Opportunity House has announced the appointment of Alyssa Bushkie as its new Chief Executive Officer. A Berks County native and proven leader, Alyssa becomes the first woman to serve as CEO in the organization’s history. She was also the first Chief Operating Officer of Opportunity House, making her a true trailblazer in the organization’s leadership.
Since joining Opportunity House in 2022, Alyssa has made a remarkable impact by enhancing programming, expanding services, and leading facility renovations that have directly improved the lives of those we serve. Her work has elevated our mission, strengthened our infrastructure, and positioned the organization for long-term success.
Alyssa earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Penn State Berks, a master’s in strategic human resource management from St. Joseph’s University, and holds a Nonprofit Leadership Certification from La Salle University. Before joining Opportunity House, she served as Director of Operations at the YMCA of Reading and Berks County.
“I’m honored to lead an organization that has been helping the most vulnerable in our community since 1984,” said Alyssa. “I’m committed to building on the incredible foundation we have at Opportunity House and working collaboratively to create even more solutions for individuals and families facing homelessness.”
During her time as Chief Operating Officer, Alyssa led several transformative initiatives, including:
- Renovations to the men’s and women’s dorms, shelter day room, and kitchen
- Major updates to Beacon House’s 13 permanent housing units
- Recertification of Keystone STARS 4 at Second Street Learning Center
- Expansion of PreK Counts with a third classroom
- Operation of the Eckert House Code Blue Shelter
- Development of the Patton Avenue Learning Center in Oakbrook
- Securing Berks County’s first HUD-funded TH/RRH housing project, launching this fall
The Opportunity House Board of Directors stated, “Alyssa has demonstrated outstanding leadership, and we are confident in her ability to guide Opportunity House’s continued mission to serve our community.”
As CEO, Alyssa will focus on expanding permanent housing and early education access, while building strong partnerships to advance innovative solutions to homelessness in Berks County and beyond.
Opportunity House is a multi-service nonprofit organization offering emergency shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness, affordable childcare through the Second Street Learning Center, and job training via our Reuse & Recycle program. Our OppShop thrift store offers quality, low-cost clothing, furniture, and housewares to the community.
