Opportunity House is a multi-service organization improving the quality of life for children, families and adults who face various obstacles to independent living. With a primary goal to achieve and maintain self-sufficiency, our services include the Second Street Learning Center (with state-of-the-art technology and curriculum for children age six weeks through school-age); emergency, transitional and permanent housing for individuals and families who are homeless, and our SSVF program (shelter services for veterans and their families who are or at risk of becoming homeless). The Children’s Alliance Center (CAC) provides services to children who have been sexually abused.
The newest program is the Resale & Reuse Services program, which is a ‘waste-based’ business to provide jobs in Berks County and sustainability to the organization now and in the future. Through this program we have opened a new retail thrift store called OppShop, are conducting monthly rummage sales at our technology center and online sales through Amazon, Half.com and EBay.
Classroom Lessons Come To Life At Opportunity House Kate Alley, VP of Development at Opportunity House, talks with interns Erin Maguire and Elaine Atherholt . These girls worked both ends of the spectrum marketing the Opp Shop to seniors and students. Erin and Elaine share the benefits and lessons learned during their internship at Opportunity House. Learn more about Opportunity
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Super Chef Tim Twiford talks to Kate Alley about the 14th Annual Souper Bowl! Kate Alley interviews Chef Tim about his participation in the 14th Annual Souper Bowl benefiting Opportunity House. This event takes place at the Crowne Plaza in Reading PA on 4/18 at 5:30. Learn more about Opportunity House Video Series Share with others!
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A Community works together of keep the doors open for those in need. Carol Miller just can’t stop talking about Opportunity House. She is a board Member at Opportunity House but her service to this organization started back in the days when it was still the Reading Emergency Shelter. She recalls the days when the shelter only housed homeless men and takes us through the journey from inception
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The Rewards of Volunteering at Opportunity House The staff calls her a superstar and the kids call her Miss Bev. Kate Alley VP Development at Opportunity House and Robert Waters, the Daycare Manager talk with Bev Sanders, a superstar volunteer at Opportunity House since 2012. Robert says when Bev walked in to volunteer with the kids one day and quickly became family. Today she is in charge of
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It’s Called Opportunity House Because It Is Full Of Opportunity Kate Alley introduces you to Marine Veteran Sid Samson. It was in the 1990’s when Sid first found himself homeless. He got assistance at the Reading Emergency Shelter, went to school and became a Certified Nursing Assistant. Sid went back to his hometown of Philadelphia and fell on hard times again. He recalled the love and
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Homeless to self-sufficiency, Tracy Boggs is paying it forward... Kate Alley and Delia McLendon talk with Tracy Boggs about her experience at Opportunity House. Tracy and her daughter found themselves homeless and went to Opportunity House for shelter. She left and came back again when she realized she needed support services. Tracy shares her success story. Through the
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Why pick Opportunity House to serve your internship? Meet two interns from Kutztown University who chose to fulfill their internships at Opportunity House. Erin Maguire & Elaine Atherholt talk about what they are studying and the reasons they selected Opportunity House to complete their internship. Both have a public relations minor and they will be helping tell the story of all the
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There is a whole team of people at Opportunity House who look out for sexually abused children Delia McLendon started as a case manager at Opportunity House before moving into her current position as VP Shelter Services and Supportive Housing. Delia says, “Working here has made me more grateful for my blessings. Every night I go home I am just glad I have a key to open the door to the house
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He studied to be an Architect but his calling is to take care of kids… Meet Rob Waters Rob Waters are in charge of scores of children at the Daycare Center at Opportunity House. There are between 175 and 200 kids who attend the Second Street Learning Center. Rob started as an intern in school not realizing it would be his career. He attended school to be an architect and joined an
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Delia McLendon talks about being homeless and getting back into the community. Delia McLendon started as a case manager at Opportunity House before moving into her current position as VP Shelter Services and Supportive Housing. Delia says, “Working here has made me more grateful for my blessings. Every night I go home I am just glad I have a key to open the door to the house where I
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Error: Invalid URL!Opportunity House helping to protect children who have been sexually abused Melissa Haydt, VP Children’s Alliance Center, discusses the services provided for sexually abused children. It has been 11 years since the center has operated under the umbrella of Opportunity House. Melissa says, “Each year the numbers of cases seem to go up. Since the Sandusky case more abuse
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The Second Street Learning Center at Opportunity House is a Keystone Stars Site Robert Waters, the Daycare Manager, says “the Second Street Learning Center is a Keystone Stars Site … just like a hotel you can have up to 4 stars” The current rating is 3 stars. Getting the fourth star is all about staff education. Bachelor and Post Grad Degrees are necessary. Education of staff will add
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Error: Invalid URL!Marine Corps Veteran Orlando Harris has a much brighter future because of Opportunity House. Klover Custis, Dir of Supportive Services for Veteran Families at Opportunity House shares her passion for helping veterans and Marine Corps Veteran Orlando Harris is grateful for the assistance he received from Opportunity House. Klover and her team of case managers in Case
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Pints for Pups, Fleetwood Community Carnivals, Parrot Daze, Knee Deep in the Creek and Creepy,
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We are excited to present this mini series of 3 podcasts that tell the story of a recent recording session. Monroe Althouse, Berks County's very own March King, wrote a March entitled Penn Wheelman
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Bridging the Gap - An interview with Laurie Dawkins! Ryan talks to Laurie Dawkins about a very cool program - Community Health Workers and Workforce Development Bridge. Doing great work
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Storied Women | Meet Regina Ortenzi This Storied Woman guest reminds us of “The Value of Friendship.” Carol King sings “You’ve Got a Friend.” And all of us probably has friends. My
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Human Trafficking – is it really happening in Berks County, PA? Human Trafficking – is it really happening in Berks County, PA? YES !!! Andrea McHenry is the Executive Director of F.R.E.E. which
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Meet Tiffany Cappellano Head Coach for the Lynx field hockey program Head coach Tiffany Cappellano shares with Zeke the story of the remarkable Lynx field hockey program. Oley Valley was 26-0 this
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JD Turner envisioned it over 5 years ago and now a Skate Park on Riverfront Drive is becoming a reality Determination and persistence is how JD Turner won over City Hall! He shares his journey from
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Reading Buccaneers add the Pagoda Award to their resume The Berks Arts Council gives the Pagoda Award to the Reading Buccaneers Drum & Bugle Corps. It is well deserved. The
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Making Music is Fun And So Much More for Gerald Veasley Gerald Veasley is a world re-known Bassist and a big part of the fabric of the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest. His performances always WOW the
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Too Much Woman Knowing and understanding if you are a Too Much Woman can unlock an unbelievable sense of power and presence within yourself. If you know it is time for you to reclaim some
Read more ...505 Penn St. (4th floor)
Reading, PA 19601
484-577-3699
