• The Magazine
  • Win It!
Berks County Living
No Result
View All Result
  • Everything Berks
    • Around Town
    • Education & Business
    • Family
    • Fashion & Shopping
    • Health & Wellness
    • House & Home
    • Seasonal
    • Travel
    • Web Exclusives
  • Food & Drink
    • Food
    • Drinks
    • Recipes
    • Restaurant Directory
    • Restaurant Profiles
  • People
    • Faces of Berks
    • Interesting People
    • People’s Choice
    • Profiles
    • Select Dentists
  • Things to Do
    • B Scene Party Pics
    • Event Calendar
  • Best Of
  • Blogs
    • Calm Eats
    • Phoebe Savors Berks
  • Weddings
    • Inspiration
    • Local Weddings
    • Wedding Vendor Directory
  • Guides
    • Beauty & Wellness
    • Family Businesses
    • Home Improvement Guide
    • Newcomer’s
    • Restaurants
Subscribe
  • Everything Berks
    • Around Town
    • Education & Business
    • Family
    • Fashion & Shopping
    • Health & Wellness
    • House & Home
    • Seasonal
    • Travel
    • Web Exclusives
  • Food & Drink
    • Food
    • Drinks
    • Recipes
    • Restaurant Directory
    • Restaurant Profiles
  • People
    • Faces of Berks
    • Interesting People
    • People’s Choice
    • Profiles
    • Select Dentists
  • Things to Do
    • B Scene Party Pics
    • Event Calendar
  • Best Of
  • Blogs
    • Calm Eats
    • Phoebe Savors Berks
  • Weddings
    • Inspiration
    • Local Weddings
    • Wedding Vendor Directory
  • Guides
    • Beauty & Wellness
    • Family Businesses
    • Home Improvement Guide
    • Newcomer’s
    • Restaurants
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result
Berks County Living
No Result
View All Result
Home Everything Berks Education & Business

50 Berks Nonprofits to Know

Jon Fassnacht by Jon Fassnacht
March 28, 2023
in Education & Business
50 Berks Nonprofits to Know

By definition, nonprofits are entities organized for purposes other than generating profit. But while the organizations themselves may not profit financially, communities and companies in their orbit profit in many other ways. Whether it’s helping animals, assisting children and seniors, preserving our history, championing the arts, protecting the environment or aiding the less fortunate, the numerous nonprofits in Berks County help make life better.

ANIMAL/PET CAUSES

1. Animal Rescue League of Berks County (ARL)

Established in 1952, the ARL has given many thousands of animals new leases on life. And not just cats and dogs – the organization also offers farm animals, birds, reptiles and amphibians for adoption. Popular fundraising events include the Pet Portrait FUNraiser and Mingle at the Museum, a garden-themed celebration held at Reading Public Museum that raises money for homeless animals.

610.373.8830 | berksarl.org

2. Grey Muzzle Manor

“The place that love built” utilizes a symbiotic model. It offers animal- and equine-assisted therapy, which benefits struggling individuals who interact with the four-legged friends, while simultaneously providing sanctuary and hospice care for senior animals to keep them out of shelters. Farm visits are available.

610.655.5271 | greymuzzlemanor.com

3. Humane Pennsylvania

To help improve animal welfare, Humane Pennsylvania believes in focusing on people, and their capacity to care for animals. The organization, which has campuses in Reading and Lancaster, tackles its mission through adoption centers, emergency animal rescue services, a pet-food pantry, a charitable foundation and three signature annual fundraisers: Walk for the Animals, Pints for Pups and Art for Arf’s Sake.

610.921.2348 | humanepa.org

4. One by One Cat Rescue

For nearly 30 years, this no-kill local cat rescue has helped abandoned, stray and rescued cats, providing shelter and foster care, and coordinating adoptions with families in Berks, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh and Montgomery counties. A few of the organization’s adoptable cats and kittens are available at PetSmart in Wyomissing.

