by Susan Shelly McGovern

On any given day, there are hundreds of men, women, teens and children experiencing homelessness in Berks County.

Some have been without homes for months – even years – while others are homelessness for the first time.

They are teenagers who have aged out of foster care, and parents who have lost their jobs and ability to provide for their families.

They are veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, and mothers with children who have fled abusive relationships.

They are men and women battling substance abuse and its surrounding issues, and working families desperate to stay together, but unable to afford the high cost of housing.

The most recent findings from a Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, conducted in August by the Berks Coalition to End Homelessness (BCEH), identified 677 people experiencing homelessness in Berks County on a single night. That is the highest number of unhoused individuals ever recorded in Berks County.

Sixteen percent of those identified were under the age of 18, 25% were 55 or older and 38 individuals were U.S. veterans. They were sleeping in tents, cars, emergency shelters, transitional housing, under bridges and on city benches.

The tent of someone staying in a local homeless encampment.

Berks Coalition to End Homelessness (BCEH) “At a Stalemate”

Jack Williams, executive director of BCEH, said major uncertainty regarding how much federal funding may be available, and when, makes it impossible to plan for 2026 or beyond.

“We’ve basically come to a stalemate,” Williams said. “We can’t make decisions or enter into contracts, because we don’t know what’s happening with the funding we rely on.”

BCEH is an umbrella agency that oversees services to Berks County residents and works with a network of area nonprofits that receive federal funds for a variety of projects.

While federal funding has increased in recent years, officials worry that proposed cuts and conditions placed on funding may badly jeopardize the work they’re able to do in the future.

A problem this year, Williams explained, is that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has not yet released guidelines for next year’s grant applications, which normally are due at the end of September.  

Unable to even complete an application for funding leaves agencies completely in the dark, unable to know what to expect. Most agencies, however, are anticipating funding cuts.

Volunteers cut children’s hair during a back-to-school community event sponsored by Family Promise of Berks County. 

Reading Housing Authority “Preparing for Changes”

Lorena Keely, chairwoman of the board of commissioners for the Reading Housing Authority, which works to assist individuals and families find permanent housing, agreed that future funding and policies are uncertain, and cuts may be imminent.

“We’re trying to keep our finger on the pulse of what’s happening at the federal level, and we share the concerns of other agencies,” Keely said. “If what we’re hearing is being discussed comes to fruition, we need to figure out what that means for the people we serve.”

Specifically, representatives of the housing authority are concerned about a federal threat to end support for Housing First programs, which enable people to attain permanent housing without having to first meet certain conditions, such as employment or mental health treatment.

That would disproportionately affect people struggling with chronic, long-term homelessness, Keely explained, placing additional strain on agencies addressing housing issues.

There also is talk of instituting a two-year voucher program, which would put a time limit on assistance for eligible participants. While Reading Housing Authority has received no notification of such a limit, officials are working to stay on top of reports.

“We’re preparing ourselves as much as possible for any potential changes,” Keely said.

Tents provide shelter for unhoused people in Berks County.

Family Promise of Berks County Facing Severe Cuts to Operating Budget

Anticipating its 20th anniversary next year, Family Promise of Berks County’s future is uncertain as it faces the possibility of severe cuts in federal funding.

“Unfortunately, 70% of our budget comes from federal funding,” said Jill Glose, executive director. “It’s absolutely critical to what we do.”

 Family Promise provides housing for families in crisis for 90 days while also providing crucial case management services and assistance in finding jobs and permanent housing. It also runs a program for homeless youth and supplies rent and utility assistance for eligible applicants.

Glose remains hopeful that federal funding will come through for next year. If it does not, she said, Family Promise’s ability to serve clients will certainly be impacted.

“The amount of need has absolutely increased, and it’s harder and harder to keep up with the support we can provide,” Glose said.

Luis Ruiz Lopez, a former caseworker for Family Promise of Berks County’s U Turn program, poses with a client who’s just been given a bicycle to use for transportation. The U Turn program serves teens who are experiencing homelessness.

Determined to Continue Serving Clients

While it’s difficult to remain optimistic in the face of looming budget cuts likely to adversely affect a large number of individuals and families, leaders of local agencies addressing housing and homelessness are determined to keep working for those they serve.

“We can’t give up,” Williams said. “We have to be prepared to pivot and do what we can to make sure the least number of people possible get hurt by all this.”

