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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