1by1catrescue.org

5. Shady Hollow

Assisted Riding Residing on a working farm in Birdsboro, this equine-focused nonprofit believes in the power of interacting with horses. It’s right there in its web address, which urges visitors to hug a horse. Shady Hollow, open to people of all ages and abilities, aims to empower those with special needs. Offerings include assisted riding, day camps, birthday and party rental packages, and community service opportunities.

484.925.2080 | hugahorse.com


FOOD/CLOTHING

6. Friend, Inc. Community Services

Berks County’s got a Friend in Friend, Inc. Founded in 1972, the organization boosts the fortunes of those who need it in the northeastern section of the county through food and pet pantries, a student pantry at Kutztown University, a mobile market and emergency food delivery. Friend also offers social services like rent/utility assistance, medical assistance and career guidance. Its annual Brake the Cycle bike ride fundraiser rides into its 14th year in August.

610.683.7790 | friendinc.org

7. Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank

Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Helping Harvest provides 9+ million pounds of food to the more than 300 programs that feed those in need in Berks and Schuylkill counties, including food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, after-school programs and senior housing facilities. According to the organization, more than 110,000 people are nourished with food received from Helping Harvest every year.

helpingharvest.org

8. New Journey Community Outreach

Soon after New Journey United Methodist Church in Reading closed after merging with West Lawn United Methodist Church, New Journey Community Outreach was established in 2014 to continue its services and social outreach programs in the city. The nonprofit operates a daily soup kitchen, a weekly food pantry and a clothing center that distributes new and gently used items free of charge.

610.375.2662 | njcoinc.org

9. Opportunity House

Since 1984, Opportunity House has been helping the homeless in Berks. Along with its emergency shelter, which serves hundreds of people and tens of thousands of meals each year, the nonprofit offers a childcare and learning center, and assistance for veterans. Held days before the NFL’s similarly named championship game, the Souper Bowl fundraiser features donated soup and bowls, drawing hundreds annually.

610.374.4696 | opphouse.org


NONPROFIT ASSISTANCE

10. Inperium

Based in Reading, Inperium is composed of an affiliation of nonprofits and for-profits providing health-related and other business services to organizations. Its “constellation” of organizations includes many in the area, such as Abraxas Youth & Family Services, Alvarium Personal Care, Community Prevention Partnership, the Children’s Home of Reading and Apis Services.

888.270.5753 | inperium.org

11. Apis Services

A star in Inperium’s constellation, Apis offers general and administrative services to member organizations, including digital marketing and advertising, information technology, human resources, recruitment and retention, insurance and risk management, and compliance and legal services.

833.467.6468 | apismgt.org


HEALTH/MEDICAL

12. Alvarium Healthcare Inc.

A private nonprofit, Alvarium offers community-based support and services for individuals with disabilities and physical, medical or behavioral health needs. An alternative to structured environments like skilled nursing facilities, Alvarium’s community living arrangements, which feature 24-hour nursing supervision, are tailored to each individual.

844.720.2582 | alvariumhc.org

13. Breast Cancer Support Services

Espousing its belief in the power of community to overcome fears and strengthen one’s courage, BCSS offers a range of services to those afflicted by breast cancer, including programs and workshops, a counseling assistance program, a financial aid fund for survivors, a support phone line and comfort bags for newly diagnosed patients.

610.478.1447 | bcssberks.org

14. Kula Kamala Foundation & Yoga Ashram

With a goal to increase compassion, nonviolence, devotion and service, Kula Kamala offers holistic wellness programs to a range of clients, including military members, law enforcement workers, health care workers, women’s shelters and homeless shelters. It also educates yoga instructors at its ashram.

484.509.5073 | kulakamalafoundation.org

15. Vision Resource Center of Berks County

Founded more than 90 years ago as the Berks County Association for the Blind, the Vision Resource Center’s vision is to help the blind and visually impaired lead independent and productive lives while also helping to prevent blindness by increasing awareness. It serves more than 400 blind and visually impaired residents and offers over 3,000 vision screenings for children annually.

