United Way of Berks County History

Celebrating 100 Years of Impact

Dear Supporters,

United Way of Berks County celebrated 100 years of impact in 2025, and we couldn’t be more excited to share this milestone with you.

For over a century, we’ve brought people together to identify and address our community’s most pressing needs. Join our volunteer team or offer a gift to become a part of our journey to 200!

Sincerely,

The United Way of Berks County Family

Join Hands With Us

Make an impact and become a volunteer. Whether you join us once a year for an event like the Day of Caring or serve as a tutor at Ready.Set.READ!, we have a place for you.

Volunteer

Give Back

Any financial gift, large or small, can change a life in Berks County. Your support makes a difference every day.

Donate

Commemorating Compassion

Join us as volunteer leaders Joni Nogle and Pete Connors take you on a whirlwind tour of the legacy of the United Way of Berks County.

Established over a century ago, you'll experience the history of the greatest achievements supporters like you have made possible and the hurdles we've overcome together, from the Great Depression to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A 1925 newspaper clipping featuring a line drawing of a young boy knocking on an oversize heart. The boy is saying "Community Chest"

The first 100 years

Founded in 1925 by a small group of people focused on improving the health and welfare of citizens and caring for people in crisis, The Welfare Federation of Reading and Berks County is where our story begins. Scroll through our timeline to discover the key dates, events and issues that have driven our work for 100 years.

Explore the Timeline

Support the next 100

Every day we’re striving toward investing in the four areas that are foundational to living a good life, based on where we see the greatest need in our community. We accomplish this mission by reaching out to friends, families, and neighbors in four key areas: empower youth, build stability, strengthen health, and support in crisis.

When you support us, United Way connects your single donation to 80+ programs and services, multiplying your impact across Berks.

Give Now

An overhead photo of a group of men and women standing in the large foyer of a company. Each person is holding up a sign with the letter U on it.

A little boy is smiling happily and holding a sign that says "thank you"

Celebrating Our Donors

We are grateful to the individuals, organizations and foundations that have made a gift in recognition of our 100th anniversary. Their gifts support programs and services to uplift those in need while celebrating 100 years of a shared love for Berks County.

Donor Wall

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST

Everyone needs a little sunshine. Join our newsletter to find out more about lives being changed across Berks County, learn about our calendar of events, and unite with us to reach the community.