United Way of Berks County

Live United

Let Your Voice Be Heard

Anyone can champion a cause, so let your voice be heard in support of a better Berks County for all of us. Join United Way in advancing the common good by advocating for issues important to you and your community! Below are some ideas to get you started in helping to create opportunities for a better tomorrow.

Advocate for Education:

  • Learn more about Pennsylvania’s Early Childhood Initiatives and declare your support for our young children. Visit www.papromiseforchildren.com
  • Promote quality child care through learning about the Keystone Stars Program. Visit www.pakeys.org
  • Do two simple things to let children know you care about them and their future: learn the names of children in your neighborhood; ask them about school and what they want to be when they grow up. Show interest in what they do!

Advocate for Income:

  • Educate others about the availability of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Click here to learn more.
  • Educate others about the Child Tax Credit (CTC).  To learn more, click here.
  • Ask your local school about the financial literacy programs they provide for students, and how you can support these efforts.

Advocate for Health:

  • Educate others about the importance of childhood immunizations, dental and eye screenings and lead testing.
  • Educate others about the existence of CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program), a health insurance program for children without coverage.
  • Visit www.chipcoverspakids.com

Advocate for Safety Net Services:

  • Call your legislators and ask them to support legislation to bring the 2-1-1 service to Pennsylvania. 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember telephone number that can be used to connect people with important community services and volunteer opportunities. Visit www.pa211.com
  • Support the Homeless Children and Youth Amendment to HR 840.  To learn more about this issue and to support the amendment, click here.

Give Now
$

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

CASA Program

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…………..

  • In 2007, 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.
  • In 2006, only 63% of pregnant women in the City of Reading received early prenatal care, the lowest percentage of any major municipality in the state.
  • In 2008, it was estimated that over 11% of adults in Berks County did not have any kind of health insurance.
  • Over 13% of Berks County families with children under the age of 18 were living below the poverty level in 2007.
  • An average of 11,000 people in Berks County were unemployed during a single month in 2008. This number continues to increase in 2009.
  • Between 2008 and 2009, there was a 13.3% increase in the number of Berks County residents who received Food Stamps.