610.375.8407 | vrcberks.org


SUPPORT/COUNSELING

16. Berks Connections Pretrial Services

As its name states, BCPS offers pretrial assistance for individuals involved in the justice system, but it also offers services like re-entry workforce development and programs to ease incarceration’s impact on children and families. Additionally, it operates the Pardon Project of Berks County, which connects those with a criminal record who have served their time and seek a pardon with volunteer coaches to help them achieve that goal.

484.260.3860 | berksconnections.org

17. Jubilee Ministries

For more than 50 years, Jubilee has focused on offering hope to those behind bars, ministering to inmates and prison staff, offering counseling and providing a safe, residential environment for released inmates. It operates seven thrift stores, including the newest in Wernersville, to fund its mission.

610.396.2821 | jub.org

18. Clare of Assisi House

To help reduce the recidivism rate of incarcerated women, this Reading-based organization offers nonviolent women with a history of domestic violence and/or substance abuse a place to stay and support to help them put their lives back together. Its services include addiction recovery, employment counseling, educational opportunities, parenting and life-skills training and group therapy.

484.869.5483 | clareofassisihouse.org

19. Community Prevention Partnership

Established in 1991, this alliance offers a variety of services to communities in Berks and Schuylkill counties to cut down on the risks associated with issues like alcohol, tobacco, drugs, violence, teen pregnancy and abuse. Its offerings include mental health services, after-school programs, educational opportunities and nursing assistance for first-time low-income mothers.

610.376.6988 | communitypreventionpartnership.org

20. Berks Counseling Center

This outpatient counseling facility — a PA Integrated Community Wellness Center (ICWC) and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) — offers a variety of in-person and phone/video services. They include mental health services, substance use services, children and adolescent services, re-entry and criminal justice services, veteran services, behavioral health services and physical health services.

610.373.4281 | berkscounselingcenter.org

21. CASA of Berks County

According to CASA, an average of 400 abused/neglected children go through Berks courts each month. Half of them end up in foster care, where they often stay for years. The acronym in this nonprofit’s name stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. These are volunteers who advocate for abused and neglected children in the courts, staying with them until their cases are closed and they find homes.

610.301.8634 | casaberks.org

22. CONCERN

CONCERN brings hope, offers opportunity and inspires change. Celebrating 45 years of providing services to children, youth and families, CONCERN offers adoption/permanency, foster care, community-based services, residential treatment and behavioral health services throughout PA and MD. CONCERN has served thousands of children in finding safe and permanent homes through foster care and adoption.

484.578.9600 | concern4kids.org

23. Family Guidance Center

Founded in 1902, FGC provides adults, children and families in Berks and the surrounding areas with quality, bilingual counseling and related services, such as mobile therapy and an educational program for divorcing parents. The nonprofit’s annual Mind Your Health 5K Run, Walk and Community Event is held in May at the Stone House in Wyomissing.

610.374.4963 | familyguidancecenter.com


CHILDREN/YOUTH

24. Bethany Children’s Home

Celebrating its 160th anniversary in 2023, this local institution serves youths ages 10 to 21 who have endured trauma. Offering counseling, educational support and spiritual services, Bethany resides on a 385-acre Heidelberg Township campus offering a full-sized gymnasium, tennis courts, an art and pottery studio, a fishing pond and miles of hiking trails. Events include the free Summer Concert Series and holiday celebrations.

610.589.4501 | bethanyhome.org

25. South Mountain YMCA Camps

Since 1948, families have driven up South Mountain to enjoy the serene setting and panoramic views at South Mountain YMCA Camps. The organization’s menu of offerings includes Camp Conrad Weiser, the Bynden Wood Day Camp, school trips and retreats, family weekends, night hikes and professional trainings. The grounds are also available for picnics, weddings and birthday parties.

610.670.2267 | smymca.org

26. Youth Volunteer Corps of Reading

Sponsored by VOiCEup Berks — an organization dedicated to connecting Berks Countians to volunteer opportunities — this affiliate of the national Youth Volunteer Corps is a service-learning program for students ages 11 to 18. Projects and activities include Global Youth Service Day, a week-long summer camp, in-school and after school groups and a youth advisory board.

voiceupberks.org/yvc

27. Girls on the Run Berks County

Focusing on soles can help focus on souls. Since its founding 10 years ago, Girls on the Run Berks County has impacted more than 4,000 girls’ lives in Berks and Schuylkill counties with an experience-based curriculum that integrates running, helping girls of all ages strengthen their confidence. Each season ends with a celebratory 5K in the spring.

