For Doug Dimmig, education once felt like a luxury he couldn’t afford.
His children have always been his priority. As a young father, Doug left high school to care for them. Years later, as a single parent, navigating a divorce, the idea of finishing his education, let alone going to college, felt out of reach. But everything began to change in September 2024, when Doug walked through the doors of the Literacy Council of Reading-Berks.
With support from the Literacy Council, and services made possible through United Way of Berks County and donors like you, Doug discovered something he hadn’t felt in a long time: possibility.
A First Step Forward
At the start, Doug wasn’t sure he could succeed. Balancing a full-time job, raising his children, and returning to school felt overwhelming.
“He was excited about taking the class,” shared Bev Hirneisen, Training and Development Support Specialist, “but also apprehensive about his ability to balance work, school, and parenting.”
Still, Doug took the first step.
With encouragement from the Literacy Council team, he completed a GED Ready pretest and quickly realized he was closer than he thought. With a plan in place and ongoing support, Doug committed himself fully to the process. Over the next eight months, he built critical skills in time management, self-discipline, math, writing, and reading comprehension all while continuing to work and care for his family.
In May 2025, Doug earned his GED.
More than a Milestone
For Doug, earning his GED wasn’t the finish line…it was the beginning.
With renewed confidence and a clearer vision for his future, he took the next step: college.
With guidance from the Literacy Council and support from his employer, Doug enrolled in programs focused on Business Management and Accounting. Through tuition assistance and a fast-track option, he is now a college graduate with dual associate degrees, positioning him for greater opportunity and long-term financial stability.
“Adult learners don’t lack potential; they lack access, time, and support,” Bev explains. “When those are provided, especially for single parents, transformation happens quickly and powerfully.”
The Power of a Community United
Doug’s journey is not one he took alone.
It is the result of a community working together: nonprofit partners providing guidance and support, employers investing in their workforce, and donors making opportunities like this possible through United Way.
Today, Doug is giving back as a volunteer at the Literacy Council, supporting others who are just beginning their journey.
His motivation is simple: to be a role model for his children and to show them what is possible.
Why This Matters
Doug’s story is a powerful reminder that the path to stability is often within reach but just out of grasp without the right support at the right time.
Because of a community that believes in second chances and new beginnings, Doug is no longer choosing between supporting his family and building a better future.
He’s doing both. And that changes everything.
United Way of Berks County brings our community together with hope for today and thriving for tomorrow. We focus on helping our neighbors in four key areas: empower youth, strengthen health, build stability, and support for people in crisis.
Yet, the mission can’t be accomplished alone. We need supporters like you.
Ready to join us to build a better Berks?