s a story of compassion and sparking change in the community.
You can spark change in the community by creating a fund. Learn how you can do this by clicking here. To give to the Arthur O. and Clara M. Schlegel Memorial Fund, click here.
* A hoyer lift is a patient lift used by caregivers to safely transfer patients. It can be used for lifting patients from the floor or onto a healthcare bed. The lift also can assist in other surface-to-surface patient transfers, such as moving from a bed to a bath or chair.
Thanks to the DentaQuest Fund of Berks County Community Foundation, an elementary day care center was able to provide a dental care program for their students.
The grant will provide reimbursement to a dental professional for providing oral health services, on-site, to children enrolled in Riverview Christian Early Learning Center (RCELC) as part of an Oral Health Story Kit pilot program. While the Oral Health Story Kit provides oral health education to childcare staff, children, and families, there is a need for direct services and for families to obtain a dental home for ongoing oral care. A dental professional has agreed to provide the direct services described.
Jenn Angstadt, Executive Director and Minister of Mentoring and Outreach of RCELC says, “I am so grateful for the opportunity to be able to provide exceptional dentistry at our school through generous funding. We are overjoyed through faith and community partnerships that this was able to be accomplished and provide so many little ones with quality care. We owe it all to God who has paved the way for our success and growth.”
The benefits of this program extend far beyond the immediate provision of dental care. Healthy teeth and gums contribute to better nutrition. Moreover, the presence of a dentist at the day care center opens opportunities for community engagement and education. Parents and caregivers receive valuable information on maintaining oral health at home, and the day care center becomes a hub of health and wellness in the community.
Berks County Community Foundation, Berks Community Health Center and the Early Childhood Resource Center are working together to make this program available to other early learning facilities, but we need dental professionals. If you are a dental professional and would like to be part of the program, please email me at cindym@bccf.org.