Keely said Berks County has a long history of agencies with common goals working together – something that will benefit everyone.

“We’ll put our heads together and seek solutions the best we can,” she said. “Our commitment to the people we serve is not going to change.”

by Susan Shelly McGovern

The Literacy Council of Reading-Berks has served the local community for nearly six decades.

The council helps clients improve reading skills and language proficiency, prepares them for employment, helps students achieve high school equivalency certification, provides workforce development and works with permanent residents seeking U.S. citizenship.

Suddenly, however, the future of the organization appears uncertain as it anticipates federal funding cuts for its next fiscal year, which begins July 1.

“I never thought we’d be in this position,” said Ryan Breisch, executive director. “We’ve relied on federal funding since it was authorized in 1987.”

Specifically, the Literacy Council of Reading-Berks depends on federal funds made available through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which was signed into law in 2014.

WIOA funds account for about 20% of the literacy council’s total budget of $760,000, with other funding coming from the United Way of Berks County, the state, private donations, fee-for-service work with area businesses and an annual fundraising event.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, WIOA funds are intended to improve the nation’s workforce system by helping people attain high-quality jobs and careers while also assisting employers in hiring and retaining skilled workers.

And that, said Breisch, is exactly what the funding accomplishes.

“That funding pays for classes for students working to improve English proficiency skills so they can obtain employment or advance to higher paying jobs,” he said. “And it helps us to keep the lights on in our classrooms and pay our staff members so we can continue to meet the needs of our community.”

Clients Are Seeking Better Lives

Breisch, who has been employed by the literacy council for 30 years and has served as executive director since 2010, said people who find their way to the organization are self-motivated and prepared to work hard to advance.

“They want to make a better life for themselves,” he said. “And that ultimately results in better circumstances for our entire community.”

Breisch spoke of Gabi, who moved from Brazil and, with help from the literacy council, was able to graduate from nursing school and obtain employment in the health care field.

Bob Libutti, a long-time volunteer and former board president of the Literacy Council of Reading-Berks, tutors student Jin Chen.

He related the story of Juan Pablo, an industrial engineer who, with his American wife and children, moved to Berks County from Mexico in 2002 to care for his ailing father-in-law. Able to speak only Spanish, Juan Pablo sought help from the council, became proficient in speaking and writing English, and landed a meaningful job that he’s held for 17 years.

“We have thousands of success stories,” Breisch said. “And when people are successful, they can contribute to the success of others.”

Uncertainty Makes Planning Nearly Impossible

Ongoing uncertainty about its budget for next year has made planning for 2026 nearly impossible, according to Breisch.

On top of not knowing what will happen with its federal funding, Literacy Council staff worry that Pennsylvania’s ongoing state budget impasse could eventually result in adverse financial consequences.

And, explained Breisch, if federal funding does come through for 2026, which at this point is by no means guaranteed, it’s unclear what conditions may be attached to it.

“We aren’t giving out student handbooks at this point because we don’t know what classes we can include in them,” Breisch said. “And we’re planning on only doing a half-year budget for 2026 for now because we have no clue what will happen after June 30.”

Ryan Breisch, executive director of the Literacy Council of Reading-Berks, is worried that potential cuts in federal funds could cause program disruptions.

While the current uncertainty is disconcerting, the Literacy Council continues to look forward to its move from its current headquarters in West Lawn to Tec Centro’s building at 450 S. Sixth Street in Reading. The move is tentatively planned for January.

The rent they will pay for the new space should be substantially less than costs for upkeep of its current building, which the Literacy Council owns, Breisch said. And funds from the sale of the current building will allow grant money to be applied for education rather than to pay for rent or building upkeep.

“We’re worried about a lot of unknowns right now, but we’re also excited about moving and working more closely with Tec Centro and the clients it serves,” Breisch said. “We’ll keep doing what we do to the best of our ability.”

At the Community Foundation, we want to improve life in Berks County by connecting its residents with accurate information.

What do these cuts mean for Berks County residents, nonprofits, businesses and donors?

The impact of federal funding cuts, government shutdowns, and the state budget impasse are beginning to be felt on a local level.

While philanthropy helps create vibrant and healthy communities, it is not designed to replace the stability of federal or state investments. Affordable housing, food security, access to education, workforce development, affordable healthcare and much more depend on federal dollars. When that funding is stripped or halted, we risk a reduction in essential local services.

