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Upcoming Events
Nov
19
November 1905:30 pm – 07:30 pm
Annual Meeting 2025 | A Night At The Theater
Please join us for the 2025 Annual Meeting! This event will feature updates about our grantmaking and initiative work over the past year and provide a unique opportunity to highlight one of our initiatives: attracting and retaining college students in Berks County. Remarks will be provided by Community Foundation President, Kevin Murphy; VP for Programs & Initiatives, Monica Reyes; and Lifelong Learning Program Officer, Kim Sheffer. In addition, we will be treated to an informal performance by two Broadway professionals, Jane Brockman and Tim Shew, who will entertain us and share stories of their workshops and preparations for a spring musical with students from all over the county. Hors d’oeuvres, wine, and refreshments will be provided. There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. Please select the number of tickets in your party. Parking information will be provided to individuals who register one week before the event.
WCR Center for the Arts 140 N. 5th Street, Reading PA
Oct
24
October 2411:30 am – 01:00 pm
Community Forum Program | Berks County Children And Youth Services
Berks County Children and Youth Services was created to protect children under the age of 18 from abuse and neglect. Berks County Children and Youth Services’ mission is to protect children and assure their well-being. In 2024, the organization received nearly 10,000 reports of child abuse or neglect, the most they have received since they started recording this information in 2008. A third of those 2024 cases resulted in an investigation. Berks County Children and Youth Services provide services to families where abuse or neglect has occurred to help ensure that the affected child can safely return to their home. Some children are placed into services outside of their home, returning when it is safe for the child. And in some cases, the parents’ rights can be terminated, and the child is placed in an adoptive setting. COVID-19 saw a spike in disaffected youth across Pennsylvania. It also affected the staff at Berks County Children and Youth. Between 2019 and 2023, 3,500 children and youth caseworkers across the state left their positions. In 2024, Berks County had its lowest number of filled caseworker positions. They had to adjust and adapt. Berks County Children and Youth Services has used community-based services providers to assist in their work. They have revamped the organization and hired new staff. And they are working to make this challenging job more attractive and ensure that children receive the assistance that they need in order to not just survive but thrive. Join us to learn more Berks County Children and Youth’s vital service for Berks County children and their families. Tickets not required to attend; the recording of the event, however, will be sent to all who purchase a free ticket. The community forum series aims to engage Berks County residents on pressing issues affecting their lives.
via Zoom
Sep
18
September 1811:30 am – 01:00 pm
Community Forum Program | Elevate Berks
Elevate Berks supports entrepreneurs and small businesses across Berks County. In 2022, Berks County released the IMAGINE Berks Strategic Economic Development Action Plan, focusing on creating a more vibrant regional economy. One highlight from this plan was the finding that Berks County lagged behind the national and state birth rates for new businesses; and trailed all of its neighboring counties except Lebanon and Schuylkill. The report also mentioned the formation of Elevate Berks, a coordinated network of service providers supporting entrepreneurs and start-up businesses. With support from the Wyomissing Foundation, this network of service providers created a strategy to foster young businesses. Over a dozen organizations, including partners and business service organizations collaborate to support start-up businesses. Together they offer: Funding opportunities Growth strategies Human Resources Information and Technology Support Legal Services Marketing Product Development Start-up Basics Elevate Berks hosts periodic events to bring together the various partners to focus on topics of importance to entrepreneurs. They also share the programs and services that each of the partners offer to assist young businesses secure the assistance that they need. And they will be launching an introduction to business basics to help people who want to explore starting a business. Join us to learn more about Elevate Berks and the impact it has on our region. Tickets not required to attend; the recording of the event, however, will be sent to all who purchase a free ticket.
via Zoom