484.332.6132 | gotrberks.org

28. Children’s Alopecia Project

Losing hair at any point in life is difficult, but for children it can be devastating. The Children’s Alopecia Project (CAP) helps those living with the disease, which occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles. Along with offering support and raising awareness, CAP aims to build self-esteem by changing the emphasis from growing hair to growing confidence.

610.468.1011 | childrensalopeciaproject.org

29. The Children’s Home of Reading

For more than 135 years, this nationally accredited social service nonprofit has assisted children and families in crisis across the state. Featuring offices in Berks and Bucks counties and the Greater Lehigh Valley, the Children’s Home of Reading offers specialized residential, educational and community-based programs.

610.478.8266 | buildingkidslives.org


ARTS

30. Center for Mallet Percussion Research at Kutztown University

Housed in the recently opened Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research at Kutztown University, this nonprofit drums up support for rare instruments and recordings and films documenting mallet percussion performers. The 13,250-square-foot facility includes a performing space along with rooms dedicated to a collection of instruments acquired over the last three decades, including marimbas, xylophones, vibraphones and chimes.

610.683.4110 | kuf.org/cmpr

31. Reading Musical Foundation

Believing music to be a foundation for a well-rounded life, the Reading Musical Foundation has supported music education and preservation in the area for nearly 100 years. RMF awards more than $200,000 in scholarships annually, provides access to music instruction and instruments, and supports area organizations and projects through grants.

610.376.3395 | readingmusicalfoundation.org

32. Yocum Institute for Arts Education

Established in 1934 as the Wyomissing Institute of Fine Arts, Yocum utilizes arts education, performance and programming to enrich the Berks community. Residing in a newly renovated building in West Lawn since 2018, the institute offers a range of classes – including visual arts, theater, dance, martial arts and music – along with residencies, summer camps, kindergarten and pre-school, plays and musicals and gallery space.

610.376.1576 | yocuminstitute.org


SENIORS

33. Alvarium Personal Care

The owner of personal care facilities Hawthorn Home in Reading and Brereton Manor in Lancaster County, Alvarium offers a menu of services to its residents, including ADL assistance, social programs, transportation and meal preparation.

484.955.8790 | alvariumpc.org

34. Berks County Area Agency on Aging

Serving the over-60 population, the Berks County Area Agency on Aging describes itself as a gateway. Its mission is to lead seniors to whatever services or programs they seek, advocate for their rights and promote self-sufficiency.

610.478.6500 | berksaging.org

35. Berks Encore

Founded in 1965 as the Berks County Senior Citizens Council, this nonprofit helps the county’s aging community make the most of the encore of their lives. Its services include Meals on Wheels, which provides nutritious meals and a visit from volunteers, Medicare counseling services, health and wellness programs, and visitor programs for homebound seniors.

610.374.3195 | berksencore.org


SOCIAL CAUSES

36. Reading Pride Celebration

Celebrating diversity in the LGBTQ+ community, Reading Pride aims to embrace and support differences, and eliminate forms of oppression through initiatives like the promotion of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurship, and the collection and preservation of the community’s history in the county. Its flagship event, the Reading Pride LGBTQ+ Pride festival, celebrates its 17th anniversary this year at Reading’s Jim Dietrich Park.

readingpridecelebration.org

37. World Affairs Council of Greater Reading

A nonpartisan educational organization that advocates for awareness of international issues, World Affairs Council sponsors a world of events such as monthly luncheons and breakfasts, a world affairs book club, a local World Quest competition and a National Student Academic Challenge. It also provides scholarships to Berks high school seniors.