Local philanthropy has never and will never be able to fill the void of government funding.  

Why Stories of Impact?

As a community foundation, we hear directly from the Berks nonprofits, agencies, businesses and individuals how federal cuts impact their capacity to serve the community. To connect Berks County residents with accurate information, we’ve engaged a local freelance reporter to elevate the voices of those impacted and shed light on the real-world effects of these budget changes on local organizations and individuals.   

This research has been captured in the form of articles that you can read below.

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Note from Monica Reyes, VP for Programs and Initiatives: Opinions expressed in the Government Cuts, Local Impact Series do not necessarily represent those of Berks County Community Foundation.

Click here to read the bio of our reporter, Susan Shelly McGovern

Susan is a freelance writer, editor, and researcher. Over the course of a long and varied career, Susan has crafted thousands of articles, written or contributed to more than 50 books, generated copy for advertising and marketing firms, edited a variety of manuscripts, researched corporate histories and generally applied her skills to whatever projects presented themselves.

But what Susan has enjoyed the most is telling stories.

As a feature writer for the Reading Eagle, area colleges and universities, health care systems, treatment centers and others, Susan has had the opportunity to tell the stories of first-generation college students, people struggling with addiction, veterans, business executives, health care workers, educators, patients dealing with serious illnesses and people who have triumphed over adverse circumstances.

As a long-time, invested resident of Berks County, Susan has witnessed some of the challenges local people experience with food insecurity, homelessness, incarceration, alienation and other extremely challenging situations. She has worked with agencies including New Journey Community Outreach, Opportunity House, Berks Coalition to End Homelessness, Family Promise of Berks County and Connections Work.


by Susan Shelly McGovern

Helping Harvest vans are frequently seen at community events in Berks and Schuylkill counties.

Maria has always worked hard to make sure her children have enough food and other necessities. There seldom was extra, but they always had enough.

When Maria, of Reading, was diagnosed earlier this year with Stage 5 kidney disease, however, the single mother didn’t know what to do. Unable to work, faced with medical bills and receiving only 60% of her wages through short-term disability insurance, having enough food for her family was suddenly a very frightening uncertainty.

Maria and her children are by no means alone. Food insecurity has increased dramatically since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Pennsylvania, more than 1.7 million people – including one in six children – are at risk for hunger, according to Feeding America, a nonprofit organization that operates more than 200 food banks across the United States.

Volunteers distribute food to neighbors at a Helping Harvest Mobile Market.

Fortunately, Maria reached out and was able to secure immediate assistance from Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank, a community resource serving Berks and Schuylkill counties. That help has given her family access to adequate food supplies as they wait for their application for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to be processed and, hopefully, approved.

But that ability to provide immediate and adequate aid for those in need is becoming increasingly difficult, according to Jay Worrall, president of Helping Harvest and board chair of Feeding Pennsylvania, an organization that promotes food banks within the state and assists them in obtaining necessary resources and support.

Cuts in federal funding for food distribution programs made earlier this year are straining the ability of food banks across the state and nation to continue supplying resources to those most in need.

Worrall said federal cuts resulted in a loss of $3 million to Helping Harvest, equivalent to about 15% of the food it distributes annually.

Those cuts, coupled with stalled state funding caused by Pennsylvania’s ongoing budget impasse and impending cuts to SNAP, are resulting in trying times for Helping Harvest, Worrall said.

SNAP benefits could be reduced by as much as $11 million in Schuylkill County and up to $26.8 million in Berks, according to Worrall, affecting thousands of families. In addition, it is unclear whether the recent shutdown of the federal government, which was still underway at the time this article was written, might have long-reaching implications for the future of Helping Harvest.

Volunteers pack food boxes in Helping Harvest’s warehouse in Spring Township.

“Demand for our services continues to increase, but we’re left with fewer resources to meet those needs. The worst of the SNAP cuts haven’t even taken place yet, but people are anticipating them and already looking to us for extra help. It’s the perfect storm and it’s making our work very difficult,” Worrall explained.

Helping Harvest recently announced cuts to some of its programs in Schuylkill County, starting in November. The food bank will stop providing food to about a dozen pantry and mobile market sites, a move Worrall attributed to federal funding cuts and the state’s budget impasse.

“We have more demand and less food,” Worrall said, during a recent interview with the Pottsville Republican Herald. “We truly wish this change was not necessary, but our hand has been forced.”

