2025-06-25T09:10:56-05:00 2024-12-31 232415973 HERBEINCOMPANY INC 2763 CENTURY BOULEVARD READING PA 19610 990 2024-01-01 231655375 UNITED WAY OF BERKS COUNTY INC UNIT 6106854550 25 N 2ND STREET SUITE 101 READING PA 19601 TAMMY L WHITE PRESIDENT 6106854550 2025-05-12 1 1 LINDA S HIMEBACK CPA P00042618 6103781175 2025-05-12 2024 2025-03-06 01:10:19Z TAMMY L WHITE 25 N 2ND STREET SUITE 101 READING PA 19601 21289592 0 X WWW.UWBERKS.ORG X 1963 PA INSPIRING COLLABORATION, VOLUNTEERISM AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO BUILD A STRONGER COMMUNITY 38 38 32 2115 0 0 11325499 15775224 229630 661202 378859 1170928 21938 7942 11955926 17615296 9183070 9278236 0 0 2619276 2710030 0 0 1547589 1813821 1843167 13616167 13831433 -1660241 3783863 31457292 35232578 3827611 3615569 27629681 31617009 X UNITED WAY OF BERKS COUNTY IMPROVES LIVES BY INSPIRING COLLABORATION, VOLUNTEERISM AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO BUILD A STRONGER COMMUNITY. 0 0 11481257 9278236 661202 MORE THAN 190,000 CHILDREN, FAMILIES AND SENIORS BENEFITTED FROM VITAL HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAMS FUNDED BY UNITED WAY OF BERKS COUNTY (UWBC) THROUGHOUT 2024. UWBC'S WORK AND INVESTMENTS FOCUS ON FOUR AREAS: EDUCATION, FINANCIAL STABILITY, HEALTH AND SAFETY NET SERVICES.SEE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON SCH O.DURING 2024, UWBC INVESTED FUNDING IN 51 PROGRAMS DELIVERED BY 33 AGENCIES AND 5 CONTRACTED PARTNERS, AS WELL AS SUPPORTED COMMUNITY INITIATIVES AND PROVIDED VARIOUS ONE-TIME GRANTS. ALL PROGRAMS UWBC INVESTS IN ANNUALLY ARE EVALUATED BY OUR COMMUNITY IMPACT CABINET, FOCUS AREA PANELS (FAP) AND COMPLIANCE REVIEWERS, REPRESENTING 50 VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY MEMBERS FROM VARIOUS SECTORS. THESE VOLUNTEERS DEDICATE INVALUABLE TIME TO ENSURE UWBC DOLLARS ARE INVESTED IN HIGH-PRIORITY PROGRAMS THAT ADDRESS CRITICAL CURRENT COMMUNITY NEEDS, AS WELL AS PROGRAMS THAT ARE HIGH-PERFORMING - CONSISTENTLY AND EFFECTIVELY DELIVERING A HIGH-QUALITY PROGRAM PRODUCING MEANINGFUL RESULTS FOR PARTICIPANTS. ANNUALLY, PROGRAMS RECEIVING UWBC INVESTMENTS ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT A REPORT THAT DETAILS HOW UWBC DOLLARS ARE SPENT TO SUPPORT PROGRAMMING AND THE OUTCOMES ACHIEVED BY CLIENTS. THESE OUTCOMES PLAY A CRUCIAL ROLE IN DETERMINING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF UWBC INVESTMENTS IN PROGRAMS. IN ADDITION TO THE PROGRAMS OUTLINED BELOW, YOU CAN READ MORE ABOUT THE UWBC'S VARIOUS 2024 GRANT RECIPIENTS AS REPORTED ON SCHEDULE I. UWBC INVESTED IN THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS IN 2024:EDUCATION FOCUS AREAUNITED WAY BELIEVES THAT EVERYONE CAN PLAY A ROLE IN ENSURING THAT CHILDREN GROW UP TO BE PRODUCTIVE CITIZENS AND MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY. THIS BEGINS WITH A GOOD EDUCATION THAT IS THE FOUNDATION FOR A CHILD'S SUCCESS IN WORK AND LIFE, ALONG WITH PROVIDING SUPPORTIVE PROGRAMMING THAT HELPS YOUTH DEVELOP NECESSARY SKILLS FOR THEIR FUTURES. TO MEET THIS GOAL, KEY ISSUES ADDRESSED BY UWBC AND ITS SUPPORTED PROGRAMS IN THIS FOCUS AREA INCLUDE EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE, SCHOOL READINESS, SCHOOL SUCCESS, AND POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, SINCE THESE ISSUES ARE ALL INTERTWINED IN HELPING CHILDREN ACHIEVE THEIR POTENTIAL. THESE PROGRAMS IMPACTED OVER 43,700 CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN BERKS COUNTY IN 2024. EARLY CARE AND SCHOOL READINESS - COMMUNITY-LEVEL OUTCOME: FAMILIES HAVE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE AND QUALITY EARLY LEARNING EXPERIENCES THAT RESULT IN KINDERGARTEN READINESS. -- COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR CHILDREN, INC. IS A LEADER IN PROVIDING THE HIGHEST QUALITY EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND FAMILY SERVICES FOR ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED FAMILIES. AS PARENTS ARE CONTINUING TO RETURN TO THE WORKFORCE, CHILDCARE IS A GREATER NEED THAN EVER ACROSS THE COUNTY, STATE AND COUNTRY. SUPPORTING FAMILIES IN CHOOSING AND AFFORDING QUALITY CHILDCARE IS ONE OF THE MAIN FUNCTIONS OF THE EARLY LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER. WHILE SUPPORT AROUND CHILDCARE CONTINUES TO BE A GREAT NEED IN THE COMMUNITY, THE AVAILABILITY OF CHILD CARE WORKS (CCW) DOLLARS SUPPORTED BY UNITED WAY HAS MEANT THAT THERE IS CURRENTLY NO WAITING LIST FOR FUNDING. THE FOCUS HAS BEEN ON SUPPORTING FAMILIES IN NEED WHO DO NOT QUALIFY FOR OTHER FUNDING SOURCES TO BE ABLE TO HAVE ACCESS TO CHILDCARE. -- OPPORTUNITY HOUSE, CHILDCARE: THE SECOND STREET LEARNING CENTER IS A COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY CHILDCARE PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN AGES 6 WEEKS TO 13 YEARS FOCUSING ON CREATIVITY, SOCIALIZATION, AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH SELF-ESTEEM. ACTIVITIES ARE DESIGNED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF EACH INDIVIDUAL CHILD. MULTI-CULTURAL AND DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT ARE OFFERED. --YMCA OF READING & BERKS COUNTY, CHILDCARE: OFFERS A SCIENTIFICALLY-BASED, IMPLEMENTED EARLY CHILDHOOD CURRICULUM THAT ALIGNS WITH THE PENNSYLVANIA LEARNING STANDARDS FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD. SINCE PLAY IS THE FOUNDATION FOR YOUNG CHILDREN'S LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT, THE YMCA PROVIDES WELL-EQUIPPED AND CAREFULLY ARRANGED CLASSROOMS.- COMMUNITY-LEVEL OUTCOME: INDIVIDUALS GAIN KNOWLEDGE AND DEVELOP SKILLS TO ESTABLISH STRONG FAMILIES AND HELP CHILDREN REACH THEIR POTENTIAL. -- CENTRO HISPANO, ABRIENDO PUERTAS/OPENING DOORS PROGRAM: AN EVIDENCE-BASED, COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING PROGRAM, DEVELOPED BY AND FOR LATINO PARENTS WITH CHILDREN AGES 0 TO 5; AIMS TO IMPROVE THE OUTCOMES OF THE NATION'S LATINO CHILDREN BY BUILDING THE CAPACITY AND CONFIDENCE OF PARENTS TO BE STRONG AND POWERFUL ADVOCATES IN THEIR CHILDREN'S LIVES. THE PROGRAM IS OFFERED VIRTUALLY TO ELIMINATE BARRIERS FOR PARENTS TO PARTICIPATE, INCLUDING TRANSPORTATION. THIS PROGRAM ALSO ALIGNS WITH UWBC'S READY.SET.READ! INITIATIVE. -- YMCA OF READING & BERKS COUNTY, PARENTING PATHWAYS (FORMERLY BABY UNIVERSITY): OFFERED AS A 6-WEEK SESSION, EACH PARTICIPANT, PARENT OR CAREGIVER WITH A CHILD FROM PRENATAL TO FIVE YEARS OLD RECEIVES A WEEKLY HOME VISIT IN ADDITION TO THE WEEKLY CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION, WHICH INCLUDES EDUCATION ON EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT AND EVIDENCE-BASED PARENTING CURRICULUM.SCHOOL SUCCESS - COMMUNITY-LEVEL OUTCOME: STUDENTS WILL ACHIEVE ACADEMIC SUCCESS BY IMPROVED ATTENDANCE AND/OR PROMOTION TO THE NEXT GRADE LEVEL. -- BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF BERKS COUNTY, MENTORING PROGRAM SERVICES: THEIR MISSION IS TO PROVIDE CHILDREN FACING ADVERSITY WITH STRONG AND ENDURING PROFESSIONALLY SUPPORTED 1-TO-1 RELATIONSHIPS THAT CHANGE THEIR LIVES FOR THE BETTER, FOREVER. THIS IS ACHIEVED THROUGH PROFESSIONALLY-DIRECTED MENTORING PROGRAMS UTILIZING CAREFULLY SCREENED AND TRAINED VOLUNTEERS AND INCLUDES ONE-TO-ONE PROGRAM, COUL (THE CLUB OF UNMATCHED LITTLES) GROUP-MENTORING, A TEEN PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES GROUP-MENTORING, AND SMART (STUDENTS & MENTORS ACHIEVING RESULTS TOGETHER), A SCHOOL-BASED PROGRAM.- COMMUNITY-LEVEL OUTCOME: STUDENTS WILL PARTICIPATE IN EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES DURING THE SUMMER TO MAINTAIN READING SKILLS. -- BIRDSBORO COMMUNITY MEMORIAL CENTER, OUT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION PROGRAMS: THE SUMMER READING PROGRAM FOR YOUTH IN GRADES FIRST THROUGH SIXTH ALLOWS PARTICIPANTS TO PRACTICE AND LEARN NEW STRATEGIES THAT WILL ASSIST THEM IN MAINTAINING CURRENT READING LEVELS, OR INCREASE LEVELS, THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER MONTHS. -- OLIVET BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF READING AND BERKS COUNTY, COMPREHENSIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: OLIVET SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS PICK UP WHEN THE AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM ENDS, KEEPING YOUTH ENGAGED IN PROGRAMS DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS. -- THE SALVATION ARMY READING CORPS LEARNING CENTER: A SUMMER DAY CAMP IS OFFERED FOR YOUTH IN THE SOUTHSIDE OF PENN NEIGHBORHOOD. THEY ARE PROVIDED BREAKFAST AND THEN ENJOY A DAY OF FUN INCLUDING EDUCATIONAL GAMES AND ACTIVITIES, CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT SKILLS, AND A WEEKLY FIELD TRIP. SNACKS ARE PROVIDED THROUGHOUT THE DAY AND LUNCH AND DINNER ARE ALSO PROVIDED.YOUTH DEVELOPMENT - COMMUNITY-LEVEL OUTCOME: BY PARTICIPATING IN DIVERSE, SAFE, AND EFFECTIVE OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME PROGRAMS, YOUTH WILL DEVELOP ACADEMIC, ARTISTIC, AND/OR LEADERSHIP SKILLS. -- BIRDSBORO COMMUNITY MEMORIAL CENTER, OUT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION PROGRAMS: LITERACY PROGRAMS OFFERED AS PART OF THE AFTER-SCHOOL CLUBHOUSE, WHICH ENGAGES STUDENTS, GRADES 1-6. STAFF ASSIST STUDENTS WITH HOMEWORK AND READING SUPPORT. THE PROGRAM ALSO ENCOMPASSES SOCIAL ACTIVITIES. -- GIRL SCOUTS OF EASTERN PA, GIRL LEADERSHIP IN READING: GIRLS IN FUNDED INITIATIVES PROGRAMS PROVIDE HIGH-QUALITY OUT-OF-SCHOOL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR GIRLS IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES IN THE CITY OF READING. GIRLS ATTEND WEEKLY MEETINGS AT CONVENIENT COMMUNITY LOCATIONS BOTH DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR AND IN THE SUMMER. -- HAWK MOUNTAIN COUNCIL BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA, TRADITIONAL SCOUTING: THIS PROGRAM OPERATES WITHIN THE LOCAL NEIGHBORHOOD AT LOCATIONS PROVIDED BY PARTNERSHIPS THAT HAVE A CONTINUED INTEREST IN CITIZENSHIP TRAINING, PERSONAL FITNESS, AND CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT. ADULT VOLUNTEERS ADMINISTER THE PROGRAMS AT ALL LEVELS WITH SUPPORT FROM THE HAWK MOUNTAIN COUNCIL. THE LEVEL OF YOUTH LEADERSHIP IS BASED UPON AGE APPROPRIATE ACTIVITIES. 11481257 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 28 0 1 32 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 X 38 38 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 PA X X X MONICA RUANO-WENRICH 6106854550 25 N 2ND STREET SUITE 101 READING PA 19601 JONI NAUGLE CHAIR 1.00 X X 0 0 0 PETE CONNORS VICE CHAIR AS OF MARCH 1.00 X X 0 0 0 RUTHANN WOLL SECRETARY/TREASURER 1.00 X X 0 0 0 ROBERT FIRELY ASST. SECRETARY/TREASURER 1.00 X X 0 0 0 JOHN ARNOLD DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 DR CHARLES BARBERA DIRECTOR AS OF MAY 1.00 X 0 0 0 JOHN BOBO DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 JAMES BOSCOV DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 ANTHONY COX DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 KELLEY CROZIER MD DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 MICHAEL DUFF DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 KELLY FESSLER DIRECTOR AS OF MARCH 1.00 X 0 0 0 ROBERT GOONAN DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 TERRY GRASSLEY DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 BRADLEY HALL DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 VICTORIA HAWKINS DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 ANGEL HELM DIRECTOR AS OF JANUARY 1.00 X 0 0 0 SCOTT HELM DIRECTOR AS OF JANUARY 1.00 X 0 0 0 PAMELA HERNANDEZ DIRECTOR AS OF MAY 1.00 X 0 0 0 JASON HOERR DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 DR SUSAN LOONEY DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 DR JOSEPH MACHAROLA DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 NICK MARMONTELLO DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 TIM MIKSIEWICZ DIRECTOR AS OF JANUARY 1.00 X 0 0 0 DR JENNIFER MURRAY DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 MISSY ORLANDO DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 RENDY ORTIZ DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 CRAIG PERROTY DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 SUE PERROTY DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 FRANCIS POST DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 SIDNEY PURNELL DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 JULIE RAVIS DIRECTOR AS OF JANUARY 1.00 X 0 0 0 MIKE REESE DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 ROBERTO SANCHEZ DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 DHARMA SIVASAMY DIRECTOR AS OF JANUARY 1.00 X 0 0 0 SHANNON THOMAS DIRECTOR AS OF JANUARY 1.00 X 0 0 0 PATRICK VELEKEI DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 KIM WOERLE DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 WESLIE LIANA DIRECTOR THROUGH MARCH 1.00 X 0 0 0 DAVID TURNER DIRECTOR THROUGH MARCH 1.00 X 0 0 0 ANNETTE HINES DIRECTOR THROUGH MAY 1.00 X 0 0 0 TAMMY L WHITE PRESIDENT 37.50 X 205743 0 19454 MONICA RUANO-WENRICH SR VP FINANCE & ADMIN 37.50 X 129793 0 24832 SHEILA TULLI VP RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT 37.50 X 107097 0 14571 JEAN MORROW SR VP LEADERSHIP UNITED 37.50 X 118226 0 17442 ASHLEY CHAMBERS SR VP COMMUNITY IMPACT 37.50 X 108045 0 10909 CHRIS SPANIER VP MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS 37.50 X 101150 0 16550 770054 0 103758 6 0 1 0 0 15775224 1352718 15775224 READ ALLIANCE 611710 485041 485041 TRAINING & WORKSHOP FEES 611430 119770 119770 EVENTS 611430 56391 56391 661202 749565 749565 4095659 3673043 1253 422616 -1253 421363 421363 ADMINISTRATION FEES 561000 7848 7848 MISCELLANEOUS 900099 94 94 7942 17615296 669144 0 1170928 9278236 9278236 379822 121004 183528 75290 1786658 844458 278328 663872 381160 152742 75851 152567 162390 72868 35049 54473 25715 17723 2242 5750 67584 30974 14449 22161 775437 534429 67578 173430 179081 66976 1278 110827 103416 88437 3002 11977 187196 81611 39868 65717 14067 7583 2108 4376 132330 56200 30096 46034 147851 66355 30362 51134 18023 7627 4110 6286 UW SPONSORED MEETINGS 81160 26215 1065 53880 MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES 71966 12657 26413 32896 EQUIPMENT RENTAL & MAIN 39341 15162 7260 16919 13831433 11481257 802587 1547589 5373424 5410003 6516877 9875958 96510 171827 20290 16021 677057 526656 286207 150401 16423067 16931038 884531 937134 1856386 1740196 31457292 35232578 704050 689021 52517 61667 3071044 2864881 3827611 3615569 X 9559464 8615422 18070217 23001587 27629681 31617009 31457292 35232578 X 3783863 436385 -232920 X 0 1 X 1 0 X 21426022 12544375 10296839 11325499 15775224 71367959 21426022 12544375 10296839 11325499 15775224 71367959 5455843 65912116 321510 1242838 579625 693071 749565 3586609 57533 20187 21729 21938 7942 129329 75083897 1000282 0.87780 0.88600 X SCHEDULE A, PART II, LINE 10, EXPLANATION OF OTHER INCOME: ADMINISTRATION FEES - 2020 AMOUNT: $ 57,533. 2021 AMOUNT: $ 20,187. 2022 AMOUNT: $ 21,729. 2023 AMOUNT: $ 21,938. 2024 AMOUNT: $ 7,942. RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED 8807880 2618074 887891 333040 11980805 7769023 61916 1327532 350591 8807880 9840583 18662 -1741710 348512 7769023 9104248 12647 1086706 363018 9840583 8074015 94680 1270441 334888 9104248 0.17850 0.82150 1 0 22258 13304 8954 356225 333684 22541 298574 179668 118906 150401 DUE TO OTHER UNITED WAYS 285485 DUE TO DESIGNATED AFFILIATED AGENCIES 801033 OPERATING LEASE LIABILITY 1778363 2864881 X 16875228 436385 54922 -117838 373469 16501759 67584 1045953 1113537 17615296 12887900 54922 54922 12832978 67584 930871 998455 13831433 PART V, LINE 4: THE ORGANIZATION'S ENDOWMENT CONSISTS OF TWENTY-TWO DONOR-RESTRICTED SUB-FUNDS AND ONE BOARD-DESIGNATED SUB-FUND, ALL OF WHICH ARE TO BE HELD INDEFINITELY, WITH THE INCOME EXPENDABLE FOR OPERATIONS AS DIRECTED BY DONORS OR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. PART X, LINE 2: IN ACCORDANCE WITH GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES, THE ORGANIZATION ACCOUNTS FOR UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS RELATIVE TO UNRELATED BUSINESS INCOME, IF ANY, AS REQUIRED. PART XI, LINE 2D - OTHER ADJUSTMENTS: TRANSFERS BETWEEN NET ASSET RESTRICTIONS -117,838. PART XI, LINE 4B - OTHER ADJUSTMENTS: DONOR DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTIONS 1,045,953. PART XII, LINE 4B - OTHER ADJUSTMENTS: DONOR DESIGNATED ALLOCATIONS 930,871. 1 AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY 498 BELLEVUE AVENUE READING PA 19605 131788491 501(C)(3) 105004 0 PARTNER AGENCY INVESTMENTS: HEALTH; ONE-TIME GRANT: SUPPORT OPERATIONS AMERICAN RED CROSS - TRI COUNTY CHAPTER 3939 BROADWAY ALLENTOWN PA 18104 530196605 501(C)(3) 195403 0 PARTNER AGENCY INVESTMENTS: DISASTER RESPONSE, VETERANS TRANSPORTATION BERKS COALITION TO END HOMELESSNESS 600 PENN STREET READING PA 19601 371575390 501(C)(3) 55162 0 PARTER AGENCY INVESTMENTS: HOMELESS PREVENTION; ONE-TIME GRANT: BUS PASSES BERKS COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER 1040 LIGGETT AVENUE READING PA 19611 273795179 501(C)(3) 47000 0 RAPID RESPONSE GRANT: HYPERTENSION AWARENESS; ONE-TIME GRANT: HEALTH WORKER BERKS COUNSELING CENTER 645 PENN STREET 2ND FLOOR READING PA 19601 232043478 501(C)(3) 203650 0 HEALTH FOCUSED GRANT: FAMILY CENTER & INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT PROGRAM BERKS ENCORE 40 NORTH 9TH STREET READING PA 19601 231656050 501(C)(3) 156528 0 PARTNER AGENCY INVESTMENTS: MEALS ON WHEELS; RAPID RESPONSE GRANT: HVAC BERKS LATINO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION 450 S 6TH STREET READING PA 19602 842735102 501(C)(3) 136366 0 FOCUS GRANT: ALLIED HEALTH PROGRAMS; ONE-TIME GRANT: WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BERKS NATURE 575 SAINT BERNARDINE STREET READING PA 19607 231966295 501(C)(3) 6500 0 ONE-TIME GRANT: COMMUNITY GARDEN ACCESSIBILITY BIG BROTHERSBIG SISTERS OF BERKS COUNTY 303 WINDSOR STREET READING PA 19601 236463246 501(C)(3) 280962 0 PARTNER AGENCY INVESTMENTS: MENTORING PROGRAM; ONE-TIME GRANT: LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT BIRDSBORO COMMUNITY MEMORIAL CENTER 201 EAST MAIN STREET BIRDSBORO PA 19508 231365317 501(C)(3) 61349 0 PARTNER AGENCY INVESTMENTS: OUT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION PROGRAMMING BOYERTOWN AREA MULTI-SERVICE INC 200 WEST SPRING STREET BOYERTOWN PA 19512 237289405 501(C)(3) 60384 0 PARTNER AGENCY INVESTMENTS: SUPPORTIVE SERVICES, CASE MANAGEMENT & MEALS ON WHEELS BRING THE CHANGE 47 NANTUCKET DRIVE READING PA 19605 834062630 501(C)(3) 8000 0 ONE-TIME GRANT: HAITIAN COMMUNITY OUTREACH CASA OF BERKS COUNTY 845 N PARK ROAD WYOMISSING PA 19610 473440847 501(C)(3) 30000 0 ONE-TIME INVESTMENT GRANT: AT RISK YOUTH PROGRAM CATHOLIC CHARITIES DIOCESE OF ALLENTOWN 400 WASHINGTON STREET SUITE 100 READING PA 19601 231352211 501(C)(3) 54686 0 PARTNER AGENCY INVESTMENTS: CASE MANAGEMENT/COUNSELING FOR VETERANS & FAMILIES CENTRO HISPANO DANIEL TORRES INC 201 PENN STREET SUITE 101 READING PA 19601 232041081 501(C)(3) 292216 0 PARTNER AGENCY INVESTMENTS: SOCIAL SERVICES, OPENING DOORS; ONE-TIME GRANT: PERSONNEL COSTS CO-COUNTY WELLNESS SERVICES 429 WALNUT STREET READING PA 19601 232657264 501(C)(3) 161038 0 PARTNER AGENCY INVESTMENTS: BERKS TEENS MATTER; ONE-TIME GRANT: LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS OF EASTERN PA 739 N 12TH STREET ALLENTOWN PA 18102 232222874 501(C)(3) 61019 0 PARTNER AGENCY INVESTMENTS: INTEGRATED STUDENT SUPPORT; ONE-TIME GRANT: LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR CHILDREN 1520 HANOVER AVE ALLENTOWN PA 18109 232204725 501(C)(3) 108606 0 PARTNER AGENCY INVESTMENTS: EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CONNECTIONS WORK 19TH N 6TH STREET 4TH FLOOR READING PA 19601 231969810 501(C)(3) 680527 0 PARTNER AGENCY INVESTMENTS: PRISONER REENTRY SERVICES; WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT FOCUSED GRANT: REENTRY WORKS EASTER SEALS EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA 1501 LEHIGH STREET SUITE 201 ALLENTOWN PA 18103 232823542 501(C)(3) 388327 0 PARTNER AGENCY INVESTMENTS: PEDIATRIC CLINICS, OUTPATIENT THERAPY, THERAPEUTIC RECREATION EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRAINING 3933 PERKIOMEN AVE READING PA 19606 237407937 501(C)(3) 14715 0 RAPID RESPONSE GRANT: AHA TRAINING CENTER FAMILY GUIDANCE CENTER 1235 PENN AVENUE SUITE 205-206 READING PA 19610 231679207 501(C)(3) 457226 0 PARTNER AGENCY INVESTMENTS: COUNSELING; ONE-TIME GRANT: LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT FAMILY PROMISE OF BERKS COUNTY 325 N 5TH STREET READING PA 19601 204557683 501(C)(3) 47633 0 PARTNER AGENCY INVESTMENTS; U-TURN FRIEND INC COMMUNITY SERVICES 658D NOBLE STREET KUTZTOWN PA 19530 231924643 501(C)(3) 177380 0 PARTNER AGENCY INVESTMENTS: COMMUNITY RESOURCE CONNECTIONS GIRL SCOUTS OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA 330 MANOR ROAD MIQUON PA 19444 231352309 501(C)(3) 137570 0 PARTNER AGENCY INVESTMENTS: OUTREACH TO AT-RISK GIRLS GOGGLEWORKS CENTER FOR THE ARTS 201 WASHINGTON STREET READING PA 19601 412165262 501(C)(3) 10000 0 ONE-TIME GRANT: GARDENS AT LAUER'S PARK SCHOOL GREATER READING MENTAL HEALTH ALLIANCE 1234 PENN AVENUE WYOMISSING PA 19610 231522636 501(C)(3) 144600 0 PARTNER AGENCY INVESTMENTS: ADVOCACY & SUPPORT GROUPS HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF BERKS COUNTY 201 WASHINGTON STREET SUITES 329-330 READING PA 19601 232500851 501(C)(3) 98067 0 PARTNER AGENCY INVESTMENTS: HOME CONSTRUCTION/RENOVATION FOR LOW INCOME FAMILIES; RAPID RESPONSE GRANT: TRUCK PURCHASE HAWK MOUNTAIN COUNCIL BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA 5027 POTTSVILLE PIKE READING PA 19605 231352047 501(C)(3) 317199 0 PARTNER AGENCY INVESTMENTS: TRADITIONAL & URBAN SCOUTING HELPING HARVEST 117 MORGAN DRIVE READING PA 19608 222456238 501(C)(3) 78899 0 PARTNER AGENCY INVESTMENTS; FOOD ACCESS & DISTRIBUTION HOPE RESCUE MISSION 645 N 6TH ST READING PA 19601 231413677 501(C)(3) 18700 0 RAPID RESPONSE GRANT: ADA GUEST SUPPORT; ONE-TIME GRANT: LIGHTHOUSE PROGRAM IM ABLE FOUNDATION 1007 HILL AVENUE BLDG 17 WYOMISSING PA 19610 061783154 501(C)(3) 15000 0 ONE-TIME INVESTMENTGRANT: EXPANSION OF OPERATION LEAD FROM THE FRONT PROGRAM JEWISH FEDERATION OF READING PA 1100 BERKSHIRE BOULEVARD SUITE 125 WYOMISSING PA 19610 231728784 501(C)(3) 83602 0 PARTNER AGENCY INVESTMENTS: FOOD BANK,SUPPORTIVE SERVICES; ONE-TIME GRANT: YOUTH SERVICE PROJECTS LITERACY COUNCIL OF READING-BERKS 35 SOUTH DWIGHT STREET WEST LAWN PA 19609 232004957 501(C)(3) 139569 0 PARTNER AGENCY INVESTMENTS: ENGLISH FORWARD; LITERACY TRAINING & ESL; ONE-TIME GRANT: GATEWAY TO CITIZENSHIP MANUFACTURERS RESOURCE CENTER 7200A WINDSOR DRIVE ALLENTOWN PA 18106 232514764 501(C)(3) 8000 0 ONE-TIME INVESTMENT GRANT: PA DREAM TEAM BERKS MARY'S SHELTER 615 KENHORST BLVD READING PA 19611 232722494 501(C)(3) 36300 0 PARTNER AGENCY INVESTMENTS: SHELTER SERVICES PROGRAM MIDPENN LEGAL SERVICES 213-A NORTH FRONT STREET HARRISBURG PA 17101 237101191 501(C)(3) 87006 0 PARTNER AGENCY INVESTMENTS: LEGAL REPRESENTATION FOR BASIC NEEDS NEW JOURNEY COMMUNITY OUTREACH INC 138 S 6TH STREET READING PA 19602 463623955 501(C)(3) 58883 0 PARTNER AGENCY INVESTMENTS: SOUP KITCHEN & FOOD PANTRY; ONE-TIME GRANTS: LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT, FOOD ACCESS PROGRAM OLIVET BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF READING & BERKS COUNTY 1161 PERSHING BOULEVARD READING PA 19611 231365380 501(C)(3) 1022817 0 PARTNER AGENCY INVESTMENTS: COMPREHENSIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY HOUSE 430 NORTH SECOND STREET READING PA 19601 232543677 501(C)(3) 257581 0 PARTNER AGENCY INVESTMENTS: CHILDCARE, EMERGENCY SHELTER; ONE-TIME GRANT: OPERATIONS, SHELTER TRAINING, SUMMER READING GRANT OUR CITY READING INC 4500 PERKIOMEN AVE READING PA 19606 233080065 501(C)(3) 500000 0 IMPACT GRANT: HELPING HARVEST COMMUNITY KITCHEN PENN STATE HEALTH - ST JOSEPH'S 2500 BERNVILLE RD BERN TOWNSHIP PA 19605 231352211 501(C)(3) 139760 0 ONE TIME GRANT: VEGGIE RX & HEALTHY FOOD ACCESS; HEALTH FOCUSED GRANT: VEGGIE RX EXPANSION & URBAN FARM STAND READING AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE 10 SOUTH SECOND STREET PO BOX 1706 READING PA 19603 231745816 155235 0 