SUPPORT/ COUNSELING

16. Berks Connections Pretrial Services

As its name states, BCPS offers pretrial assistance for individuals involved in the justice system, but it also offers services like re-entry workforce development and programs to ease incarceration’s impact on children and families. Additionally, it operates the Pardon Project of Berks County, which connects those with a criminal record who have served their time and seek a pardon with volunteer coaches to help them achieve that goal.

484.260.3860 berksconnections.org

17. Jubilee Ministries

For more than 50 years, Jubilee has focused on offering hope to those behind bars, ministering to inmates and prison staff, offering counseling and providing a safe, residential environment for released inmates. It operates seven thrift stores, including the newest in Wernersville, to fund its mission.

610.396.2821 | jub.org

18. Clare of Assisi House

To help reduce the recidivism rate of incarcerated women, this Reading-based organization offers nonviolent women with a history of domestic violence and/or substance abuse a place to stay and support to help them put their lives back together. Its services include addiction recovery, employment counseling, educational opportunities, parenting and life-skills training and group therapy.

484.869.5483 clareofassisihouse.org

19. Community Prevention Partnership

Established in 1991, this alliance offers a variety of services to communities in Berks and Schuylkill counties to cut down on the risks associated with issues like alcohol, tobacco, drugs, violence, teen pregnancy and abuse. Its offerings include mental health services, after-school programs, educational opportunities and nursing assistance for first-time low-income mothers.

610.376.6988 | community preventionpartnership.org

20. Berks Counseling Center

This outpatient counseling facility — a PA Integrated Community Wellness Center (ICWC) and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) — offers a variety of in-person and phone/video services. They include mental health services, substance use services, children and adolescent services, re-entry and criminal justice services, veteran services, behavioral health services and physical health services.

610.373.4281 berkscounselingcenter.org

21. CASA of Berks County

According to CASA, an average of 400 abused/neglected children go through Berks courts each month. Half of them end up in foster care, where they often stay for years. The acronym in this nonprofit’s name stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. These are volunteers who advocate for abused and neglected children in the courts, staying with them until their cases are closed and they find homes.

610.301.8634 | casaberks.org

22. CONCERN

Celebrating 45 years this year, CONCERN focuses its concerns on foster care, advocating for putting children and youth in traditional family settings rather than institutional homes. Focusing on eastern and northcentral Pennsylvania and southern Maryland, CONCERN offers adoption and permanency services, foster care services, behavioral health services (in Fleetwood and Wyomissing) and prevention services.

484.578.9600 | concern4kids.org

23. Family Guidance Center

Founded in 1902, FGC provides adults, children and families in Berks and the surrounding areas with quality, bilingual counseling and related services, such as mobile therapy and an educational program for divorcing parents. The nonprofit’s annual Mind Your Health 5K Run, Walk and Community Event is held in May at the Stone House in Wyomissing.

610.374.4963 familyguidancecenter.com

24. Bethany Children’s Home

Celebrating its 160 th anniversary in 2023, this local institution serves youths ages 10 to 21 who have endured trauma. Offering counseling, educational support and spiritual services, Bethany resides on a 385-acre Heidelberg Township campus offering a full-sized gymnasium, tennis courts, an art and pottery studio, a fishing pond and miles of hiking trails. Events include the free Summer Concert Series and holiday celebrations.

610.589.4501 | bethanyhome.org

25. South Mountain YMCA Camps

Since 1948, families have driven up South Mountain to enjoy the serene setting and panoramic views at South Mountain YMCA Camps. The organization’s menu of offerings includes Camp Conrad Weiser, the Bynden Wood Day Camp, school trips and retreats, family weekends, night