A Helping Harvest volunteer gives local students fresh fruit to take home.

Although the food bank has made some organizational changes and altered the way it processes and distributes food to try to make up the shortfalls it’s experiencing, it is unable to keep up with decreased funding and increasing demand.

“We’re working to close that gap, but we’re not going to make up $3 million in one year,” Worrall said. “We’re going to have very serious challenges to overcome.”

While the future of funding for Helping Harvest and other food banks is uncertain, Worrall is looking forward and trying to remain optimistic.

He pointed to the potential of Helping Harvest’s Community Kitchen that opened in August in downtown Reading, explaining that the kitchen makes it possible for large-scale food donations to be repurposed into thousands of individual meals for people in Berks and Schuylkill counties.

“That’s a real help in getting meals out to people who need them,” Worrall said. “It’s wonderful how the community came together to support the Community Kitchen and make that possible.”

Volunteers and staff assemble ready-to-eat meals at Helping Harvest’s new Community Kitchen.

In these very uncertain times, Worrall will continue to look to the Berks and Schuylkill communities for support. It is urgent, he said, that the needs of everyone at risk for hunger – especially children – are addressed and met.

“Think what it would be like to not have enough food for your kids,” Worrall said. “I can’t imagine that, and I don’t want anyone else to have to, either. We’re going to need all the help we can get, but Helping Harvest will continue to serve the people who need us the most.”

Before Grantmaking, Let’s Understand Community Foundations 

Community foundations pool resources from individuals, families, and businesses to support nonprofits within their communities. It all starts with a donor or donors working with us to establish a fund to support their charitable goals. We currently manage nearly 400 different funds totaling approximately $140 million. Most of those funds are restricted to support specific organizations or areas of interest. 

Our Grantmaking Process 

  1. Identifying Community Needs: Our team of program officers, each of whom is an expert in her area of focus, starts by identifying the most pressing needs within the community and managing their related portfolio of funds. This involves engaging with local stakeholders and analyzing data to understand where support is most needed.  
  1. Establishing Grant Programs: Based on identified needs, our team established five areas of focus: Arts & Culture, Education, Environment & Energy, Health & Human Services, and Neighborhood Vitality. 
  1. Endowments: To support our grantmaking activities, the Community Foundation relies on donations from the public. Most of the funds that we manage are endowed funds, which are invested to generate income for long-term grantmaking. This ensures a sustainable source of funding for future grants. 
  1. Grant Application and Review: Nonprofit organizations seeking funding submit grant applications detailing their projects and how they align with the foundation’s priorities. Applications are reviewed by a committee and/or foundation staff to assess their potential impact and feasibility. Committee members are selected because they have a connection to the fund or expertise in the area it supports. 
  1. Awarding Grants: Once the review process is complete, the foundation awards grants to selected nonprofits. These grants can be unrestricted, allowing organizations to use the funds as needed, or restricted to specific projects or programs. 
  1. Monitoring and Evaluation: After grants are awarded, our program officers monitor the progress of funded projects. This involves regular reporting from grantees and site visits to ensure that the funds are being used effectively and that the projects are achieving their intended outcomes. 
  2. Community Engagement and Feedback: Continuous engagement with the community is crucial. Foundation staff often holds meetings, site visits, and forums to gather feedback and ensure that our grantmaking strategies remain aligned with community needs and our mission.

Our grantmaking is made possible by the funds that have been established over our 31-year history. Each fund was established based on the interests and passions of the donor(s), and it is our honor and obligation to abide by the parameters set forth by our fund holders. 

There are different types of funds that donors can establish with the Community Foundation:

  1. Undesignated: Want to meet the most pressing needs in Berks County? Grants from undesignated funds are determined by our board of directors to address ever-changing community needs. This type of fund supports initiative work such as our support of Spotlight PA, student retention work, rural initiatives, and new arts funding. We strategize to use unrestricted funding to create systemic change and address big issues. 
  1. Designated: Support a specific organization year after year, even after you are gone. Organizations benefit from consistent support, and you can be confident the money in your fund is professionally managed. 
  1. Field of Interest: Whatever your cause, our team of program experts will do the legwork to ensure grants from your fund make a difference for your cause now and for years to come. 
  1. Donor Advised: Make decisions about where grants from your fund go each year while you are alive, with the option to name a successor advisor after you are gone. 
  1. Scholarships: Help students pay for their education through a scholarship fund. Or use a designated fund or more flexible field-of-interest fund to support a specific school or area of education. 
  1. Giving Circle: The Power of the Purse (POP) committee is a women’s giving circle. The dedicated group of women meets several times a year to learn about barriers women and girls face in Berks County. They visit local organizations, listen to expert speakers, and make thoughtful decisions about how best to help, using their pooled resources. 