PARTNER AGENCY INVESTMENTS: BILINGUAL ESL PROGRAM; WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT FOCUSED GRANT: GATEWAY TO THE WORKPLACE READING HOSPITALTOWER HEALTH 420 S 5TH AVENUE WEST READING PA 19611 231352204 501(C)(3) 54653 0 PARTNER AGENCY INVESTMENTS: STREET MEDICINE READING PUBLIC LIBRARY 100 SOUTH FIFTH STREET READING PA 19602 231628407 501(C)(3) 26000 0 READY SET READ SUMMER LEARNING GRANT; ONE-TIME GRANT: MOVIE NIGHTS READING SCHOOL DISTRICT 800 WASHINGTON STREET READING PA 19601 236004134 26000 0 READY SET READ SUMMER LEARNING GRANTS: SUMMER GRANT PROGRAMS READING SCIENCE CENTER PO BOX 7573 645 PENN STREET READING PA 19603 825063856 501(C)(3) 10000 0 RAPID RESPONSE GRANT: FUNDING GAPP SUPPORT SAFE BERKS 255 CHESTNUT ST READING PA 19602 232087191 501(C)(3) 206219 0 PARTNER AGENCY INVESTMENTS: CRISIS SERVICES SALVATION ARMY SERVICE EXTENSION UNITS 701 BROAD STREET PHILADELPHIA PA 19123 135562351 501(C)(3) 54103 0 PARTNER AGENCY INVESTMENTS: COMMUNITY WELFARE SPOTLIGHT PA 312 MARKET STREET HARRISBURG PA 17108 920577182 501(C)(3) 25000 0 ONE-TIME GRANT: BERKS COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT NEWSLETTER THE LGBT CENTER OF GREATER READING 1501 N 13TH STREET READING PA 19604 813191097 501(C)(3) 118900 0 HEALTH FOCUSED GRANT: MIND BODY SENSORY HEALTH PROGRAM THE OUTREACH PROGRAM 301 CENTER STREET UNION IA 50258 200636360 501(C)(3) 78750 0 ONE-TIME INVESTMENT GRANT: FOOD INSECURITY THE SALVATION ARMY OF READING CORPS PO BOX 1099 READING PA 19602 135562351 501(C)(3) 284532 0 PARTNER AGENCY INVESTMENTS: LEARNING CENTER, SUPPORTIVE HOUSING, FAMILY SERVICES THRESHOLD REHABILITATION SERVICES INC 1000 LANCASTER AVENUE READING PA 19607 231681448 501(C)(3) 142733 0 PARTNER AGENCY INVESTMENTS: EMPLOYMENT SERVICES TOWER HEALTH AT HOME BERKS 1170 BERKSHIRE BOULEVARD WYOMISSING PA 19610 231466250 501(C)(3) 351345 0 PARTNER AGENCY INVESTMENTS: SKILLED NURSING & RELATED SERVICES UNITED COMMUNITY SERVICES 1251 NORTH FRONT STREET READING PA 19601 232962223 501(C)(3) 101917 0 PARTNER AGENCY INVESTMENTS: CASE MANAGEMENT FOR WORKING FAMILIES UNITED WAY OF LANCASTER COUNTY 1910 HARRINGTON DR SUITE A LANCASTER PA 17601 231352093 501(C)(3) 65000 0 SUBCONTRACTED GRANTS: PA 211 CALL CENTER YMCA OF READING & BERKS COUNTY 631 WASHINGTON STREET READING PA 19603 231244009 501(C)(3) 526237 0 PARTNER AGENCY INVESTMENTS: CHILD CARE/HEALTHY YOUTH, TRANSITIONAL HOUSING, PARENTING PATHWAYS YOCUM INSTITUTE FOR ARTS EDUCATION 3000 PENN AVE WYOMISSING PA 19609 231365985 501(C)(3) 25000 0 SUBCONTRACTED GRANTS: NEIGHBORHOOD BRIDGES 59 PART I, LINE 2: UNITED WAY JUDICIOUSLY DISTRIBUTES DOLLARS DONATED IN SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY'S HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES NEEDS, PRIMARILY TO AND THROUGH THE PARTNER AGENCIES. ALSO INCLUDED IS THE DAY-TO-DAY SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE PROVIDED TO THE PARTNER AGENCIES THROUGH SPECIAL AND ROUTINE AGENCY RELATIONS' ACTIVITIES. IN 2024, WE ALLOCATED FUNDS TO 33 AGENCY AND 5 CONTRACTED PARTNERS, SUPPORTING OVER 50 PROGRAMS AND SERVICES. IN TOTAL, MORE THAN 190,000 BERKS COUNTIANS RECEIVED UNITED WAY-FUNDED SERVICES. UNITED WAY CONTINUES ITS EMPHASIS ON COMPLIANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY PROCEDURES TO ENSURE THE EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT OPERATION OF UNITED WAY PARTNER PROGRAMS. X X X 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 TAMMY L WHITE PRESIDENT 205743 0 0 0 0 0 9190 0 10264 0 225197 0 0 0 MONICA RUANO-WENRICH SR VP FINANCE & ADMIN 129793 0 0 0 0 0 6390 0 18442 0 154625 0 0 0 PART I, LINE 3 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROCEDURES: UNITED WAY OF BERKS COUNTY'S PRIMARY OBJECTIVE IS TO PROVIDE A REASONABLE AND COMPETITIVE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION OPPORTUNITY CONSISTENT WITH COMPENSATION PRACTICES FOR INDIVIDUALS POSSESSING THE EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED TO IMPROVE THE OVERALL PERFORMANCE OF THE ORGANIZATION. THE ORGANIZATION'S EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY IS DESIGNED TO: - ENCOURAGE THE ATTRACTION AND RETENTION OF A HIGH CALIBER EXECUTIVE - REINFORCE THE GOALS FOR THE ORGANIZATION BY SUPPORTING TEAMWORK AND COLLABORATION - ENSURE THAT PAY IS PERCEIVED TO BE FAIR AND EQUITABLE - BE FLEXIBLE TO REWARD INDIVIDUAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS WELL AS ORGANIZATIONAL SUCCESS - ENSURE THAT THE PROGRAM IS EASY TO EXPLAIN, UNDERSTAND AND ADMINISTER - BALANCE THE NEED TO BE COMPETITIVE WITH THE LIMITS OF AVAILABLE FINANCIAL RESOURCES THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE BOARD LEADS THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS IN THE EVALUATION OF THE PRESIDENT'S PERFORMANCE ON AN ANNUAL BASIS. THE PRESIDENT PRESENTS TO THE CHAIRPERSON INFORMATION ON THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE ORGANIZATION AND ITS PROGRESS TOWARD ACHIEVING THE GOALS OUTLINED IN THE STRATEGIC PLAN, THE FULFILLMENT OF HIS/HER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AS OUTLINED IN THE POSITION DESCRIPTION, AND THE MANNER IN WHICH THE CHALLENGES OF THE ORGANIZATION HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED AND THE OPPORTUNITIES TAKEN. THE PRESIDENT ALSO DEFINES AND DISCUSSES CURRENT AND FUTURE ORGANIZATIONAL CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES. THIS INFORMATION IS SHARED WITH THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. IN ADDITION TO THE ANNUAL REVIEW, A PRESIDENT'S EVALUATION SURVEY IS CONDUCTED ON A BIENNIAL BASIS WITH FULL BOARD PARTICIPATION, THE RESULTS OF WHICH ARE COMPILED AND ANALYZED BY A THIRD-PARTY PROVIDER HAVING NO VESTED INTEREST IN THE OUTCOME OF THIS PROCESS. A FORMAL REPORT IS PRESENTED BY THE PROVIDER FIRST TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR INITIAL DISCUSSION, THEN TO THE FULL BOARD OF DIRECTORS AS PART OF AN EXECUTIVE SESSION. FOLLOWING THIS SESSION, THE CHAIRPERSON MEETS WITH THE PRESIDENT AND SHARES THE RESULTS OF THE GROUP EVALUATION AS WELL AS ANY GOALS OR SUGGESTIONS THE BOARD HAS RELATIVE TO THE INFORMATION PRESENTED AND THE FUTURE DIRECTION OF THE ORGANIZATION. THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE BOARD COMMUNICATES THE RESULTS OF THE ASSESSMENT VERBALLY TO THE PRESIDENT AND THE INFORMATION IS CAPTURED THROUGH THE MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE SESSIONS FOR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. THE RESULTS OF THE ASSESSMENT ARE INCLUDED IN THE PRESIDENT'S PERSONNEL FILE. THE LEVEL AND FORM OF COMPENSATION IS DETERMINED FOLLOWING A REVIEW OF LOCAL COMPENSATION LEVELS OF CEO'S OF ORGANIZATIONS OF SIMILAR SIZE AND SCOPE, AS WELL AS THE COMPENSATION LEVELS OF CEO'S OF UNITED WAY ORGANIZATIONS OF SIMILAR SIZE AND SCOPE. WHILE UNITED WAY FOCUSES ON OTHER UNITED WAYS AND NONPROFITS TO BENCHMARK COMPENSATION, THE ORGANIZATION UNDERSTANDS THAT THE MARKET FOR EXECUTIVE TALENT MAY BE BROADER THAN THE GROUP OF CHARITIES. MARKET INFORMATION FROM ADDITIONAL MARKET SEGMENTS AND PUBLISHED NOT-FOR-PROFIT COMPENSATION SURVEYS, MAY BE USED AS A SUPPLEMENT. THE PRESIDENT'S ANNUAL COMPENSATION IS COMMUNICATED BOTH VERBALLY AND IN WRITING TO THE PRESIDENT AND IS INCLUDED IN HIS/HER PERSONNEL FILE. X 29 1352718 FAIR VALUE 0 1 0 FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4A -- HAWK MOUNTAIN COUNCIL BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA, URBAN SCOUTING: SCOUTREACH IS THE HAWK MOUNTAIN COUNCIL'S COMMITMENT TO ENSURING ALL YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN SCOUTING, REGARDLESS OF THEIR CIRCUMSTANCES, NEIGHBORHOOD, OR CULTURAL BACKGROUND. SCOUTREACH IS THE SAME PROGRAM AS SCOUTING IN ANY OTHER AREA BUT IS TYPICALLY AN AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES AN ADDITIONAL EMPHASIS ON SPECIAL NEEDS OF PARTICIPANTS, SUCH AS PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT, FINANCIAL ABILITY, ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE, ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY, AND CULTURAL AND LANGUAGE DIFFERENCES. UWBC PROVIDED AN INCREASED INVESTMENT TO ASSIST WITH PILOTING THE NEW STEM SCOUTS WITHIN THE CITY OF READING. THIS VALUES-BASED PROGRAM FOCUSES ON SCHOOL SUCCESS AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT. STEM SCOUTS EXPANDS BOY SCOUTING OPPORTUNITIES TO GIRLS. SCOUTS SPEND 90 MINUTES PER MEETING WORKING ON SELF-IMPROVEMENT, CRITICAL THINKING, AND HANDS ON EXPERIMENTATION FOCUSING ON TOPICS SUCH AS PHYSICS OF LIGHT, PROPERTIES OF MATTER, MAGNETISM, PROPERTIES OF SOUND, ROBOTICS, ARCHAEOLOGY, AND SPACE. -- OLIVET BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF READING AND BERKS COUNTY, COMPREHENSIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR, KIDS ATTEND THEIR CLUBS MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY AND PARTICIPATE IN MANY ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS THAT ENRICH THEIR LIVES AND HELP MAKE THEM SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS, ATHLETES, AND CITIZENS. MEMBERS AGES 6-12 PARTICIPATE FROM 2:30-6 P.M. MEMBERS 13 AND OLDER UTILIZE THE CLUBS FROM 6-9 P.M. THESE PROGRAMS INCLUDE TUTORING, ARTS AND CRAFTS, SPORTS AND RECREATION, COMPUTER AND TECHNOLOGY, LEADERSHIP AND CHARACTER BUILDING, COLLEGE ACCESS AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT, AND VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS. -- THE SALVATION ARMY READING CORPS LEARNING CENTER: AN AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM IS AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN IN THE SOUTH OF PENN NEIGHBORHOOD, WHERE THERE ARE LIMITED OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH. CHILDREN ARE ABLE TO ATTEND RIGHT AFTER SCHOOL UNTIL 5 P.M. THEY ARE PROVIDED SNACKS, RECEIVE TUTORING, HELP WITH HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS, CAN PARTICIPATE IN ARTS AND CRAFTS, PLAY GAMES IN THE GYM, READ BOOKS, WORK OUT, COMPLETE PUZZLES, AND HAVE DINNER BEFORE HEADING HOME. EDUCATIONAL CASE MANAGEMENT - COMMUNITY-LEVEL OUTCOME: INDIVIDUALS RECEIVE CASE MANAGEMENT TO IMPROVE THEIR LIVES. -- COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS (CIS), INTEGRATED STUDENT SUPPORT: THE CIS MODEL OF INTEGRATED STUDENT SUPPORT OPERATES THROUGH THE COORDINATION AND DELIVERY OF SCHOOL-WIDE SUPPORTS, GROUP-LEVEL SUPPORTS, AND INDIVIDUALIZED SUPPORTS FOCUSING ON IMPROVING ATTENDANCE, BEHAVIOR, AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE. AT THE READING INTERMEDIATE HIGH SCHOOL, CIS IS WORKING TO ESTABLISH AND STRENGTHEN RELATIONSHIPS WITH STUDENTS, FAMILIES, SCHOOL DISTRICT STAFF, AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS. LITERACY - COMMUNITY-LEVEL OUTCOME: STUDENTS IMPROVE MEANING-BASED LITERACY SKILLS. MEANING-BASED SKILLS INCLUDE ORAL LANGUAGE (VOCABULARY AND WORD KNOWLEDGE), TEXT CHARACTERISTICS, UNDERSTANDING OF PURPOSE, INTEREST, MOTIVATION, AND RELEVANT BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE. READY.SET.READ! THIRD GRADE READING PROFICIENCY IS A KEY INDICATOR OF FUTURE SUCCESS, YET RECENT PSSA SCORES SHOW THAT A HIGH PERCENT OF THIRD GRADERS IN BERKS COUNTY FALL SHORT OF BEING PROFICIENT. LAUNCHED IN 2012, READY.SET.READ! (RSR) IS A COLLABORATION AMONG UNITED WAY OF BERKS COUNTY, THE EDUCATIONAL AND BUSINESS COMMUNITIES, AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS WORKING TO IMPROVE READING PROFICIENCY FOR STUDENTS BY THE END OF THIRD GRADE. THE COLLECTIVE WORK FOCUSES ON FOUR KEY STRATEGIES: IMPLEMENT SCHOOL-READINESS ACTIVITIES FOR PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN TO SUPPORT LANGUAGE AND PRE-LITERACY DEVELOPMENT IN YOUNG CHILDREN, CONNECT TUTORS WITH EARLY GRADE STUDENTS NEEDING SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTION, ENGAGE PARENTS TO PROMOTE LITERACY, AND MOBILIZE THE COMMUNITY AROUND THIS WORK. RSR 2024 PROGRAM OVERVIEW: - HISTORICALLY, STAR READERS HAS PROVIDED TUTORING TO 35 ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS IN 14 SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND SERVING OVER 300 STUDENTS IN FIRST AND SECOND GRADE BUT HAS CONTINUED TO RECOVER FROM