United Way of Berks County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives and strengthening the local community through collaboration, volunteerism, and financial support. Working with local agencies, businesses, and volunteers, United Way supports more than 80 programs and services focused on empowering youth, strengthening health, building financial stability, and helping individuals and families facing crisis. Through community partnerships, fundraising initiatives, and volunteer opportunities, the organization connects people with essential resources and works to create a stronger, healthier, and more supportive Berks County.
Programs
United Way of Berks County offers a variety of programs and initiatives focused on education, community assistance, volunteerism, and leadership development. The following are some of the organization’s primary programs and services:
Education and Literacy
- Ready.Set.READ! – An early literacy initiative helping children develop reading skills, prepare for kindergarten, and achieve reading proficiency by the end of third grade.
- Star Readers – Connects trained community volunteers with elementary school students for one-on-one reading tutoring and literacy support.
- Growing Readers – Supports early childhood educators and childcare centers in Reading through professional development, classroom coaching, and educational resources.
- Read Alliance – Pairs high school students with younger elementary students for reading tutoring while providing teen tutors with paid work experience and leadership skills.
- Read with Me – Encourages family reading by providing preschool and kindergarten students with books to borrow and read at home.
- Abriendo Puertas – A parent education program offered through a community partnership that helps families with young children support early learning and school readiness.
- Neighborhood Bridges – Uses arts-based activities to help elementary students improve reading, writing, communication, and creative thinking skills.
Community Assistance and Volunteerism
- PA 211 – A free, confidential, 24-hour information and referral service connecting individuals and families with resources for housing, food, utilities, healthcare, and other essential needs.
- The Big Cheese – A community volunteer initiative that packages thousands of nutritious meals for children and families experiencing food insecurity throughout Berks County.
- Day of Caring – An annual volunteer event that brings together individuals, businesses, and community groups to complete service projects benefiting local nonprofit organizations.
Leadership Development
- Leadership Berks – A nine-month leadership development program preparing individuals to serve in leadership positions with nonprofit organizations throughout Berks County.
- Blueprint for Leadership – A training and mentoring program designed to prepare participants for nonprofit board service and community leadership roles.
- Emerging Leaders United – Connects young professionals ages 21 to 45 through volunteer opportunities, networking, philanthropy, and professional development.
Community Grants
- Summer Learning Grants – Provides funding to schools and community organizations offering summer educational programs for Berks County students.
- Rapid Response Grants – Offers financial assistance to local health and human service nonprofits facing unexpected funding challenges or increased demand for essential services.
Location & Contact
25 N 2nd St Ste 101
Reading, PA 19601
(610) 685-4550
unitedway@uwberks.org
uwberks.org
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
TikTok
YouTube
Parking
Parking is available at the Albert Boscov Plaza Parking Garage, 2nd & Washington, 25 N 2nd St, Reading, PA 19601 or by on street parking meters nearby.