The vision for the Program Team is to:  

I lead the team of expert program officers, ensuring their grantmaking work and management align with donor intent. Together, we seek local and national partnerships and opportunities to amplify the impact of our programs.  

The mission of Berks County Community Foundation is to promote philanthropy and improve the quality of life for the residents of Berks County. We play a pivotal role by providing financial support to various nonprofit organizations and individuals in need through our grantmaking. If you have questions, please email me at monicar@bccf.org. To learn more about myself and the team at Berks County Community Foundation, visit the Our Team page.

Receiving a grant from Berks County Community Foundation marks an exciting milestone in your organization’s journey. It’s more than just funding – it’s a boost of confidence in your vision and the impact you make in our community. Let’s walk through what happens next and how to make the most of this opportunity. 

First Things First: The Grant Agreement 

Before the fund is distributed, there’s one crucial step that must be taken: completing your grant agreement form. This document outlines the responsibilities between your organization and the Community Foundation, ensuring clarity and setting expectations. You’ll need to submit this through our third-party online portal within 30 days of receiving your email offer. 

Sharing Your Success 

Once your grant agreement is squared away, consider sharing your achievement with the community. Here’s how to do it effectively: 

Take a moment to acknowledge the dedication and hard work that brought you here. Your team’s commitment deserves recognition, and this grant validates their efforts. 

Consider sharing your journey and plans across your communication channels. Whether that is through your website, social media, or newsletter, let your supporters know about this exciting program. It’s about inspiring others and showing the positive changes happening in our community. 

When sharing news about your grant, please include proper acknowledgment of the funding source. Use the following format: 

“Support for this project was provided by the [XYZ Fund] of Berks County Community Foundation.” 

Click here to download a comprehensive resource to help you navigate this journey. Click here to find detailed guidelines for using our organization’s name and logo, templates for various communications and more! 

This grant is just the beginning. We’re excited to see how your project develops and the positive change it brings to our community. Remember, our team is here to support your success every step of the way. 

Have specific questions about promoting your funding? Email me at ericac@bccf.org

As part of the Community Foundation’s commitment to increase civic engagement and improve access to local news, we are proud to announce the appointment of Dave Myers as our newest Senior Fellow. Myers will lead a community forum series to engage Berks County residents on pressing issues affecting their lives.  

Dave Myers, a seasoned leader with deep roots in Berks County, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for the Foundation’s mission. With a career dedicated to serving his community, Myers has long been recognized for his ability to unite people, facilitate constructive conversations, and turn ideas into tangible action. 

Dave’s extensive background and unwavering commitment to the community make him an ideal person to lead this important initiative. We are confident that his work will spark conversations that will drive positive change. 

As part of his role, Dave Myers will host a series of community forums that aim to provide an open, accessible space for residents to engage with one another and discuss issues that matter most to them. The topics to be discussed will cover a broad range of local issues. Most forums will be held over Zoom, but some will be hosted in-person. Visit our Eventbrite page to find the next community forum.

Dave Myers, Senior Fellow

“These forums are an opportunity to bring people from all walks of life together,” Myers shared. “Whether we’re talking about issues that impact our schools, our economy, or our healthcare system, it’s crucial that we create an environment where everyone feels comfortable participating.” 

Please check out our News and Events for updates on the forums to be part of the conversations. 

On November 6, Berks County Community Foundation held its Annual Meeting at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Reading. More than 100 civic leaders and community members attended the event, which focused on the evolving landscape of local journalism. The event started off with Kevin Murphy, president, and Monica Reyes, vice president for programs and initiatives, addressing the audience before introducing the keynote. 

Reyes said, “I’m proud to say that one of the Community Foundation’s largest philanthropic initiatives to date is our work on increasing local journalism.” Reyes’ remarks included details on how Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom based in Harrisburg that is dedicated to investigative and public service journalism for Pennsylvania, will launch a Berks news bureau in 2025.  

