How To Access Community Resources in Berks County When You Need Them Most
The single mom caught in a SNAP delay with an empty pantry. The grandfather deciding between a warm home and dinner on the table during the cold season. The veteran struggling to find a civilian paycheck after years of service. Every person in Berks County has faced...
From the Ashes: Overcoming Disaster Together
On a cold morning in Reading, Pennsylvania, on Sep. 4, 2025, 38 people watched their lives burn. At 5:30 a.m., a devastating fire ravaged three buildings and 10 apartment units, leaving 28 adults and 10 children homeless in minutes. But thanks to the support of the...
From the Sidelines to Center Stage: Zahavah’s Story of Growth
Growth doesn’t always announce itself loudly. For Zahavah Oliveras, growth began quietly in the sixth grade at the Olivet Boys & Girls Club in Berks County. Her journey was made possible through the strategic investment and partnership of the United Way of Berks...
Opening New Doors: Doug’s Journey to Stability
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,...
More Than a Building: Henry’s Path to Belonging
The place we call home is far more than a building—it’s where we experience love, companionship, and where we feel safe. But for some youth in our community, the concept of home has always seemed far away. In 2023, 16-year-old Henry and his brother had a sit-down...
Worth the Wait: Jacob’s Mentorship Story
Sometimes, meeting the right person is worth the wait. In 2020, LaCasha reached out to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berks County to find a “Big” (mentor) for her “Little” (mentee) 8-year-old son, Jacob. Like many single moms, the most important thing for her was to...
Daniel’s Journey of Recovery with Tower Health at Home and United Way
It was a night that Kathy Griess will never forget. Her husband, Daniel, came home from his evening shift as a BARTA bus driver and went to sleep. When she went to wake him, his speech was incomprehensible. She called 911, and her then 74-year old husband was admitted...
Responding to Crisis: American Red Cross Impacts Berks County
Last July, a massive storm system hit Berks County with 5” to 8” inches of rain causing flash flooding in multiple areas. American Red Cross PA Rivers Chapter, a United Way agency partner, jumped into action by providing shelter for residents of a Reading apartment...
Empowering Abilities: Danielle’s Success Story with Threshold/Berks Personnel Network and United Way
Danielle is a vibrant and joyful 22-year-old who works hard to extend beyond her intellectual and developmental disability. With help from Threshold/Berks Personnel Network, supported by United Way of Berks County, she is able to work independently in a role she...
Edward’s Story with Meals on Wheels and United Way
At age 99, Edward is a proud WWII Navy Veteran who has received more than a dozen medals and commendations for saving his ship from sinking when it was attacked. Edward is an American hero; he is also a Meals on Wheels recipient, thanks to your support of the United...