610.375.7880 | wacreading.org


SPECIAL NEEDS

38. Dayspring Homes

Now in its fourth decade, this Christian-focused organization assists individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through residential group homes, day programs and in-home services. It addresses its stake in the future with its Stake in the Future annual fundraiser at Willoughby’s on Park.

610.376.5648 | dayspringhomes.org

39. Prospectus Berco

This nonprofit founded in 1977 believes it is important to focus on individuals’ abilities, not their disabilities. To improve their prospects, Prospectus provides services to adults with intellectual disabilities and special needs to help them become valued community members. Its annual charity golf tournament at Moselem Springs Golf Club, celebrating its 29th year in 2023, raises thousands to aid the organization’s mission.

610.372.4637 | prospectusberco.org

40. Supportive Concepts for Families Inc.

Celebrating 30 years this year, this nonprofit helps individuals with behavioral health/intellectual and/or developmental disabilities improve their quality of life. Utilizing the model of community assisted living, Supportive Concepts operates 131 facilities across the state and is expanding into Delaware and New Jersey.

610.372.7712 | supportiveconcepts.org

41. Threshold Rehabilitation Services

Established in 1965, Threshold Rehabilitation Services helps those with disabilities or who are economically disadvantaged integrate into society. Along with providing intellectual and mental health services, Threshold acts as a liaison with local employers to match people it supports with employment opportunities.

610.777.7691 | trsinc.org


CONSERVATION

42. Berks History Center

Fittingly, the Berks History Center is historic. Founded in 1869 as the Historical Society of Berks County, the organization aims to spotlight the county’s distinctive history and diverse people while preserving its heritage. Its toolbox for achieving said goals includes an onsite museum and library, educational programs, workshops, community events and bus trips.

610.375.4375 | berkshistory.org

43. Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles

Housed in the former home of the Boyertown Auto Body Works, which operated at the site from 1872 until 1990, this museum celebrates the state’s transportation history. Not just featuring cars and trucks, the seven-days-a-week attraction displays more than 75 vehicles, including horse-drawn carriages and wagons, even historic roadside architecture.

610.367.2090 | boyertownmuseum.org

44. Berks Nature

Helping to protect the environment and preserve the county’s natural resources has been second nature to Berks Nature for nearly 50 years. Founded in 1974 as the Berks County Conservancy, the organization stewards and/or owns hundreds of acres of land, manages 27 miles of trails, and aims to spread the word about conservation through community projects and educational programming. Nestled among Reading’s Angelica Creek Park, the nonprofit’s headquarters shares space with its Eco-Camp and preschool.

610.372.4992 | berksnature.org

45. Foundation for the Reading Pagoda

When people think of Reading, they often think of the Pagoda, the historic beacon that has stood sentinel 620 feet above the city for more than a century. The Foundation for the Reading Pagoda wants to make sure it stays that way, providing oversight for the preservation and maintenance of the Mount Penn landmark.

readingpagoda.com


COMMUNITY

46. Habitat for Humanity of Berks County

Founded in 1988, the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity has built dozens of homes for moderate income families in the county to purchase. Its ReStore location in Temple, which offers hard-to-find items and discounted liquidated products from national retailers, helps to fund the nonprofit’s mission.

610.921.1315 | habitatberks.org

47. United Way of Berks County

Working with 33 agency partners to address the needs of the community — specifically education, financial stability, health and safety net services — United Way offers assistance, training and care to more than 150,000 people each year. Its annual capital campaign spotlights the enduring generosity of Berks Countians: last year’s tally was over $11 million, well above the organization’s $10.5 million goal.

610.685.4550 | uwberks.org

48. Berks County Community Foundation

Since its founding in 1994, Berks County Community Foundation has focused on improving the quality of life of individuals, families, organizations and businesses in the community by disbursing grants and scholarships from the hundreds of charitable funds it manages. A recent success story is the Power of the Purse in Berks County fund, which has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to help women seeking jobs and education.

610.685.2223 | bccf.org

49. The Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks

Strengthening connections and fostering community is the overarching goal of this organization. Its partnerships and fundraising help to assist those in need, offer counseling services, award scholarships for Jewish camps, and provide educational and cultural programming. Albright College’s Lakin Holocaust Library and Resource Center is sponsored by the federation.

