We now have our own custom app that allows you to use deals at over 100 locally owned businesses throughout Berks County – while also keeping you up to date on our events, volunteer needs, and of course donation opportunities throughout the year. Simply use the link below to purchase a membership with $15 of the $25 the annual fee going to support the many Family Promise Berks programs. So please join and spread the word. www.doitLOCALfundraising.com with Fundraising Key: ACD37512!
#FamilyPromiseBerks Executive Director, Elise Chesson had the pleasure of joining Jo Mercer On The Air of Y102 for her Roundtable Community Services morning edition! We had a great time and enjoyed sharing what we do to serve families & youth experiencing homelessness with their audience. Click here to listen!
Our reach is growing with the support of our partners in the community! Congregations, volunteers, foundations, businesses and individuals like you make our work possible. Your generosity has impacted countless families.
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Family and youth homelessness continue to be a growing concern for our Berks County community. With the new year in full swing, most of the local shelters and transitional housing programs remain at full capacity on an ongoing basis. Limited resources persist for those experiencing housing insecurity.
With your help in 2017, we served hundreds of families, children and youth through our Hospitality Network, U-Turn and Rent & Utility Assistance Programs.
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Elise Ch
esson has High Hopes for Family Promise of Berks County
by Susan Shelly
“Elise Chesson firmly believes that caring for those who have the least is a strategy that, in the long run, strengthens communities and makes everyone better off….. If we come together and embrace our differences, and recognize all the wealth and resources that we have, right here, that’s the point that this area will start to turn around. And that’s something everyone would benefit from.”
Read the rest of Family Promise of Berks and Executive Director Elise Chesson’s recent feature in Women2Women‘s “Women2Know” Winter 2018 Magazine.
As we all gear up for the holiday season, we wanted to share what we are most thankful for.
We are grateful for you!
Without the support we get from the community, congregations, volunteers, foundations, businesses and individuals we partner with our work would not be possible. Your generosity has impacted countless families.
New life is being brought to every corner of Family Promise of Berks. We are excited for what’s been happening over the past few months and thrilled for what is to come.
Friendsgiving Potluck
The Board of Directors, staff & families shared a meal and decorated the Day Center for the holidays. Thanks to everyone who attended the potluck, it was magical. The time and energy given helped make it a memorable and delicious potluck. It is so important to connect with
one another and sometimes that is done best by breaking bread. It was wonderful to watch everyone decorate the tree, share stories and enjoy themselves. Everyone deserves to be uplifted and surrounded by beauty. You have helped bring warmth and light to the Day Center and those who walk through our doors looking for a glimpse of hope. Small things can brighten a day. For that and more, we thank you for your continued commitment to Family Promise and the community we serve together.
Thanks to our Board President Dorothy DeLong and her friend Jan Knudsen for the hours spent on our new Photo Wall of Fame!
Thanks to Tina Shenk of Tina’s Salon ! We truly appreciate your generosity. Your substantial donation of furniture, chairs and art work have helped create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
A Celebration of Thanks
Incoming coordinators George & Brenda Bauer organized a surprise potluck to thank Wayne & Linda Weikel for over a decade of service as dedicated coordinators of West Lawn United Methodist Church.
Thanks for giving so generously for all of these years! You have changed countless lives!
Eagle Scouts Paint Day Center
A BIG THANKS to Eagle Scout Michael McClatchie and his troop who worked hard to paint our Day Center and build us a new Community Resource Board! It looks great!
Congratulations on Your Graduation
Rosalinda and her two children recently graduated from the program into their own home. She gives thanks to the many groups who donate welcome baskets to our families!
Coordinators at Immanuel UCC Host a Thanksgiving Feast
A big Thanks to coordinators Kasey, Sue and Suzie for the long hours and abundant generosity! Without individuals like you, our work would not be possible.
We Hired New Case Managers
We are thrilled to add two new case managers to the team. Darrius Palmer will serve homeless youth for our U-Turn Program and Tracey Reichert will serve the families in the Hospitality Network. They have both hit the ground running and are bringing fresh energy to Family Promise of Berks.
1 Year on our Team!
Tara Castro has been a part time case manager for our Rent & Utility Assistance Program for 1 year now! She describes her time with Family Promise as a true blessing. “I have always enjoyed helping people of all walks of life.”
She recently started a home health care business on top of the hard work she does with us to help support her grandchildren. “Whether it’s helping people with their finances, health or wellbeing. I have a passion to help. Little did I know that my business (Hudson’s Helping Hands Home Care) could also be a blessing to the families we serve.”
Two of our families have recently been hired as home aids. Both excel in their positions with rave reviews from their clients.
“It’s a wonderful feeling and an honor to being able to help beyond my role as a case manager.”
Thanks for your service Tara!
Our Community Gives Back to Family Promise of Berks
#CardboardVillage was a great success! This event raised awareness on issues surrounding youth homelessness & community based opportunities in response. We wish to thank all of the youth who attended and generously helped raise over $1000 for our U-Turn Program. We are truly grateful to Atonement Lutheran Church, First Unitarian Universalist Church of Berks County, St. Daniel’s Lutheran Church, Allegheny Evangelical Lutheran Church, and Immanuel UCC for their collaborative efforts in organizing such a meaningful event!
Local youth spend the night outside in cardboard boxes
Thanks to The L.O.V.E. Team of West Reading, Tina’s Salon & Day Spa, The Neag Planetarium team, Curious on The Avenue, all the shops, restaurants & everyone who made Giving Goes Glam a success!
West Reading Fashion Show Raises Money for Family Promise of Berks
We wish to thank everyone who played a role in the success of Taste of Hope 2017. You helped Family Promise of Berks raise nearly $38,000. That is something to celebrate! This gala would not have been possible without the support of a community that commits time, compassion and generously gives to us year-round. We cannot express enough thanks for the impact this has made for those we serve.
Pictures of the event
Reading-based Family Promise of Berks County honors hotel executive, an agency volunteer