The event’s keynote speaker, Jim Brady, has been vice president of Journalism at John S. and James L. Knight Foundation since 2021 and oversees Knight’s journalism portfolio of more than $200 million. During his tenure, Brady has been instrumental in developing the strategic framework behind Press Forward, a $500 million effort to revitalize local news in the United States.  

Brady highlighted several successful examples of innovation in local journalism, including nonprofit news models, audience engagement strategies, and the rise of local reporting initiatives that cater specifically to each community. He stressed that developing trust between journalists and their audiences is essential for rebuilding the public’s faith in the media. 

Following Brady’s address, attendees had the opportunity to participate in a question-and-answer discussion and shared insights on how Berks County’s news landscape is evolving.  

Overall, the event was a success, sparking meaningful conversations and new ideas for supporting local journalism in Berks County and beyond. To learn more about Spotlight PA, click here.  

Reading, PA – October 9, 2024 – Berks County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the conclusion of its 3rd quarter grant cycle, which has successfully distributed vital funding to local nonprofits and initiatives dedicated to improving our community. 

In this quarter, the foundation awarded grants to a diverse range of projects focusing in areas of environment and energy, education, health and human services, arts and culture, and neighborhoods and economic development; supporting the impactful work of local organizations that improve the lives of Berks County residents.  

These numbers are a testament to the Foundation’s commitment to its mission to promote philanthropy and improve the quality of life for the residents of Berks County. 

“Grants awarded are made possible by generous donors who give back to the community they love,” stated Molly McCullough Robbins, Vice President for Philanthropic Services. 

Moving forward, community members are invited to join the Community Foundation in sparking change. Here are two ways to get involved: 

  1. Give to an Existing Fund: Your contributions can help sustain the important work of established funds addressing specific needs within Berks County. 
  1. Create Your Own Fund: Whether you want to honor a loved one or support a particular cause or organization, the Foundation can help you to create a fund that reflects your passions and philanthropic goals. 

For more information on how to give or create a fund, please visit www.bccf.org, email Molly McCullough Robbins at mollyr@bccf.org, or call (610) 685-2223. 

About Berks County Community Foundation 

Berks County Community Foundation is a nonprofit corporation serving as a civic leader for our region by developing, managing, and distributing charitable funds to improve the quality of life in Berks County, PA. More information is available at www.bccf.org

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Intergenerational dialogue is a great way for individuals to learn and understand each other. Besides, with our families, there aren’t many opportunities for young and older adults to talk to each other about life. Twin Valley Community Education wanted to create a space where children can practice this at school and teach the importance of these connections through hands-on experience. With funding from Berks County Community Foundation, they implemented a new educational project entitled Bridging Generations.

The main purpose of this project is to bridge the gap between generations to promote better communication from different walks of life. Twin Valley Community Education Foundation wanted students to learn about handwritten communication, while simultaneously connecting them with a generation outside of their own. The funding for this program came from the Hawley and Myrtle Quier Fund. This fund makes distributions to improve the quality of life for Berks County residents, with emphasis on the arts, education, women’s issues, children’s issues, and animal welfare. This program was created to foster human connections in our community.  

A group of second-grade students at Robeson Elementary Center who were not behind on their schoolwork, and who had an interest, were paired with a participating older adult whom they could become local pen pals with. This program was intended to fill a gap and provide students with an older adult and vice versa. According to Lynn Weller, the program coordinator, “This program was successful in bringing Berk’s older individuals and elementary students together to learn from each other and form friendships in a safe and meaningful way.” 

Not only did this program succeed in connecting two different generations, but it also succeeded in teaching children the importance of letter writing and written communication. Weller reported that “before this program, 32% of participants reported that they were unsure how to write a letter, and 79% were unsure how to address a letter.” The program proved to be a positive experience for the older adults who participated as well. Many participants were elated to teach children about the importance of writing. Additionally, it gave them an outlet to share stories and life advice, which they really enjoyed.  

Weller mentions that more students will be encouraged to participate in the future, not just those who are ahead with their studies. In addition to this, there is a hope that an event will be hosted at the end of the program where the participating children and their families can meet the senior citizens in person.  

While this grant opportunity is no longer available, you can still donate to the Hawley and Myrtle Quier Fund for new future programs by visiting www.bccf.org.  If you are looking for funding for your next project, check out other funds that are available at www.bccf.org.