When we hear about community needs, it’s often easy to try to break the problem down into smaller issues to solve one at a time: food, housing, medical care. But in reality, these social issues overlap and cause friction, impacting people across Berks County every day.
For example, if a working single parent is facing food insecurity, it becomes more difficult to have the energy to work. If senior citizens can’t find proper housing, it can lead to medical problems from stress.
In fact, 29% of Berks County households earn more than the federal poverty level, but those resources do not cover the cost of basic needs. These households are known as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) – families one minor financial emergency away from poverty. An additional 12% of the population are at or below the federal poverty level.
What’s the solution? Here at United Way of Berks County, we believe it’s local community support that brings organizations and people together from across Berks to solve the fundamental problems facing individuals, couples, and families. We can only tackle these big issues when we stand united, whether you’re an individual volunteer, a family, or an organization.
A Practical Snapshot
More than 3 out of every 4 single mothers in Berks County do not make enough to cover basic necessities.
Single Parent + 1 Infant: Requires an hourly wage of $27.02/hr ($54,048/year) just to cover bare survival needs:
- Housing: $1,145/month
- Childcare: $780/month
- Food: $747/month
- Healthcare: $471/month
Connected local community support needs a coordinated strategy
Imagine a Berks County where no one faces life challenges alone and everyone has the opportunity to build a stable, successful future.
That’s our initiative at the United Way of Berks County. These interconnected problems are why we invest in 30+ trusted local partners and lead initiatives focused on the building blocks of a strong community: to empower youth, strengthen health, build stability, and support in times of crisis. We respond when families need help today, while also supporting long-term solutions that create independence, resilience, and opportunity.
For example, when a neighbor comes to a local organization seeking access to food but also gets connected with financial aid for utility bills and access to mental health assistance, it’s an opportunity to treat the whole person instead of a single symptom.
When you support United Way, you’re not just helping one program, you are strengthening the entire community and helping neighbors move forward with confidence and a better quality of life.
Generations of Care: A Big Picture Legacy
After over 100 years in operation, we still need families like yours willing to pass down a legacy of compassion and collaboration to continue to move forward on our goal.
We’ve all heard the adage, “if you give a man a fish, he’ll eat for a day—if you teach a man to fish, he’ll eat for a lifetime.” The legacy of giving and generosity necessary to make lasting change needs to be shared and passed down far beyond any single act of kindness.
Enter the Connors. This family has been serving as United Way volunteers for decades, passing down a legacy of excellence from one generation to the next. Jim and Anna Connors set a powerful example as chairpersons for the 1990 campaign. Fast forward to today and both their children and grandchildren volunteer with United Way of Berks County on the board and campaign cabinet. Together, three generations are serving our community side by side and setting an example for how to make lasting change in our region.
“Connection is the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.” — Dr. Brené Brown
Whether you’re a donor, a volunteer, or a family requesting assistance, we believe there’s a place for you at United Way. We’re better together and connection is at the heart of everything we do. Our vision to build a better Berks is only possible through connection with our neighbors.