Promoting Financial Stability and Independence

Probably the greatest indicator of economic self-sufficiency is the presence of a sustainable and consistent income. Yet, for many across Berks County, this factor does not exist, causing thousands of individuals and families to never have the chance to financially get ahead.

Consider these facts about Berks County:

• About 12% of the Berks County working population has an income below the poverty level
• 17% of youth under the age of 18 are living in poverty and 21% of youth under age 5 are living in poverty
• 33% of homeowners live in a home that costs more than 30% of their annual income, leaving fewer dollars to provide for other basic needs

Source: American Community Survey, 2008

Because the lack of financial stability is often linked to negative long-term consequences, such as lower education levels, poorer health outcomes, and unstable housing, United Way of Berks County is committed to efforts that promote financial stability and independence. These efforts help to ensure that all individuals and families have access to opportunities that can help them increase income, build savings, and gain more financial assets for long-term stability.

Agency Partners and Programs in the Focus Area of Income

Following is a list of community-level outcomes that have been established for the focus area of Income, and a list of partner agency programs receiving funding to address each particular outcome. For a full description of these agency programs and contact information, click here.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Outcome: People have access to safe, affordable rental housing and the ability to own a home throughout the City of Reading and the County.

Outcome: Challenged individuals have access to transitional or permanent supportive housing leading to housing stability.

EMPLOYMENT/JOB SKILLS

Outcome: Adults improve their ability to function productively in the community by acquiring and improving their literacy and English language skills.

SUPPORTIVE SERVICES

Outcome: Challenged individuals receive effective supportive services, including case management and advocacy, leading to increased self-sufficiency

Community Collaborations

Berks $ in Your Pocket Coalition

The Berks $ in Your Pocket Coalition was formed in 2008 through the efforts of United Way of Berks County, Berks Encore, Centro Hispano, and Berks Community Action Program. The Coalition’s mission is to offer free tax preparation for eligible populations throughout Berks County, and to promote better awareness of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).  In 2009 Boyertown Area Multi-Service and Catholic Caharities joined the Coalition to reach more clients across the local area with this free service.

During tax season, sites are established around the county to do free tax preparation for individuals and families who qualify for this service, using trained volunteers to complete tax returns. You may qualify for free tax preparation if your income is approximately $50,000 or if you are 60 years or older.

In 2010, over 3,000 tax returns (a 20% increase over 2009) were prepared by 90 volunteers, generating over $2.1 million in refunds for Berks County residents.

Claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit is another way to bring more money into the pockets of Berks County residents. The EITC is a federal tax benefit for individuals and families who work, but do not make a lot of money. It helps supplement earned wages. Money received through this credit is like turning a $6 an hour job into an $8 an hour job.  In 2010 over $550,000 in EITC funds were generated through Coalition services.

Special Funded Programs

English as a Second Language Program

The Limited English Proficient (LEP) population has rapidly grown across Reading and Berks County in the past decade. Many of the people within this population have had limited options for employment or have faced many other daily struggles due to not having a strong command of the English language. In addition, attempts to learn the English language through formal classes could often not be met due to conflicting work and class schedules, and due to a lack of providers for ESL instruction.

United Way recognized this problem, and in 2008, awarded a $100,000 grant to Reading Area Community College to begin a new program to help the LEP population improve upon its English language skills.

This program is working to provide instruction to lower-level English learners.  Classes are being offered at Reading Area Community College several times throughout the year and at varying times of day to accommodate students' schedules.

To date over 250 individuals have enrolled in these classes, with 86% of them achieving measurable increases in their English language skills.  Most of them have been referred to higher level classes at RACC to increase their proficiency.