610.921.0624 | readingjewishcommunity.org

50. Visit West Reading

Nearing the turn of the millennium, with West Reading’s commercial district going south, borough council created the Main Street Foundation to address the issues along the Penn Avenue corridor. Years later, the West Reading Elm Street program was created to improve neighborhoods. In 2012, the entities merged, forming a partnership of residents, government officials and business leaders that continues to this day.

610.927.6904 | visitwestreading.org

Tags: April 2023Features
Jon Fassnacht

Jon Fassnacht

A recovering journalist, Jon Fassnacht spent 20 years at the Reading Eagle before joining the world of higher education as a writer/editor/website curator at Alvernia University. In his free time, he loves to run, read, listen to music, travel, write for Berks County Living and hang with his amazing wife and daughter.

Related Posts

A Launching Pad for Learning and Birthplace of New Ideas: Berks LaunchBox

A Launching Pad for Learning and Birthplace of New Ideas: Berks LaunchBox

by Kylie Frain
September 10, 2024

Penn State's LaunchBox program in Berks County is giving birth to brand new ideas.

Bosses that Make Work Cool

Bosses that Make Work Cool

by Jon Fassnacht
September 2, 2024

Enjoying where you work is a big deal when you devote so much of your life to your job. These three bosses in Berks make work...

Making Millions in Berks

Making Millions in Berks

by Jon Fassnacht
September 2, 2024

A round-up of local fundraising events planned for Berks County in the coming year.

Tax Prep 101

Tax Prep 101

by Kylie Frain
August 30, 2024

It's never too early to prep for tax season. We have tips to get you ready.

Places to Explore at Berks County’s Colleges and Universities

Places to Explore at Berks County’s Colleges and Universities

by Berks County Living
July 29, 2024

Area higher education institutions aren't just for students and faculty; they're for the public, too.

Win It!

Become a BCL Insider

Get an inside look at what’s hot and happening each month with our FREE e-newsletter. Includes notification of each new edition, details on events around town and special promotions.



We will never share your data with a third party without your permission. Adjust your email preferences at any time, and unsubscribing is quick and easy.

Read the Magazine

READ MORE

Five Gift Ideas for Mom
Fashion & Shopping

Five Gift Ideas for Mom

May 2, 2025
Meet Me at Ma Patisserie Cafe & Bakery
Food

Meet Me at Ma Patisserie Cafe & Bakery

April 30, 2025
Our 2025 Berks Summer Camp Guide
Family

Our 2025 Berks Summer Camp Guide

April 28, 2025
Berks County Living

Navigate Site

  • Contact
  • About Us
  • Meet the Team
  • Careers & Internships
  • Privacy Policy
  • Subscribe Now

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Everything Berks
    • Around Town
    • Education & Business
    • Family
    • Fashion & Shopping
    • Health & Wellness
    • House & Home
    • Seasonal
    • Travel
    • Web Exclusives
  • Food & Drink
    • Food
    • Drinks
    • Recipes
    • Restaurant Directory
    • Restaurant Profiles
  • People
    • Faces of Berks
    • Interesting People
    • People’s Choice
    • Profiles
    • Select Dentists
  • Things to Do
    • Event Calendar
    • B Scene Party Pics
  • Best Of
  • Blogs
    • Calm Eats
    • Phoebe Savors Berks
  • Weddings
    • Inspiration
    • Local Weddings
    • Weddings Vendor Directory
  • Guides
    • Beauty & Wellness
    • Family Businesses
    • Home Improvement
    • Newcomer’s
    • Restaurants

Skip to content
Open toolbar Accessibility Tools

Accessibility Tools

  • Increase TextIncrease Text
  • Decrease TextDecrease Text
  • GrayscaleGrayscale
  • High ContrastHigh Contrast
  • Negative ContrastNegative Contrast
  • Light BackgroundLight Background
  • Links UnderlineLinks Underline
  • Readable FontReadable Font
  • Reset Reset