Berks County officials and local legislators gathered Tuesday morning to celebrate the opening of the new Youth Shelter program at the Berks County Youth Center, located at the former Berks County Residential Center on 1040 Berks Road. The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the culmination of months of renovation and planning aimed at providing a safe haven for juveniles facing complex mental and behavioral challenges.
The event featured brief remarks from the Berks County Commissioners, highlighting the importance of the new facility. “This program is a critical step in addressing the needs of some of our society’s most vulnerable individuals,” said Larry Medaglia, Berks County Deputy Chief Operations Officer. “We aim to provide a safe, stable environment with access to healthcare, education, and other supportive services.”
During the ceremony, attendees had the rare opportunity to tour the newly renovated second and third floors of the facility, which have been repurposed to accommodate the program. Although youth residents were not present during the tours to ensure their privacy, the event allowed the media and visitors to get a firsthand look at the accommodations.
The county has received state licensure to house up to 50 juvenile residents, though it anticipates initially serving approximately 20 youths. Any future increase in capacity will depend on demand and the county’s ability to hire additional staff.
The creation of the Youth Shelter program was a collaborative effort involving multiple county departments, including Children and Youth Services, the Chief Probation Officer, the Director of the Youth Center, and representatives from Budget, Finance, and Purchasing. Medaglia expressed special gratitude to Representative Barry Jozwiak for his leadership and advocacy at the state level, as well as to the Shapiro Administration for their support.
Additionally, Medaglia acknowledged the partnership with Dr. Cathy Taschner and the Schuylkill Valley School District team, who have been instrumental in coordinating educational opportunities for the shelter’s residents. “Providing these children with access to education is a cornerstone of our program,” he emphasized.
The Berks County Youth Center, Shelter Program, represents a significant investment in the community’s youth, offering a refuge for those who have nowhere else to turn. With today’s ribbon-cutting, Berks County takes a hopeful step forward in supporting its young residents in need.