THE IMPACTS OF THE PANDEMIC. IN THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR STAR READERS PROVIDED TUTORING TO 29 ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS IN 12 SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND WAS DELIVERED BY 260 VOLUNTEER TUTORS SERVING 275 STUDENTS IN FIRST AND SECOND GRADES, ONE DAY PER WEEK, ONE HOUR TUTORING SESSIONS. - GROWING READERS: LATINO-OWNED CHILDCARE CENTERS IN THE CITY OF READING RECEIVE COACHING AND MENTORING SERVICES ALONG WITH CURRICULUM SUPPORT TO ENHANCE LITERACY DEVELOPMENT FOR THEIR STUDENTS. GROWING READERS ALSO OFFERS A PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM TO ASSIST CHILDCARE TEACHERS IN OBTAINING THEIR CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE CREDENTIAL (CDA) THROUGH A PARTNERSHIP WITH READING AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE. IN 2024, 14 CANDIDATES COMPLETED THE EDUCATION PORTION OF THE PROGRAM. THERE WERE 16 CDAS EARNED IN 2024. ONE CDA CREDENTIALED STUDENT GRADUATED WITH HER ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION IN MAY 2024. ADDITIONALLY, NINE OTHER STUDENTS COMPLETED 50% OF PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS (ONE CLASS AND THE CDA APPLICATION PROCESS REMAIN TO BE COMPLETED IN 2025). UWBC WORKED WITH CANDIDATES FROM 11 CENTERS. COACHING AND MODELING WAS DELIVERED IN TWO CENTERS IN 2024, WHITE HOUSE DAY CARE ONE AND READING DAY CARE. ALL TEACHERS WERE EVALUATED (PRE AND POST) USING THE EARLY LANGUAGE AND LITERACY CLASSROOM OBERSVATION (ELLCO) FOR PRESCHOOL AND THE CIRCLE CLASSROOM OBSERVATION FOR INFANT TODDLERS. ALL TEACHERS SHOWED IMPROVEMENT AFTER RECEIVING COACHING AND MODELING ALONG WITH COMPLETION OF THE EDUCATION PORTION OF GROWING READERS. ADDITIONALLY, CENTER STAFF WHO RECEIVED COACHING AND MODELING IN 2022 WERE EVALUATED 6 MONTHS AFTER COMPLETION OF THE GROWING READERS HANDS-ON SUPPORT. ALL TEACHERS MAINTAINED PRIOR GROWTH OR DEMONSTRATED NEW GROWTH. IN 2024, THERE WERE TWO CENTERS THAT ACHIEVED A STAR 4 RATING (READING DAYCARE AND MARY'S DAYCARE) AND ONE ACHIEVED A STAR 3 RATING (JARDIN DE DIOS DAY CARE) AS A RESULT OF UNITED WAY INTERVENTIONS. THERE WERE 230 CHILDREN SERVED DIRECTLY FOR GROWING READERS, RESULTING FROM PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE TEACHERS IN 2024. OVERALL, BASED ON CHILDCARE CENTER CAPACITY, THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN BENEFITING FROM TEACHER EDUCATION AND UNITED WAY INTERVENTIONS IS 2,470. - READ WITH ME IS A WEEKLY BOOK BORROWING PROGRAM THAT PROMOTES HOME BOOK READING ROUTINES IN TWO CHILDCARE CENTERS IN A TOTAL OF 11 PRESCHOOL/PRE-KINDERGARTEN CLASSROOMS. STAFF AT THE CHILDCARE CENTERS ASSIST WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS PROGRAM, REVIEWING AND ROTATING THE BOOK BAGS ON A WEEKLY BASIS; WITH 110 CHILDREN/FAMILIES PARTICIPATING IN THE PROGRAM. - REACH OUT AND READ INCORPORATES EARLY LITERACY INTO PEDIATRIC PRACTICES, PROVIDING PARENTS CHILDREN'S BOOKS TO HELP PREPARE THEIR CHILDREN TO LEARN AND READ. A TOTAL OF 500 BOOKS WERE DISTRIBUTED TO PARTNER PEDIATRIC PRACTICES TO CHILDREN, AGES BIRTH THROUGH FIVE YEARS OLD, AT THEIR ANNUAL CHECKUP. - SUMMER LEARNING GRANTS: THIS COMPETITIVE GRANT IS OPEN TO SCHOOLS AND ORGANIZATIONS SERVING BERKS COUNTY STUDENTS. THE GRANT PROVIDES UP TO $5,000 IN SUPPORT OF SUMMER LEARNING PROGRAMMING. IN 2024, 13 SUMMER PROGRAMS RECEIVED GRANTS TOTALING $51,365. THESE SUMMER PROGRAMS PROVIDED OVER 1,860 CHILDREN WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO MITIGATE SUMMER LEARNING LOSS. - READ ALLIANCE: READ ALLIANCE IS A DUAL IMPACT PROGRAM TRAINING HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO TUTOR FIRST GRADERS STRUGGLING WITH READING. THE PROGRAM WAS PILOTED DURING THE 2021-22 SCHOOL YEAR WITH ONE READING SCHOOL DISTRICT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. IN 2022-2023, UWBC EXPANDED THE PROGRAM, ADDING FOUR READING SCHOOL DISTRICT ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS, WITH A TOTAL OF FIVE PARTICIPATING IN THE PROGRAM. IN THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR, THE PROGRAM EXPANDED TO SIX ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS. THERE WERE 128 FIRST GRADERS IN THE PROGRAM WORKING WITH 102 TEEN TUTORS. ALL FIRST GRADERS DEMONSTRATED READING GROWTH AND 81 PERCENT OF THEM MET THEIR READING GOAL. THE FIRST GRADERS GREW SOCIALLY AS WELL AS ACADEMICALLY. THEY IMPROVED THEIR READING SKILLS WHILE CREATING BONDS WITH THEIR PEERS AND TEENS IN THE PROGRAM. FOR MANY OF THE TEENS, THIS WAS THEIR FIRST PAID WORK EXPERIENCE AND PROVIDED THEM WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN FIRST-HAND WHAT A CAREER IN EDUCATION COULD BE LIKE. THE PROGRAM RAN FOR 15-25 WEEKS DEPENDING ON THE SCHOOL BUILDING, TUESDAY THROUGH THURSDAY, FROM 3:00-4:30 P.M. - YOCUM INSTITUTE FOR ARTS EDUCATION RECEIVED A $25,000 INVESTMENT FROM UWBC TO SUPPORT NEIGHBORHOOD BRIDGES, A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM OF STORYTELLING AND CREATIVE DRAMA THAT IS CURRICULUM-BASED AND DEVELOPS CHILDREN'S CRITICAL AND CULTURAL LITERACY, VOCABULARY, WRITING AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS. IT IS RECOGNIZED BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION'S OFFICE OF IMPROVEMENT AND INNOVATION AS AN EFFECTIVE MODEL FOR INTEGRATING THE ARTS WITH STANDARDS-BASED EDUCATION PROGRAMS. DURING THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR, YOCUM DELIVERS THE PROGRAM TO 16 THIRD-GRADE CLASSROOMS IN READING AND WILSON SCHOOL DISTRICTS. FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4A - READING PUBLIC LIBRARY (RPL) RECEIVED A $25,000 INVESTMENT TO SUPPORT ITS EARLY LITERACY PROGRAM AND THE ENDEAVORS OF THE EARLY LITERACY OUTREACH COORDINATOR. IN 2024, RPL EARLY LITERACY OUTREACH COORDINATOR MADE 597 VISITS TO PRESCHOOLERS AT EARLY LEARNING CENTERS, SCHOOL CLASSROOMS, COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS, PROVIDING A STORY TIME WITH SONGS AND CRAFT ACTIVITIES. THE LIBRARY ALSO HOSTED TWO AUTHOR VISITS AND TWO PARENT LITERACY WORKSHIPS IN 2024 AND INCREASED THE NUMBER OF DRAMATIC PLAY STATIONS AT ALL THEIR BRANCHES. THESE STATIONS ARE HEAVILY USED AND HELP DRAW FAMILIES TO THE LIBRARY. HARWOOD INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC INNOVATION READING, PA, INITIATIVE SINCE JUNE 2022, UNITED WAY OF BERKS COUNTY HAS BEEN INVOLVED WITH THE HARWOOD INITIATIVE, FOCUSED ON SPURRING EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION IN READING, PA. BASED ON THE READING THRIVING, TOGETHER REPORT - THREE MAIN FOCUSES WERE IDENTIFIED AS AREAS TO ADDRESS: EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION (ECE), ESL, AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS. THREE TEAMS WERE FORMED - ONE FOR EACH OF THESE AREAS - AND HAVE BEEN DOING WORK ON THEIR RESPECTIVE AREA. UNITED WAY LEADS THE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION (ECE) TEAM, WHOSE FOCUS IS HELPING TO BUILD AWARENESS FOR PARENTS/CAREGIVERS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF A CHILD'S FIRST FIVE YEARS OF DEVELOPMENT, WHILE ENGAGING AND CONNECTING THEM WITH EXPERIENCES AND ACTIVITIES FOR LITTLES ONES TO ASSIST WITH BRAIN DEVELOPMENT. THIS HELPS SET CHILDREN UP FOR SUCCESS WHEN ENTERING SCHOOL. THE ECE TEAM CONTINUED TO FOCUS OUTREACH EFFORTS ON NORTHEAST READING THROUGHOUT 2024, IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD AROUND THE 11TH & PIKE PARK AND THE NORTHEAST BRANCH OF THE READING PUBLIC LIBRARY. ACTIVITIES INCLUDED POP-UP STORY TIME AT THE PARK TO ENGAGE WITH FAMILIES AND SHARE INFORMATION ON ECE RESOURCES. UNITED WAY AGAIN PROVIDED A GRANT TO SUPPORT READING RECREATION'S MOVIE NIGHTS AT 11TH & PIKE PARK THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER OF 2024. MEMBERS OF THE ECE CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT EFFORTS WITH FAMILIES AT THESE EVENTS. THE TEAM ALSO WORKED WITH THE NORTHEAST BRANCH OF THE READING PUBLIC LIBRARY TO SERVE AS HUB OF ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN. BASED ON OUTREACH IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, THE LIBRARY HAS SEEN AN INCREASE IN ATTENDANCE! AS WE CONTINUED OUTREACH, THE TEAM FELT IT WAS IMPORTANT TO GET A PULSE ON THE NORTHEAST COMMUNITY. DURING THE FALL OF 2024, THE TEAM CONDUCTED A DOOR-TO-DOOR SURVEY IN NORTHEAST READING TO GAIN MORE INPUT FROM RESIDENTS TO HEAR WHAT THEY ARE LOOKING FOR REGARDING THEIR ASPIRATIONS FOR THEIR COMMUNITY AND THE TYPE OF ACTIVITIES THEY WOULD WANT TO SEE FOR THEIR CHILDREN. BY HEARING FIRST-HAND FROM FAMILIES THROUGH THE SURVEY, WE HOPE TO BETTER MEET THEIR NEEDS, SO THEIR CHILDREN HAVE MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCES DURING THEIR CRITICAL DEVELOPMENTAL YEARS. THE RESULTS WILL HELP GUIDE THE FUTURE DIRECTION OF OUTREACH EFFORTS AROUND ECE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD AS WE HEAR AND RESPOND TO WHAT RESIDENTS SHARED. COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS, ALONG WITH UNITED WAY STAFF, CONDUCTED THE SURVEYS - EACH SURVEY TEAM HAD A SPANISH-SPEAKING MEMBER TO ENSURE WE COULD ENGAGE WITH RESIDENTS. ALL SURVEYORS PARTICIPATED IN A TRAINING SESSION IN ADVANCE. OVER TWO DESIGNATED DATES, OUR SURVEY VOLUNTEERS KNOCKED ON NEARLY EVERY DOOR IN OUR TARGETED AREA - BETWEEN 9TH, UNION, 13TH, AND MARION - WHICH WAS OVER 1,300 HOUSEHOLDS. THERE WERE ADDITIONAL SURVEY FOLLOW-UP DATES, INCLUDING AT EVENTS HELD AT 13TH AND UNION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. WE HAD 133 COMPLETED SURVERYS - 83 IN ENGLISH AND 50 IN SPANISH. WE ENGAGED WITH AN ADDITIONAL 225+ HOUSEHOLDS WHO WOULD HAVE PARTICIPATED BUT DID NOT MEET THE QUALIFYING QUESTION OF CARING FOR A CHILD AGED 0-5. ALL THE FAMILIES WE ENGAGED WITH RECEIVED A PACKET THAT INCLUDED PA 211 INFORMATION, AN ECE FACT SHEET, AND NORTHEAST LIBRARY CALENDAR OF UPCOMING ACTIVITIES. THE RESULTS OF THE SURVEY WILL BE SHARED WITH THE COMMUNITY DURING THE SPRING OF 2025. THE TEAM ALSO CONTINUES TO BUILD PARTNERSHIPS WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS SERVING CHILDREN, PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS TO RAISE AWARENESS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF ECE. GRANDPARENTS OFTEN CARE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN DURING THE DAY, SO WE PARTNERED WITH BERKS ENCORE, A NONPROFIT PROVIDING SENIOR SERVICES IN BERKS. WE PROVIDED AN ARTICLE FEATURING ECE TIPS FOR GRANDPARENTS THAT WAS INCLUDED IN THEIR NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER AND APPEARED AS A GUEST ON THEIR BCTV PROGRAM, "APPLAUDING LIFE AFTER 50", TO SHARE SIMILAR MESSAGING. THE TEAM CONTINUES TO UTILIZE SOCIAL MEDIA, PROVIDING STATS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, AS WELL AS A VIDEO SERIES "MAKE LEARNING FUN!" THAT PROVIDES EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES CAREGIVERS CAN DO WITH ITEMS YOU FIND AROUND THE HOME. FINANCIAL STABILITY UNITED WAY OF BERKS COUNTY IS COMMITTED TO EFFORTS THAT HELP INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES ACCESS STABLE HOUSING, GAIN JOB SKILLS AND BUILD FINANCIAL LITERACY SO THEY HAVE INCREASED OPPORTUNITIES TO ACHIEVE LONG-TERM FINANCIAL STABILITY, BENEFITTING 3,950+ BERKS RESIDENTS IN 2024. THIS IS ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH FUNDING PROGRAMS WITH OUR AGENCY PARTNERS, IN ADDITION TO PROVIDING SPECIAL GRANTS FOR OTHER ORGANIZATIONS, HELPING PEOPLE TO ATTAIN FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE IN DIFFERENT WAYS. AFFORDABLE HOUSING - COMMUNITY-LEVEL OUTCOME: INDIVIDUALS HAVE ACCESS TO SAFE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING. -- HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF BERKS COUNTY, INC., HOME CONSTRUCTION/RENOVATION FOR LOW INCOME FAMILIES: HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BUILDS, RENOVATES, AND REPAIRS HOMES USING VOLUNTEER LABOR AND DONATIONS TO PROVIDE SAFE, AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES. RECIPIENTS OF HOMES INVEST THEIR OWN LABOR, CALLED "SWEAT EQUITY", INTO THE BUILDING/RENOVATION, AND PURCHASE THE HOME THROUGH AN AFFORDABLE FINANCING