United Way of Berks County

Live United

HelpLink Network

 

With the current economic conditions, more and more people are facing unemployment, reduced income and a greater need for food and other basic needs to live. However, many people do not know where to go for help and do not realize they may be eligible for various supports and services.

United Way of Berks County has partnered with several local agencies throughout Berks County to create the HelpLink Network, a group of local agencies with trained staff and volunteers committed to assisting individuals and families find the benefits, programs, and local resources needed to help them through these difficult times.

Volunteers will use a software system called Benefit Bank to screen clients for benefit eligibility, and will assist them in submitting an electronic benefits application directly on-line. Therefore, clients do not need to visit the County Assistance Office to complete and submit the application---it can be done right at the HelpLink site!

Benefits people can apply for include:

  • CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program)
  • TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
  • LIHEAP (Low Income Heating Emergency Assistance Program)
  • Food Stamps
  • Medical Assistance
  • Child Care Subsidies

HelpLink Sites are located around Berks County and appointments can be made on varying days and time schedules. Sites and their availability include:

  • Berks Community Action Program Call for appointment time
  • Berks Encore Thurs. 8:30am – 12pm
  • Boyertown Area Multi-Service Tues- Thurs: 8:30am - 4:30pm
  • Catholic Charities Tues, Thurs: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
  • Centro Hispano Daniel Torres Call for appointment time
  • Friend, Inc. Community Services Mon: 9:30am – 12:30pm
  • Salvation Army: Reading Corps Fri: 8:30am – 12:30pm
  • United Community Services Tues: 3:30pm – 5:30pm

An appointment is necessary. If you need help, click here to find a HelpLink site in your area, and call to make an appointment.

Volunteers are also needed at all HelpLink site locations.  To apply to become a volunteer, please click here.  For more information, please explore the links on the left.

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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

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.