United Way of Berks County

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Education Outcomes

Education Outcomes

SCHOOL READINESS

  • All children are appropriately prepared for school success.  Children have good health and physical development, emotional and social competence, a positive attitude toward learning, good communication skills, and age appropriate cognitive skills and general knowledge
  • All families, especially those in greatest need, have access to immediate, affordable, accessible and quality childcare.

SCHOOL SUCCESS

  • More students successfully graduate from Reading High School
  • Families with truant youth are quickly identified and participate in appropriate services for successful reconnection with schools

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

  • Youth participate in diverse and effective out-of-school programs that are supportive and develop skills, knowledge and values
  • Youth develop age-appropriate life skills and social competence and have the opportunity to effectively utilize those skills
  • Youth “aging out” of foster care are appropriately prepared and supported to successfully live independently as young adults

HEALTHY FAMILIES

  • Parents, parents to be and caregivers have the knowledge and skills they need to establish strong families
  • All parents and caregivers have a strong formal and informal support system for dealing with parenting and family related issues 

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Community Impact Contacts

Pat Giles, Senior Vice President, Community Impact
610-685-4567
patgiles@uwberks.org

  

Stella Leonti, Director of Education
610-685-4566
stellal@uwberks.org

 

Jane Moyer, Early Care and Education Program Director
610-685-4577
janemoy@uwberks.org

 

Jen O'Brien, Community Impact Director
610-685-4586
jennifero@uwberks.org

 

Darby Wiekrykas, Volunteer Engagement Program Manager
610-685-4574
darbyw@uwberks.org 

 

 

UWBC Initiatives and Programs

United Way Initiatives and Programs

Berks Early Care and Education Council

FamilyWize Discount Drug Program

 

Community Collaborations

Berks Money in Your Pocket Coalition

 

Special Funded Programs

Greater Berks Food Bank

RACC English as a Second Language Program

Reading Housing Authority Wellness Program

Did You Know?

Berks County faces many challenges each day that impact the present and future quality of life for many of its residents. Did you know…………..

  • Record numbers of Berks County residents (over 60,000) are receiving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assiatance Program) benefits
  • Between 2009 and 2011, there was a 33% increase in the number of Berks County residents who received SNAP benefits.
  • Over 50% of the SNAP Recipients in Berks County are below the age of 20.
  • 14% of Berks County families with children under the age of 18 were living below the poverty level.
  • The City of Reading is ranked as one of the nation’s poorest cities, having the highest poverty rate in Pennsylvania and the sixth highest in the country. (among cities with a population above 65,000)
  • Almost 17% of the Berks County adult population did not possess a high school diploma.
  • The Reading School District estimates that 70% of children entering kindergarten lack one or more skills needed to be successful in school.
  • The City of Reading has one of the highest rates of births to teen mothers in the state of Pennsylvania.