PROGRAM. -- MIDPENN LEGAL SERVICES HANDLES LANDLORD/TENANT ISSUES, MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE, PUBLIC HOUSING AND OTHER ISSUES AFFECTING LOW-INCOME RESIDENTS, RENTERS, AND HOMEOWNERS. THEY REPRESENTED CLIENTS TO RESOLVE THEIR HOUSING ISSUE WITH A POSITIVE RESULT OF PRESERVING THEIR HOUSING. - COMMUNITY-LEVEL OUTCOME: INDIVIDUALS HAVE ACCESS TO TRANSITIONAL OR PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING. -- THE SALVATION ARMY READING CORPS, PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING: SUPPORTIVE HOUSING PROGRAM OFFERS PERMANENT HOUSING TO CHRONICALLY HOMELESS AND DISABLED ADULTS AND FAMILIES. THE PROGRAM INCLUDES RENTAL ASSISTANCE, LANDLORD RELATIONS, LIFE SKILLS TRAINING, MONITORING OF BOTH FISCAL (BUDGET) AND PHYSICAL/MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES, CONNECTION WITH THE SALVATION ARMY'S FAMILY SERVICES PROGRAM, AND OTHER COMMUNITY PROGRAMS. SKILLED CASEWORKERS DEVELOP AND MONITOR A 12-POINT ENCOURAGEMENT PLAN FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY. -- YMCA OF READING & BERKS COUNTY, TRANSITIONAL HOUSING: INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS, CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY, MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES, AND SOCIAL SERVICE NEEDS IN BERKS COUNTY HAVE A SAFE AND SECURE PLACE TO STAY. THE TRANSITIONAL LIVING PROGRAMS PROVIDE INTENSIVE CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES AND SUPPORTIVE RESOURCE CONNECTIONS TO ADDRESS AND RESOLVE THE ROOT CAUSES OF HOMELESSNESS, CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY, MENTAL HEALTH, AND OTHER SOCIAL SERVICE NEEDS. EMPLOYMENT/JOB SKILLS - COMMUNITY-LEVEL OUTCOME: UNEMPLOYED AND UNDEREMPLOYED INDIVIDUALS PARTICIPATE IN JOB PREPAREDNESS AND SOFT SKILLS TRAINING, AND RECEIVE SUPPORT TO BETTER CONNECT THEM WITH, AND HELP MAINTAIN, EMPLOYMENT. -- THRESHOLD REHABILITATION SERVICES, INC., BERKS PERSONNEL NETWORK: PROVIDES COMPREHENSIVE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES DESIGNED TO SUPPORT AND EMPOWER PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN COMPETITIVE EMPLOYMENT IN THE COMMUNITY. THE SERVICES ARE INDIVIDUALLY TAILORED TO MEET EACH PERSON'S AREAS OF NEED. ACTIVITIES MAY INCLUDE CAREER EXPLORATION, RESUME AND EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION SUPPORT, JOB INTERVIEW SUPPORT, ADVOCACY, TRANSPORTATION TRAINING, JOB DEVELOPMENT AND PLACEMENT, ON-THE-JOB TRAINING, SERVICE COORDINATION, AND FOLLOW-UP SUPPORT. -- CONNECTIONS WORKS (FORMERLY KNOWN AS BERKS CONNECTIONS PRETRIAL SERVICES), PRISONER REENTRY SERVICES: INMATES AT THE BERKS COUNTY JAIL ARE ASSESSED UTILIZING A NATIONALLY-VALIDATED RISK-NEEDS TOOL AND SCREENED FOR POST-RELEASE NEEDS. INMATES WHO QUALIFY ARE TRANSFERRED TO THE BERKS COUNTY COMMUNITY REENTRY CENTER (CRC). ALL RESIDENTS ARE ASSIGNED A CASE MANAGER AND RECEIVE AN INDIVIDUALIZED TRANSITION PLAN. SECURING STABLE, SUSTAINABLE EMPLOYMENT IS A GOAL THAT CONNECTIONS WORK SPENDS THE MOST TIME WORKING ON WITH CLIENTS' POST-RELEASE. REENTRANTS REVIEW LESSONS LEARNED FROM EMPLOYMENT GROUPS AT THE CRC AND ARE PROVIDED WITH ONGOING COACHING AND SUPPORT TO AID IN OBTAINING AND MAINTAINING EMPLOYMENT. CLIENTS RECEIVE DIRECT ASSISTANCE THROUGH JOB LEADS, INTERVIEWING SKILLS PRACTICE, RESUME UPDATES AND SUPPORT UTILIZING THE COMPUTER BASED LEARNING CENTER (CBLC) FOR COMPLETING APPLICATIONS, AND CHECKING EMAIL FOR CORRESPONDENCE FROM POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS. FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4A -- FAMILY PROMISE OF BERKS COUNTY, INC. U-TURN PROGRAM SERVES UNACCOMPANIED, HOMELESS, AND AT-RISK YOUTH. FAMILY PROMISE WORKS WITH PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS WHO ARE ACTIVELY SEEKING EMPLOYMENT TO ASSIST WITH EMPLOYMENT SEARCHES AND INTERVIEW PREPARATION. - COMMUNITY-LEVEL OUTCOME: INDIVIDUALS IMPROVE LITERACY AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE SKILLS. -- LITERACY COUNCIL OF READING-BERKS, LITERACY TRAINING AND ESL: ONE-ON-ONE TUTORING MATCHES ADULTS WITH A TRAINED VOLUNTEER TUTOR TO WORK ON THE BASIC SKILLS NEEDED TO GET OR RETAIN A JOB OR ENTER POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION. ESL CLASSES AND ENGLISH-LANGUAGE CIVICS CLASS ARE CONDUCTED WEEKLY, RANGING FROM THE BEGINNING LEVEL TO HIGH ADVANCED LEVEL. CLASSES HELP ADULTS LEARN TO SPEAK, READ, AND WRITE ENGLISH AND PREPARE THEM FOR SUCCESSFUL CAREERS. THEY ALSO OFFER CITIZENSHIP PREPARATION CLASSES, A WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM, HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY CERTIFICATION CLASSES, AND MORE. -- LITERACY COUNCIL OF READING-BERKS, ENGLISH FORWARD: INCREASES ACCESS TO ESL CLASSES IN BERKS COUNTY AND IMPROVES THE QUALITY OF ESL INSTRUCTION IN ADULT CLASSROOMS THROUGH INSTRUCTOR TRAINING AND SUPPORT, CLASSROOM RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT, AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. ONCE INSTRUCTORS COMPLETE THE 11-HOUR INSTRUCTOR TRAINING, THEY CAN BEGIN THEIR OWN ESL PROGRAMS. THE COUNCIL PROVIDES CONTINUED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR INSTRUCTORS TO ENSURE THE QUALITY OF ADULT INSTRUCTION ACROSS ALL ESL PROGRAMS. -- READING AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE, BILINGUAL ESL PROGRAM : SINCE 2008, UNITED WAY HAS PROVIDED A YEARLY GRANT TO READING AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE TO OFFER ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL) CLASSES FOR PEOPLE WITH THE MOST BASIC ENGLISH LANGUAGE SKILLS, OR NONE AT ALL, AND PROVIDE THEM WITH A MORE FLEXIBLE AND CUSTOMIZED LEARNING ENVIRONMENT. IN 2024, 193 PEOPLE WERE ABLE TO COMPLETE THE PROGRAM. PERSONAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT - INDIVIDUALS DEVELOP BASIC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SKILLS -- FAMILY PROMISE OF BERKS COUNTY, INC. -- FRIEND, INC. COMMUNITY SERVICES, COMMUNITY RESOURCE CONNECTIONS -- HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF BERKS COUNTY, HOME OWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR MODERATE INCOME FAMILIES -- THE SALVATION ARMY READING CORPS, PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING FINANCIAL STABILITY CASE MANAGEMENT - INDIVIDUALS RECEIVE CASE MANAGEMENT TO IMPROVE THEIR LIVES. -- CASA OF BERKS COUNTY -- CENTRO HISPANO DANIEL TORRES -- CONNECTIONS WORK -- JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE -- THE SALVATION ARMY - READING CORPS -- UNITED COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR WORKING FAMILIES (UCS) -- YMCA OF READING & BERKS COUNTY HEALTH FOCUS AREA HEALTH IMPACTS EVERY ASPECT OF A PERSON'S LIFE. GOOD HEALTH ALLOWS CHILDREN TO LEARN BETTER AND ADULTS TO LIVE MORE PRODUCTIVE, FULLER LIVES. THROUGH FUNDING PROGRAMS WITH OUR AGENCY PARTNERS AND OUR INVOLVEMENT IN VARIOUS COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS, UWBC IS CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE TO ACHIEVE THEIR OPTIMAL HEALTH AND INDEPENDENCE. PROGRAMS UNITED WAY SUPPORTS ADDRESS BOTH THE PREVENTIVE ASPECT OF PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES, WHILE ALSO ADDRESSING INTERVENTIONAL NEEDS AND IMPACTED 40,700 BERKS RESIDENTS IN 2024. MENTAL HEALTH - COMMUNITY-LEVEL OUTCOME: INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS RECEIVE SERVICES THAT IMPROVE THEIR ABILITY TO FUNCTION. -- FAMILY GUIDANCE CENTER, COUNSELING: ASSISTS PERSONS IN IMPROVING THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE BY PROVIDING AFFORDABLE, ACCESSIBLE, QUALITY COUNSELING SERVICES. THEY UTILIZE QUALIFIED, CREDENTIALED, COMPETENT STAFF TRAINED IN EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE APPROACHES. -- GREATER READING MENTAL HEALTH ALLIANCE, ADVOCACY AND SUPPORT GROUPS: ASSIST INDIVIDUALS, INCLUDING CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES, AS WELL AS ADULTS, WITH MENTAL ILLNESS TO DEVELOP STRATEGIES AND ADVOCATE FOR THEMSELVES IN ORDER TO RECEIVE THE SERVICES THEY NEED. HEALTH AND WELLNESS - COMMUNITY-LEVEL OUTCOME: INDIVIDUALS DEVELOP AND PRACTICE ACTIVE LIFESTYLES. -- EASTERSEALS EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA, THERAPEUTIC RECREATION: SEVERAL THERAPEUTIC PROGRAMS ARE OFFERED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR THAT PROVIDE SOCIAL, FITNESS, COMMUNITY, LIFE SKILLS, AND OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES. PROGRAMS ARE OFFERED FRIDAY EVENINGS, SATURDAYS, AND ALL WEEK LONG DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS. IN ADDITION, THERE ARE A NUMBER OF EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR IN COMMUNITY-BASED SETTINGS. - COMMUNITY-LEVEL OUTCOME: INDIVIDUALS HAVE ACCESS TO HIGH-QUALITY, PATIENT-CENTERED HEALTH CARE. -- TOWER HEALTH AT HOME, SKILLED NURSING AND RELATED SERVICES: PATIENTS ARE REFERRED TO THIS PROGRAM BECAUSE THEY HAVE A MEDICAL CONDITION THAT MAY BE TREATED EFFECTIVELY IN THEIR HOME, RATHER THAN A HOSPITAL OR NURSING HOME SETTING. AS MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY HAS IMPROVED, MANY TREATMENTS AND RECOVERY SURGICAL PROCEDURES NOW TAKE PLACE IN THE HOME RATHER THAN IN HOSPITALS, NURSING HOMES, OR REHABILITATION FACILITIES. NURSES ESTABLISH A PLAN OF CARE THAT INCLUDES A VISIT-FREQUENCY PLAN AND OUTLINES THE TYPES OF CARE NEEDED. -- TOWER HEALTH STREET MEDICINE: HOMELESS PEOPLE ARE FREQUENT EMERGENCY ROOM VISITORS AND DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO CONSISTENT HEALTHCARE. ON AVERAGE, HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS VISIT THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT FIVE TIMES PER YEAR. STREET MEDICINE PATIENTS RECEIVE VERY SIMILAR CARE TO THOSE VISITING A PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN. PATIENTS ARE REGISTERED, TRIAGED AND THEN SEEN BY A PHYSICIAN OR ADVANCED PRACTICE PROVIDER (APP). THE GOAL IS TO REPLICATE WHAT YOU MIGHT FIND IN A BRICK-AND-MORTAR PRIMARY CARE PRACTICE. VERY FREQUENTLY DURING A VISIT, PHYSICIANS CAN PROVIDE IMMEDIATE TREATMENT. THE TEAM PROVIDES AN IN-PERSON CLINIC 1/WEEK AT VARIOUS COMMUNITY LOCATIONS. ADDITIONALLY, A TELEMEDICINE KIOSK LOCATED AT HOPE RESCUE OPERATES FOR 12-15 HOURS/WEEK. - COMMUNITY-LEVEL OUTCOME: INDIVIDUALS HAVE ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOODS TO IMPROVE THEIR HEALTH. -- BERKS ENCORE, MEALS ON WHEELS: HOME-BOUND, ISOLATED SENIORS AGED 60+ AND HOME-BOUND DISABLED ADULTS UNDER THE AGE OF 60 RECEIVE A HOT, HOME-DELIVERED MEAL, FIVE DAYS A WEEK. THIS HOME DELIVERED MEAL SERVICE ENABLES THE HOME-BOUND SENIOR TO LIVE INDEPENDENTLY AS LONG AS POSSIBLE AND RELIEVES THE ISOLATION AND LONELINESS THEY EXPERIENCE. -- BOYERTOWN AREA MULTI-SERVICE, INC., SUPPORTIVE SERVICES PROGRAM PROVIDES CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES AND MEETS THE NEEDS OF INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES FACING VARIOUS ISSUES INCLUDING FOOD INSECURITY. THE ORGANIZATION PROVIDES A FOOD PANTRY, WHICH THE NEED FOR THIS SERVICE CONTINUES TO GROW, AS WELL AS PREPARES AND ORGANIZES THE DELIVERY OF THE MEALS ON WHEELS PROGRAM. -- HELPING HARVETS, ACCESS TO FOOD: THE WEEKENDER PROGRAM - COMMUNITY-LEVEL OUTCOME: INDIVIDUALS RECEIVE ADVOCACY AND PREVENTATIVE AND MANAGED CARE FOR CHRONIC DISEASES AND HEALTH CONDITIONS. -- FAMILY PROMISE OF BERKS COUNTY, INC. -- GREATER READING MENTAL HEALTH ALLIANCE, ADVOCACY AND SUPPORT GROUPS -- EASTERSEALS OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA -- READING HOSPITAL TOWER HEALTH, STREET MEDICINE -- TOWER HEALTH AT HOME, SKILLED NURSING AND RELATED SERVICES SELF-SUFFICIENCY AND INDEPENDENT LIVING - COMMUNITY-LEVEL OUTCOME: INDIVIDUALS RECEIVE EARLY ASSESSMENT AND INTERVENTION SERVICES. -- BERKS ENCORE, MEALS ON WHEELS - COMMUNITY-LEVEL OUTCOME: INDIVIDUALS MAINTAIN INDEPENDENT LIVING IN THEIR RESIDENCE. -- EASTERSEALS EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA, OUTPATIENT THERAPY: AT THEIR CENTER IN READING, EASTERSEALS OFFERS PHYSICAL, OCCUPATIONAL AND SPEECH THERAPIES TO HELP CHILDREN OF ALL AGES DEVELOP NEW SKILLS AND IMPROVE THEIR OVERALL LEVEL OF FUNCTIONING. -- EASTERSEALS EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA, PEDIATRIC CLINICS: SPECIALTY MEDICAL CLINICS BRING THE SERVICES OF TOP-QUALITY MEDICAL AND SURGICAL SPECIALISTS TO BERKS COUNTY TO WORK WITH CHILDREN WITH COMPLEX MEDICAL NEEDS. EASTERSEALS PROVIDES SPECIALTY PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY, ORTHOPEDIC, ORTHOTIC, AND FEEDING CLINICS ALL UNDER ONE ROOF. CLINIC SERVICES ARE OFFERED AT NO CHARGE TO THE FAMILIES. -- TOWER HEALTH AT HOME, SKILLED NURSING AND RELATED SERVICES HEALTH CASE MANAGEMENT - INDIVIDUALS RECEIVE CASE MANAGEMENT TO IMPROVE THEIR LIVES. -- AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY -- BOYERTOWN AREA MULTI-SERVICES -- CENTRO HISPANO DANIEL TORRES -- CO-COUNTY WELLNESS SERVICES, BERKS TEENS -- EASTERSEALS EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA -- READING HOSPITAL TOWER HEALTH STREET MEDICINE COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS: BERKS COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER: TO ASSIST IN MAKING HEALTH CARE EASIER TO OBTAIN FOR BERKS COUNTY RESIDENTS WHO ARE UNINSURED OR UNDERINSURED. UNITED WAY PARTNERED WITH LOCAL HOSPITALS AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS TO ESTABLISH THE BERKS COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER (BCHC), WHICH OPERATES OUR COMMUNITY'S TWO FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTERS AND PROVIDES QUALITY, PRIMARY HEALTH CARE FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN, REGARDLESS OF ABILITY TO PAY. UNITED WAY'S ROLE IN THIS EFFORT INCLUDES PROVIDING STAFF TO SERVE ON THE ADVISORY COUNCIL TO THE BOARD, BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS TO IDENTIFY POTENTIAL CLIENTS, AND ASSISTING WITH MARKETING AND AWARENESS FOR THE CENTER. FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4A UWBC INVESTED $25,000 IN PENN STATE HEALTH ST. JOSEPH FOR VEGGIE RX PROGRAM: WITH MORE FAST FOOD AND CORNER STORES THAN GROCERY OR MARKET OPTIONS, THE CITY OF READING IS CONSIDERED A "FOOD DESERT." IN A 2014 READING FOOD NEEDS ASSESSMENT, RESPONDENTS LISTED AFFORDABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY AS BARRIERS AND 62 PERCENT CONSUMED VEGETABLES AND FRUIT LESS THAN FOUR TIMES A WEEK. RESULTS FROM TWO RECENT COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENTS FOR BERKS COUNTY PRIORITIZE OBESITY AND CHRONIC ILLNESS AS AREAS OF GREATEST NEED. OVER 20 PERCENT OF ADULTS SUFFER FROM DIABETES, NEARLY 40 PERCENT HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, AND 35 PERCENT ARE CONSIDERED OBESE. (HTTP://WWW.THEFUTUREOFHEALTHCARE.ORG/ASSETS/COMMUNITY-HEALTH-NEEDS-ASSE SMENT.PDF). IN RESPONSE TO THESE COMMUNITY NEEDS, PENN STATE HEALTH ST. JOSEPH IMPLEMENTED A PREVENTATIVE HEALTHCARE PROGRAM IN WHICH PHYSICIANS AT THEIR DOWNTOWN READING CAMPUS PRESCRIBE VOUCHERS FOR DISCOUNTED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES TO PATIENTS AT-RISK FOR, OR CURRENTLY FACING, FOOD INSECURITY AND/OR DIET-RELATED CHRONIC ILLNESSES. THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS WITHIN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND ADAPTING THE NATIONALLY USED, EVIDENCE-BASED VEGGIE RX MODEL, PATIENTS REDEEM VOUCHERS AT PARTICIPATING FARMER'S MARKETS, GROCERY STORES, AND BODEGAS. AUGMENTED WITH COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS AND NUTRITION EDUCATION, THIS PROGRAM IS CLOSELY MONITORED TO TRACK KEY PATIENT HEALTH INDICATORS, WHICH EVALUATE PROGRESS AND OVERALL PROGRAM EFFECTIVENESS. UNITED WAY'S ONGOING SUPPORT ASSISTED WITH PROGRAM EXPANSION FROM THE VEGGIE RX PILOT PROGRAM INTO ITS NEXT FORMAL PHASE, VEGGIE RX 2.0, AND SUSTAINS PSHSJ'S HEALTHY FOOD ACCESS PROGRAMMING FOR FOOD INSECURE AND AT-RISK PATIENTS. THE VEGGIE RX ADDRESSES HIGH LEVELS OF TYPE 2 DIABETES AND OBESITY IN OUR COMMUNITY, SPECIFICALLY WITHIN PSHSJ PATIENT POPULATION AT THE HOSPITAL'S DOWNTOWN CAMPUS. MOST VEGGIE RX PATIENTS ARE CONSIDERED LOW-INCOME (MEASURED BY FOOD INSECURITY QUESTIONS), AND THIS PROGRAM EXPANDS THEIR PURCHASING POWER FOR NUTRITIOUS FRUITS AND VEGETABLES, FOOD WHICH OTHERWISE OFTEN GETS PASSED ON FOR CHEAPER, NUTRITIONALLY DEPLETED ALTERNATIVES. VEGGIE RX VOUCHERS ARE PAIRED WITH NUTRITION EDUCATION, WHICH EMPOWERS PATIENTS TO LEARN WAYS OF MAKING HEALTHIER CHOICES WHILE HAVING THE DIGNITY OF PURCHASING THEIR OWN FOOD. ST. JOSEPH MEDICAL CENTER IS PART OF THE BIGGER PENN STATE HEALTH SYSTEM AND IS USING THE MODEL TO REPLICATE VEGGIE RX ACROSS THEIR HEALTH SYSTEM AND INTO SURROUNDING COUNTIES. SINGLECARE DISCOUNT PRESCRIPTION DRUG PROGRAM UNITED WAY OF BERKS COUNTY HAS JOINED WITH 1,000 UNITED WAYS ACROSS THE NATION IN LOWERING THE COSTS OF PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION THROUGH ADMINISTERING THE SINGLECARE (FORMERLY FAMILYWIZE) PROGRAM. THE SINGLECARE DISCOUNT PRESCRIPTION CARD IS AVAILABLE FREE-OF-CHARGE TO ANYONE WHO NEEDS ASSISTANCE IN PAYING FOR PRESCRIPTIONS NOT COVERED BY AN INSURANCE PLAN. IN 2024, INDIVIDUALS WERE ASSISTED WITH A PRESCRIPTION DISCOUNT UTILIZING SINGLECARE, REPRESENTING $158,585 IN SAVINGS FOR PEOPLE ACROSS THE COUNTY. SAFETY-NET SERVICES PART OF UNITED WAY'S MISSION IS TO ENSURE THAT THE BASIC NECESSITIES OF LIFE ARE AVAILABLE FOR THOSE IN NEED. UNITED WAY'S PARTNERSHIPS AND FUNDED PROGRAMS PROVIDE A CRUCIAL SAFETY NET FOR VULNERABLE POPULATIONS TO QUICKLY ACCESS HELP AND RECEIVE THE NECESSARY SUPPORT TO HELP THEM HAVE A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE, BOTH NOW AND IN THE FUTURE. MANY OF OUR FUNDED PROGRAMS ARE ALSO TAKING AN ADDED APPROACH TO PROVIDING EMERGENCY SERVICES THAT SIMPLY TAKE CARE OF THE CRISIS AT HAND FOR THEIR CLIENTS; PROGRAMS ARE NOW STARTING TO HELP ADDRESS THE ROOT CAUSES OF WHY A CLIENT NEEDS SAFETY NET SERVICES, TO HOPEFULLY AVOID THE CLIENT REQUIRING THESE TYPES OF SERVICES IN THE FUTURE. THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS SUPPORTED OVER 133,700 RESIDENTS IN BERKS COUNTY IN 2024. BASIC NEEDS - COMMUNITY-LEVEL OUTCOME: INDIVIDUALS IN CRISIS HAVE THEIR BASIC NEEDS MET. -- AMERICAN RED CROSS TRI-COUNTY CHAPTER, DISASTER SERVICES: DISASTER CYCLE SERVICES PROVIDES IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE TO THE RESIDENTS OF BERKS COUNTY WHO HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY NATURAL OR MAN-MADE DISASTERS. TRAINED RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS AND STAFF RESPOND TO DISASTER SITUATIONS AND PROVIDE FOR THE IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY NEEDS OF SHELTER, FOOD, AND CLOTHING. ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE IN OBTAINING LOST MEDICATIONS AND EYEGLASSES IS ALSO PROVIDED. RED CROSS STAFF CONTINUES TO WORK LONGER TERM WITH CLIENTS THAT NEED HELP WITH RENT OR BEDDING OR REFERRALS FOR HOUSEHOLD FURNISHINGS. IN LARGER DISASTER SITUATIONS, THE RED CROSS IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MASS CARE SHELTERING AND FEEDING OF DISPLACED RESIDENTS. THE RED CROSS ALSO PROVIDES MASS CARE FEEDINGS FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE PERSONNEL ON THE SCENE OF A DISASTER. STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS ARE TRAINED IN RED CROSS DISASTER SERVICES. -- BERKS COALITION TO END HOMELESSNESS (BCEH), HOMELESS PREVENTION: BCEH PROVIDES HOUSING SUPPORT AND ESSENTIAL SERVICES TO INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS OR HOUSING INSTABILITY. THE AGENCIES UTILIZE COORDINATED ENTRY (CE) AND THE BERKS COUNTY ASSESSMENT TOOL (BCAT) TO PRIORITIZE THE MUST VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS. UNITED WAY DOLLARS ASSIST WITH CLIENTS AVOIDING EVICTION, RAPID RE-HOUSING OF INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES, PERMANENT HOUSING SOLUTIONS FOR OUR NEIGHBORS IN NEED. -- FAMILY PROMISE OF BERKS COUNTY, INC., U-TURN PROGRAM: SERVES UNACCOMPANIED, HOMELESS AND AT-RISK YOUTH AND PROVIDES ADVOCACY, CASE MANAGEMENT, SHELTER, AND PERMANENT HOUSING. THE DROP-IN CENTER OFFERS YOUTH A SAFE, HOME-LIKE PLACE TO SHOWER, COOK, DO LAUNDRY, ACCESS TO DEDICATED STAFF, COMPUTERS, PEER CONNECTIONS, RECEIVE NUTRITIOUS SNACKS, MEALS, TOILETRIES, AND MORE. -- HELPING HARVEST, ACCESS TO FOOD: THE WEEKENDER PROGRAM WAS ESTABLISHED TO HELP NOURISH LOW-INCOME, AT-RISK, ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS OVER THE WEEKEND - A TIME WHEN THEY MAY OTHERWISE GO WITHOUT PROPER NOURISHMENT. CHILDHOOD POVERTY, AND AS A RESULT HUNGER, ARE UNFORTUNATELY GROWING PROBLEMS IN BERKS COUNTY. ACCORDING TO THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, FOOD AND NUTRITION DIVISION, APPROXIMATELY 50% OF BERKS COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS QUALIFY FOR FREE OR REDUCED LUNCHES; MEANING, THEIR FAMILY IS LIVING IN, OR CLOSE TO, POVERTY. -- JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE, SUPPORTIVE SERVICES: SUPPORTIVE SERVICES PROGRAM HELPS CLIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES FACE VARIOUS CHALLENGES INCLUDING HEALTH, AGING, INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS, TRANSPORTATION, AND FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES. CLIENTS ARE EITHER SELF-REFERRED OR REFERRED TO BY NEIGHBORS, FAMILY MEMBERS, CLERGY, PROFESSIONALS IN THE COMMUNITY, AND THROUGH HOSPITAL OUTREACH VISITS. EACH CLIENT IS EVALUATED TO DETERMINE THE APPROPRIATE LEVEL OF SERVICE. -- JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE, FOOD PANTRY: TWO FOOD PANTRIES ARE OFFERED EACH MONTH. ONE IS HELD AT ANOTHER UWBC PARTNER, OLIVET'S PENDORA PARK LOCATION. THE SECOND IS HELD AT THE SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH IN HAMPDEN HEIGHTS. -- MIDPENN LEGAL SERVICES, LEGAL REPRESENTATION TO SECURE BASIC NEEDS: LOW-INCOME CLIENTS RECEIVE LEGAL COUNSEL AND ADVICE REGARDING THEIR PARTICULAR LEGAL SITUATION THROUGH MIDPENN'S READING OFFICE. MIDPENN WORKS WITH SAFEBERKS TO ENSURE THAT ALL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVORS HAVE ACCESS TO THE JUSTICE SYSTEM. THEY ARE A MEMBER OF BERKS COALITION TO END HOMELESSNESS (BCEH), AND THROUGH THIS PARTNERSHIP, MIDPENN MAKES AND ACCEPTS REFERRALS ON BEHALF OF INDIVIDUALS WHO REQUIRE THEIR LEGAL SERVICES. -- NEW JOURNEY COMMUNITY OUTREACH (NJCO) FOOD ACCESS PROGRAMS INCLUDE SOUP KITCHEN AND FOOD PANTRY SERVICES THAT FOCUS ON THE IMMEDIATE AND LONG-TERM HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF RECEIVING A NUTRITIOUS DAILY MEAL AND SUPPLEMENTAL GROCERIES. NJCO IS THE LARGEST SOUP KITCHEN IN DOWNTOWN READING. IN 2024, NJCO'S LUNCH PROGRAM, WHICH OFFERS LUNCH DAILY, MONDAY-FRIDAY, SERVED OVER 90,000 MEALS. -- OPPORTUNITY HOUSE, EMERGENCY SHELTER: PROVIDES EMERGENCY SHELTER HOUSING TO HOMELESS CHILDREN, WOMEN AND MEN, AS WELL AS, ON-SITE CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES, AND CHILDCARE. BERKS COUNSELING SERVICES PROVIDES ON-SITE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH COUNSELING AND MEDICAL CARE IS PROVIDED THROUGH THE BERKS COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER AT 2ND STREET. -- SALVATION ARMY READING CORPS, FAMILY SERVICES PROGRAM: ASSIST CLIENTS TO RECEIVE EMERGENCY BASIC NEEDS, INCLUDING MONTHLY FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS, CLOTHING DISTRIBUTIONS, AND THROUGH CASE MANAGEMENT PROVIDED UTILITY ASSISTANCE, PRESCRIPTION DRUG ASSISTANCE, RENTAL ASSISTANCE, EDUCATION ABOUT COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND APPROPRIATE REFERRALS. THEY ALSO OFFER A YEAR-ROUND FURNITURE BANK. FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4A -- SALVATION ARMY: SERVICE EXTENSION UNITS, COMMUNITY WELFARE: COVERING THE HAMBURG AREA, THEY PROVIDE IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE TO MEET A SHORT-TERM NEED. AS A SERVICE UNIT, THEY ARE A VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE IN A REGION WHERE THERE ARE NO PROFESSIONAL SALVATION ARMY PERSONNEL. EXAMPLES OF SERVICE UNIT EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE PROVIDED INCLUDED GROCERIES, RENTAL ASSISTANCE, FUEL/UTILITIES, MEDICAL/DENTAL/EYE CARE, CLOTHING, SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN, TEMPORARY SHELTER, AND SEASONAL ASSISTANCE. - COMMUNITY-LEVEL OUTCOME: VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND/OR