United Way of Berks County

Live United

Tips for Volunteering

Tips for Volunteering

The following are some tips to help you find a volunteering opportunity that is right for you.

  • Research issues that are important to you-look for organizations that address these issues
  • Consider the skills you have to offer to others
  • Consider your schedule and location when searching for opportunities
  • Don’t over-commit your schedule
  • Look for opportunities that will help you achieve personal and professional goals you have set for yourself
  • Search for opportunities that will be fun for you
  • Be prepared for a potential interview.  Some non-profits need to make sure that volunteers are the right people for the opportunity so it’s a good experience for everyone
  • Consider volunteering as a family, or with co-workers and friends

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Community Impact Contacts

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

 

 

Marlene Wilson, Vice President, Allocations
610-685-4552
marlenew@uwberks.org

 

Zach Kline, VISTA/Volunteer Center Coordinator
610-685-4575
zachk@uwberks.org

 

 

Ethel Kramer, Community Impact Executive Assistant
610-685-4555
ethelk@uwberks.org

 

 

Sharon Mast, Director of Volunteer Engagement
610-685-4574
sharonm@uwberks.org 

 

Jane Moyer, Childcare Program Director
610-685-4577
janemoy@uwberks.org

 

 

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

 

 

UWBC Initiatives and Programs

United Way Initiatives and Programs

Right From The Start

Care for Kids Coalition

HelpLink Network

Prescription Costs

 

Community Collaborations

Berks Money in Your Pocket Coalition

 

Special Funded Programs

Greater Berks Food Bank

Stable Rental Housing

Runaway and Homeless Youth

English as a Second Language Program

The Wellness Center

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…………..

  • Between 2009 and 2010, there was a 19% increase in the number of Berks County residents who received Food Stamps.
  • Over 50% of the Food Stamp Recipients in Berks County are below the age of 18.
  • Over 14% of Berks County families with children under the age of 18 were living below the poverty level in 2008.
  • 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 60,000)
  • In 2008, 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.