SEXUAL ASSAULT ARE ENSURED SAFETY AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES. -- SAFEBERKS, CRISIS SERVICES: SUPPORTS THE SAFE HOUSE PROGRAM, AN EMERGENCY SHELTER TO INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES IMPACTED BY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT FOR UP TO 60 DAYS. ALL DAILY NECESSITIES OF FOOD, CLOTHING, HYGIENE PRODUCTS, SAFETY PLANNING, CASE MANAGEMENT, CONNECTION TO COMMUNITY RESOURCES, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT COUNSELING, CHILDREN'S PROGRAMMING, INCLUDING A READY TO READ PROGRAM, NUTRITION PROGRAMS, AND RECREATIONAL SUPPORTS ARE PROVIDED. CRISIS SERVICES INCLUDE THE EMERGENCY HOTLINE, WITH TEXTING NOW AVAILABLE 24/7/365 IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH. THE RAPID RESPONSE PROGRAM PROVIDES SUPPORT TO VICTIMS SEEKING EMERGENCY PROTECTION OR WHO ARE ACCESSING EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES, BASIC CARE, OR RAPE EXAMS AT AREA EMERGENCY ROOMS AND CLINICS. - COMMUNITY-LEVEL OUTCOME: INDIVIDUALS HAVE ACCESS TO TRANSPORTATION. -- AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY -- AMERICAN RED CROSS: BERKS COUNTY CHAPTER, VETERANS TRANSPORTATION: VETERANS RECEIVE SAFE AND RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM THE LEBANON VA MEDICAL CENTER TO REACH NECESSARY MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS. -- EASTERSEALS EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA, PEDIATRIC CLINICS SAFETY NET CASE MANAGEMENT - COMMUNITY-LEVEL OUTCOME: INDIVIDUALS RECEIVE CASE MANAGEMENT TO IMPROVE THEIR LIVES. -- CASA OF BERKS COUNTY (COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATE PROGRAM): CASA IS A NATIONAL PROGRAM THAT RECRUITS AND TRAINS VOLUNTEERS TO SERVE AS ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN WHO HAVE BEEN PLACED IN THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM. THERE ARE ON AVERAGE 600 CHILDREN IN THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM/RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT FACILITIES IN BERKS COUNTY. UWBC'S INVESTMENT INCLUDES OPERATIONAL SUPPORT TO CONTINUE TO BUILD PROGRAM CAPACITY. IN 2024, CASA SERVED 86 CHILDREN WITH THE SUPPORT OF 57 VOLUNTEERS. -- CATHOLIC CHARITIES: DIOCESE OF ALLENTOWN, CASE MANAGEMENT AND COUNSELING FOR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES: VETERANS ARE ASSESSED BY A CASE MANAGER TO DETERMINE THEIR IMMEDIATE NEEDS. A SERVICE PLAN IS CREATED TO IDENTIFY THE GOALS AND ACTION STEPS. THE CASE MANAGER WORKS WITH THE VETERAN TO ACCOMPLISH THESE GOALS, WHICH MAY INCLUDE JOB SEARCH, BUDGET COUNSELING AND GUIDANCE, REFERRAL TO BERKS COUNTY VETERAN'S ADMINISTRATION FOR SPECIFIC ASSISTANCE/ENTITLEMENTS, ASSISTANCE WITH APPLICATIONS FOR SUBSIDIZED HOUSING, FOOD STAMPS, AND OTHER LOW-INCOME PROGRAMS FOR WHICH THE VETERAN MAY BE ELIGIBLE. -- CENTRO HISPANO DANIEL TORRES, INC., INFORMATION AND REFERRAL: THE MAJORITY OF CENTRO HISPANO'S CLIENTS ARE EITHER UNEMPLOYED OR UNDEREMPLOYED. THEY ARE SEEKING ASSISTANCE OR SERVICES TO HELP THEM IN IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THEM AND FOR THEIR FAMILIES. INFORMATION AND REFERRAL INCLUDES CLIENT/SYSTEM ADVOCACY, TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETATION, AND ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT WITH COMPLETING DOCUMENTATION. CENTRO HISPANO ALSO PROVIDES SUPPORT WITH HELPING CLIENTS APPLY FOR BENEFITS THROUGH THE STATE'S COMPASS SYSTEM. -- FAMILY PROMISE OF BERKS COUNTY, INC., U-TURN HELPS KEEP YOUTH OFF THE STREETS, AND THE PROGRAM'S CASE MANAGER HELPS YOUTH FOCUS ON ACHIEVING EDUCATIONAL, EMPLOYMENT, AND HOUSING STABILIZATION GOALS. -- FRIEND, INC. COMMUNITY SERVICES, COMMUNITY RESOURCE CONNECTIONS: SERVING THE KUTZTOWN AREA, CLIENTS ARE REFERRED BY CHURCHES, SCHOOLS, OTHER AGENCIES OR NEIGHBORS. THE CASE MANAGER MEETS WITH THE CLIENT TO DETERMINE WHAT SERVICES ARE NEEDED AND WHAT THE CLIENT QUALIFIES FOR. IF THERE IS AN IMMEDIATE CRISIS, THE CASE MANAGER WILL WORK WITH THE CLIENT TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE. IT COULD INCLUDE EMERGENCY FOOD, ASSISTANCE WITH RENT, HEAT AND ELECTRICITY. THE CLIENT IS REFERRED TO OTHER AGENCIES AND/OR CONNECTED TO OTHER SERVICES DEPENDING ON THEIR NEEDS. COMMUNITY COLLABORATION PA 211 INFORMATION AND REFERRAL THE PA 211 SERVICE PROVIDES PEOPLE WITH INFORMATION ABOUT ESSENTIAL HUMAN SERVICES. WHEN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC BEGAN IN MARCH 2020, PA 211 SAW A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN CALLS. TOP NEEDS WERE RELATED TO FOOD AND HOUSING/UTILITY ASSISTANCE. FAMILIES WERE ABLE TO IDENTIFY VIRTUAL LEARNING SUPPORTS. PA 211 CAN ASSIST FAMILIES WITH LOCATING CHILDCARE, FINDING QUALITY CARE FOR AGING PARENTS, OR JOB TRAINING PROGRAMS. PA 211 CENTERS ARE STAFFED BY TRAINED SPECIALISTS WHO ASSESS THE CALLERS' NEEDS AND REFER THEM TO THE HELP THEY SEEK. IN ADDITION, THE CALL CENTER SPECIALISTS, SEVERAL POSSESSING BILINGUAL SKILLS, FACILITATE CALLS AND QUESTIONS FROM THOSE INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING OR DONATING ITEMS, SUCH AS FOOD AND CLOTHING. PA 211 SERVES AS A VALUED COMMUNITY RESOURCE AND SERVES AS A VITAL CONNECTION FOR THOSE NEEDING HELP, AS WELL AS FOR THOSE WANTING TO GIVE HELP. ADDITIONALLY, PA 211 IS A USEFUL PLANNING TOOL SINCE IT PROVIDES REAL TIME INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCOPE OF ISSUES LOCAL PEOPLE ARE FACING. IN 2024, 32,344 CONTACTS -- CALLS/WEB VISITS/TEXTS/EMAILS WERE RECEIVED FROM BERKS RESIDENTS. THE INCREASE IS CONTRIBUTED TO WEBSITE EVENTS, WHICH INCREASED FROM 12,020 IN 2023 TO 26,080 IN 2024. TOP NEEDS REQUESTED WERE HOUSING ASSISTANCE (2,993), UTILITY ASSISTANCE (2,220) AND FOOD/MEALS (674). PA 211 PHONE SERVICE IS AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK, 365 DAYS A YEAR. ONLINE SEARCH CAPABILITY OF THE PA 211 DATABASE IS ALSO AVAILABLE AT WWW.PA211EAST.ORG. ASSISTANCE THROUGH TEXTING IS AVAILABLE MONDAY-FRIDAY, 8AM TO 4PM; ONE CAN TEXT THEIR ZIP CODE TO 898211. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 2 THE FOLLOWING BOARD MEMBERS ARE RELATED: SUE AND CRAIG PERROTY SPOUSES ANGEL AND SCOTT HELM SPOUSES TWO MARRIED COUPLES MAINTAIN POSITIONS ON THE UNITED WAY OF BERKS COUNTY BOARD OF DIRECTORS. THIS SITUATION OCCURS BECAUSE IT IS A COMMON PRACTICE FOR A HUSBAND AND WIFE TEAM TO SERVE AS CO-CHAIRS OF THE ANNUAL FUND-RAISING CAMPAIGN, WHICH HAS BEEN A VERY SUCCESSFUL AND POPULAR APPROACH WITH THE VOLUNTEERS. THE COUPLES REPRESENT PAST AND/OR CURRENT AND/OR FUTURE CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIRS. NO OTHER BOARD MEMBERS ARE RELATED. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 4 THE ORGANIZATION'S BYLAWS WERE UPDATED DURING THE YEAR. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11B FORM 990 IS REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY THE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE AND REPORTED TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ANNUALLY PRIOR TO SUBMISSION. ALL BOARD MEMBERS RECEIVE A COPY OF THE FORM 990. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C DISCLOSURE OF ACTUAL OR POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AN INTERESTED PARTY IS UNDER A CONTINUING OBLIGATION TO DISCLOSE ANY ACTUAL OR POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST AS SOON AS IT IS KNOWN, OR REASONABLY SHOULD BE KNOWN. AN INTERESTED PARTY SHALL COMPLETE A QUESTIONNAIRE/DISCLOSURE STATEMENT, IN THE FORM ATTACHED, TO DISCLOSE THE MATERIAL FACTS FULLY AND COMPLETELY ABOUT ANY ACTUAL OR POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST. THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT SHALL BE COMPLETED UPON HIS OR HER ASSOCIATION WITH UNITED WAY OF BERKS COUNTY AND SHALL BE UPDATED ANNUALLY. AN ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURE STATEMENT SHALL BE COMPLETED AT SUCH TIMES AS AN ACTUAL POTENTIAL CONFLICT ARISES. FOR BOARD MEMBERS, THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS SHALL BE PROVIDED TO THE PRESIDENT, WHO WILL REVIEW THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS AND PRESENT A SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS TO THE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE. THE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE SHALL REVIEW THE SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS PREPARED BY THE PRESIDENT AND PRESENT A REPORT TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE IN THE SPRING OF EACH YEAR. IN THE CASE OF IDENTIFIED VOLUNTEERS, THE DISCLOSURES SHALL BE PROVIDED TO THE PRESIDENT WHO WILL REVIEW THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS. AS NEEDED A SUMMARY OF FINDINGS WILL BE SHARED WITH THE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE. IN THE CASE OF STAFF, THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS SHALL BE PRESENTED TO THE PRESIDENT WHO WILL REVIEW THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS AND PRESENT A SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. NEW HIRE AND CHANGES WITH STAFF SHALL BE REVIEWED AS RECEIVED. THE PRESIDENT SHALL PROVIDE HIS/HER DISCLOSURE STATEMENT TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD. THE PRESIDENT SHALL FILE THE VOLUNTEER DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS WITH THE OFFICIAL CORPORATE RECORDS OF UNITED WAY OF BERKS COUNTY. THE SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION SHALL FILE THE STAFF DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS WITH OTHER EMPLOYEE RECORDS. GENERAL PROCEDURES FOR THE REVIEW OF ACTUAL OR POTENTIAL CONFLICTS WHENEVER THERE IS REASON TO BELIEVE THAT AN ACTUAL OR POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST EXISTS BETWEEN UNITED WAY OF BERKS COUNTY AND AN INTERESTED PARTY, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OR THE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE, SHALL DETERMINE THE APPROPRIATE ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSE. THIS SHALL INCLUDE, BUT IS NOT NECESSARILY LIMITED TO, INVOKING THE PROCEDURES DESCRIBED IN SECTION V BELOW, WITH RESPECT TO A SPECIFIC PROPOSED ACTION OR TRANSACTION. WHERE THE ACTUAL OR POTENTIAL CONFLICT INVOLVES AN EMPLOYEE OF UNITED WAY OF BERKS COUNTY OTHER THAN THE PRESIDENT, THE PRESIDENT SHALL, IN THE FIRST INSTANCE, BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REVIEWING THE MATTER AND MAY TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION AS NECESSARY TO PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF UNITED WAY OF BERKS COUNTY. THE PRESIDENT SHALL DETERMINE WHETHER THE RESULTS OF ANY REVIEW AND ACTION SHALL BE REPORTED TO THE CHAIRPERSON. WHEN REPORTED TO THE CHAIRPERSON, THE CHAIRPERSON, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, SHALL DETERMINE IF ANY FURTHER BOARD REVIEW OR ACTION IS REQUIRED. PROCEDURES FOR ADDRESSING CONFLICTS OF INTEREST - SPECIFIC TRANSACTIONS WHERE AN ACTUAL OR POTENTIAL CONFLICT EXISTS BETWEEN THE INTERESTS OF UNITED WAY OF BERKS COUNTY AND AN INTERESTED PARTY WITH RESPECT TO A SPECIFIC PROPOSED ACTION OR TRANSACTION, THE UNITED WAY OF BERKS COUNTY SHALL REFRAIN FROM THE PROPOSED ACTION ON TRANSACTION UNTIL SUCH TIME AS THE PROPOSED ACTION OR TRANSACTION HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE DISINTERESTED MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE ORGANIZATION. THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES MAY APPLY: - AN INTERESTED PARTY WHO HAS AN ACTUAL OR POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST WITH RESPECT TO A PROPOSED ACTION OR TRANSACTION OF THE ORGANIZATION SHALL NOT PARTICIPATE, AND MAY BE EXCUSED FROM THE DELIBERATIONS AND DECISION MAKING, WITH RESPECT TO SUCH ACTION OR TRANSACTION. UPON REQUEST BY THE BOARD, THE INTERESTED PARTY MAY ANSWER QUESTIONS OR PROVIDE MATERIAL OR FACTUAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED ACTION OR TRANSACTION. - THE DISINTERESTED MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MAY APPROVE THE PROPOSED ACTION OR TRANSACTION UPON FINDING THAT IT IS IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF UNITED WAY OF BERKS COUNTY. THE BOARD SHALL CONSIDER WHETHER THE TERMS OF THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION ARE FAIR AND REASONABLE TO THE UNITED WAY OF BERKS COUNTY AND WHETHER IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE, WITH REASONABLE EFFORT, TO FIND A MORE ADVANTAGEOUS ARRANGEMENT WITH A PARTNER OR ENTITY THAT IS NOT AN INTERESTED PARTY. - APPROVAL BY THE DISINTERESTED MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS SHALL BE BY VOTE OF A MAJORITY OF DIRECTORS IN ATTENDANCE AT A REGULAR OR SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. AN INTERESTED PARTY SHALL NEITHER BE COUNTED FOR PURPOSES OF DETERMINING WHETHER A QUORUM IS PRESENT NOR FOR THE PURPOSES OF DETERMINING WHAT CONSTITUTES A MAJORITY VOTE OF DIRECTORS IN ATTENDANCE. - THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING SHALL REFLECT THAT THE CONFLICT DISCLOSURE WAS MADE, THE VOTE TAKEN AND, WHERE APPLICABLE, THE ABSTENTION FROM VOTING AND PARTICIPATION BY THE INTERESTED PARTY. VIOLATIONS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY IF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS REASON TO BELIEVE THAT AN INTERESTED PARTY HAS FAILED TO DISCLOSE AN ACTUAL OR POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST, IT SHALL INFORM THE PERSON OF THE BASIS FOR SUCH BELIEF AND AFFORD THE PERSON AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLAIN THE ALLEGED FAILURE TO DISCLOSE. IF, AFTER HEARING THE RESPONSE OF THE INTERESTED PARTY AND MAKING SUCH FURTHER INVESTIGATION, AS MAY BE WARRANTED IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES, THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT THE INTERESTED PARTY HAS, IN FACT, FAILED TO DISCLOSE AN ACTUAL OR POSSIBLE CONFLICT OF INTEREST, IT SHALL TAKE APPROPRIATE CORRECTIVE ACTION. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 15 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROCEDURES: UNITED WAY OF BERKS COUNTY'S PRIMARY OBJECTIVE IS TO PROVIDE A REASONABLE AND COMPETITIVE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION OPPORTUNITY CONSISTENT WITH COMPENSATION PRACTICES FOR INDIVIDUALS POSSESSING THE EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED TO IMPROVE THE OVERALL PERFORMANCE OF THE ORGANIZATION. THE ORGANIZATION'S EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY IS DESIGNED TO: - ENCOURAGE THE ATTRACTION AND RETENTION OF A HIGH CALIBER EXECUTIVE - REINFORCE THE GOALS FOR THE ORGANIZATION BY SUPPORTING TEAMWORK AND COLLABORATION - ENSURE THAT PAY IS PERCEIVED TO BE FAIR AND EQUITABLE - BE FLEXIBLE TO REWARD INDIVIDUAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS WELL AS ORGANIZATIONAL SUCCESS - ENSURE THAT THE PROGRAM IS EASY TO EXPLAIN, UNDERSTAND AND ADMINISTER - BALANCE THE NEED TO BE COMPETITIVE WITH THE LIMITS OF AVAILABLE FINANCIAL RESOURCES THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE BOARD LEADS THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS IN THE EVALUATION OF THE PRESIDENT'S PERFORMANCE ON AN ANNUAL BASIS. THE PRESIDENT PRESENTS TO THE CHAIRPERSON INFORMATION ON THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE ORGANIZATION AND ITS PROGRESS TOWARD ACHIEVING THE GOALS OUTLINED IN THE STRATEGIC PLAN, THE FULFILLMENT OF HIS/HER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AS OUTLINED IN THE POSITION DESCRIPTION, AND THE MANNER IN WHICH THE CHALLENGES OF THE ORGANIZATION HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED AND THE OPPORTUNITIES TAKEN. THE PRESIDENT ALSO DEFINES AND DISCUSSES CURRENT AND FUTURE ORGANIZATIONAL CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES. THIS INFORMATION IS SHARED WITH THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. IN ADDITION TO THE ANNUAL REVIEW, A PRESIDENT'S EVALUATION SURVEY IS CONDUCTED ON A BIENNIAL BASIS WITH FULL BOARD PARTICIPATION, THE RESULTS OF WHICH ARE COMPILED AND ANALYZED BY A THIRD-PARTY PROVIDER HAVING NO VESTED INTEREST IN THE OUTCOME OF THIS PROCESS. A FORMAL REPORT IS PRESENTED BY THE PROVIDER FIRST TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR INITIAL DISCUSSION, THEN TO THE FULL BOARD OF DIRECTORS AS PART OF AN EXECUTIVE SESSION. FOLLOWING THIS SESSION, THE CHAIRPERSON MEETS WITH THE PRESIDENT AND SHARES THE RESULTS OF THE GROUP EVALUATION AS WELL AS ANY GOALS OR SUGGESTIONS THE BOARD HAS RELATIVE TO THE INFORMATION PRESENTED AND THE FUTURE DIRECTION OF THE ORGANIZATION. THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE BOARD COMMUNICATES THE RESULTS OF THE ASSESSMENT VERBALLY TO THE PRESIDENT AND THE INFORMATION IS CAPTURED THROUGH THE MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE SESSIONS FOR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. THE RESULTS OF THE ASSESSMENT ARE INCLUDED IN THE PRESIDENT'S PERSONNEL FILE. THE LEVEL AND FORM OF COMPENSATION IS DETERMINED FOLLOWING A REVIEW OF LOCAL COMPENSATION LEVELS OF CEO'S OF ORGANIZATIONS OF SIMILAR SIZE AND SCOPE, AS WELL AS THE COMPENSATION LEVELS OF CEO'S OF UNITED WAY ORGANIZATIONS OF SIMILAR SIZE AND SCOPE. WHILE UNITED WAY FOCUSES ON OTHER UNITED WAYS AND NONPROFITS TO BENCHMARK COMPENSATION, THE ORGANIZATION UNDERSTANDS THAT THE MARKET FOR EXECUTIVE TALENT MAY BE BROADER THAN THE GROUP OF CHARITIES. MARKET INFORMATION FROM ADDITIONAL MARKET SEGMENTS AND PUBLISHED NOT-FOR-PROFIT COMPENSATION SURVEYS, MAY BE USED AS A SUPPLEMENT. THE PRESIDENT'S ANNUAL COMPENSATION IS COMMUNICATED BOTH VERBALLY AND IN WRITING TO THE PRESIDENT AND IS INCLUDED IN HIS/HER PERSONNEL FILE. KEY EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION PROCEDURES: COMPENSATION PROCEDURES FOR KEY EMPLOYEES OF UNITED WAY OF BERKS COUNTY FOLLOW THE ORGANIZATION'S SALARY AND ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM AND THE PERSONNEL POLICIES AS PROVIDED TO ALL STAFF. THE COMPETITIVENESS OF THE SALARY STRUCTURE AT UNITED WAY OF BERKS COUNTY WILL BE ASSESSED PERIODICALLY, AS DETERMINED BY THE PRESIDENT, BUT NOT MORE THAN EVERY THREE YEARS, BASED ON SURVEYS OF SALARIES PAID BY OTHER EMPLOYERS FOR SIMILAR WORK. AN OUTSIDE HUMAN RESOURCES FIRM NORMALLY DOES THE ASSESSMENT. IF THERE IS EVIDENCE OF A CHANGE IN GENERAL SALARY LEVELS, THE SALARY RANGES ARE ADJUSTED ACCORDING TO THE PROGRAM'S OBJECTIVES, WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (SEE BELOW). THESE ADJUSTMENTS DO NOT CHANGE THE GRADES TO WHICH POSITIONS ARE ASSIGNED AND DO NOT RESULT IN AUTOMATIC CHANGES IN INDIVIDUAL SALARIES. THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, SITTING AS THE PERSONNEL COMMITTEE, SHALL REVIEW AND APPROVE THE SALARY STRUCTURE. THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL NORMALLY FOLLOWS THE ASSESSMENT DONE BY AN OUTSIDE HUMAN RESOURCES FIRM TO DETERMINE WHETHER CHANGES HAVE OCCURRED IN THE GENERAL SALARY LEVELS. THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WILL DETERMINE IF A REPORT ON THE ORGANIZATION'S COMPENSATION PLAN/SALARY STRUCTURE SHALL BE MADE TO THE FULL BOARD OF DIRECTORS. UNITED WAY OF BERKS COUNTY'S POLICY IS THAT SALARY INCREASES ARE BASED ON MERIT AND SHOULD REFLECT AN EMPLOYEE'S CONTRIBUTION TO THE ORGANIZATION IN RELATION TO THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF HIS OR HER POSITION. SALARY INCREASES MAY BE LIMITED BY THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS. THE SALARY ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM, THEREFORE, HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO PROVIDE THE BEST PERFORMERS WITH HIGHER PERCENTAGES OF MERIT INCREASES. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF SPECIAL TYPES OF SALARY ADJUSTMENTS, MERIT INCREASES ARE THE ONLY TYPE OF SALARY INCREASES NORMALLY GRANTED. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19 COMPLIANCE WITH PUBLIC INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS: IN GENERAL, EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS MUST MAKE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION CERTAIN ANNUAL RETURNS AND APPLICATIONS FOR EXEMPTION, AND MUST PROVIDE COPIES OF SUCH RETURNS AND APPLICATIONS TO INDIVIDUALS WHO REQUEST THEM. IN COMPLIANCE WITH THIS REQUIREMENT, UNITED WAY OF BERKS COUNTY ADHERES TO THE FOLLOWING: - IN RESPONSE TO A WRITTEN REQUEST AT THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF UNITED WAY OF BERKS COUNTY, A COPY OF THE COVERED TAX DOCUMENTS SHALL BE PROVIDED TO THE REQUESTER WITHIN THIRTY (30) DAYS. PER IRS GUIDANCE, A REQUEST THAT IS FAXED, E-MAILED OR SENT BY PRIVATE COURIER IS CONSIDERED A WRITTEN REQUEST. - IN RESPONSE TO AN IN-PERSON REQUEST AT THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF UNITED WAY OF BERKS COUNTY, A COPY OF THE COVERED TAX DOCUMENTS SHALL GENERALLY BE PROVIDED THE DAY OF THE REQUEST. - REQUESTS EITHER IN-PERSON OR WRITTEN SHALL BE PROVIDED INFORMATION THAT OFFERS THE REQUESTOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO ACCESS THE DOCUMENTS FREE OF CHARGE VIA THE WEB, OR AT A COST SHOULD A HARD COPY BE REQUESTED. - UNITED WAY OF BERKS COUNTY SHALL CHARGE A REASONABLE FEE FOR COPYING COSTS AND THE ACTUAL COST OF POSTAGE BEFORE PROVIDING COPIES OF THE DOCUMENTS. REASONABLE FEES FOR COPYING ARE CONSISTENT WITH THE IRS STANDARD CHARGE OF NO MORE THAN $.20 PER PAGE, WHILE POSTAGE FEES SHALL BE THE ACTUAL COST INCURRED BY THE ORGANIZATION. - TIMELY NOTICE OF THE APPROXIMATE COST AND ACCEPTABLE FORM OF PAYMENT WILL BE PROVIDED WITHIN SEVEN DAYS OF RECEIPT OF THE REQUEST IF IN WRITING OR IMMEDIATELY UPON A REQUEST FROM AN IN-PERSON REQUEST. ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF PAYMENT INCLUDE CASH AND MONEY ORDER (IN THE CASE OF AN IN-PERSON REQUEST) AND CERTIFIED CHECK, MONEY ORDER, AND PERSONAL CHECK OR CREDIT CARD, IN THE CASE OF A WRITTEN REQUEST. PAYMENT IN FULL IS DUE PRIOR TO PROVIDING COPIES. - THE NAMES OR ADDRESSES OF THE ORGANIZATION'S CONTRIBUTORS ON ITS ANNUAL RETURN SHALL NOT BE DISCLOSED IN ACCORDANCE WITH IRS REGULATIONS. PUBLIC INSPECTION OF GOVERNING DOCUMENTS: UNITED WAY OF BERKS COUNTY IS COMMITTED TO OPENNESS AND TRANSPARENCY TO DONORS/FUNDERS, PARTNER AGENCIES, GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS, ITS VARIOUS STAKEHOLDERS, AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC. PROACTIVE DISCLOSURE AND DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION CONCERNING THE GOVERNANCE, OPERATIONS, AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION CONCERNING UNITED WAY OF BERKS COUNTY IS AVAILABLE. THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS ARE ACCESSIBLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AT THE OFFICE OF UNITED WAY OF BERKS COUNTY: - ALL DOCUMENTS AS REQUIRED BY FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL LAW, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IRS FORM 990. - ANNUAL REPORT - ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION - AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CAMPAIGN HIGHLIGHTS REPORT - COMUNITY IMPACT REPORTS - READY.SET.READ! REPORTS - CODE OF ETHICS AND CONDUCT AND WHISTLEBLOWER POLICY - RECORD RETENTION - CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY - ORGANIZATIONAL BY-LAWS - MISSION STATEMENT - VISION STATEMENT PERSONS REQUESTING HARD COPIES OF DOCUMENTS SHALL BE PROVIDED INFORMATION THAT OFFERS THE REQUESTOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO ACCESS THE INFORMATION FREE OF CHARGE VIA THE WEB. UNITED WAY OF BERKS COUNTY SHALL CHARGE A REASONABLE FEE FOR COPYING COSTS AND THE ACTUAL COST OF POSTAGE BEFORE PROVIDING COPIES OF THE DOCUMENTS IF A HARD COPY IS REQUESTED. REASONABLE FEES FOR COPYING ARE CONSISTENT WITH THE IRS STANDARD CHARGE OF NO MORE THAN $.20 PER PAGE WHILE POSTAGE FEES SHALL BE THE ACTUAL COST INCURRED BY THE ORGANIZATION. THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS ARE ACCESSIBLE VIA UNITED WAY OF BERKS COUNTY WEB-SITE AT WWW.UWBERKS.ORG. - ANNUAL REPORT - AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - FORM 990 - CAMPAIGN HIGHLIGHTS REPORT - CODE OF ETHICS AND CONDUCT AND WHISTLEBLOWER POLICY - PRIVACY POLICY - MISSION STATEMENT - VISION STATEMENT FORM 990, PART XI, LINE 9: TRANSFERS BETWEEN NET ASSET RESTRICTIONS -117,838. CHANGE IN DONOR DESIGNATIONS -115,082.