Provides human services to low income individuals and families. Programs include: - Information and referral/client advocacy, case management, senior center sources, and senior outreach - Interpreter services for clients - Soup kitchen - Immigration - Legal orientation - Employment services - Workforce readiness - GED preparation - ESL (English as a Second Language) - Mental Health services - Substance Abuse services - HIV/AIDS testing and counseling - STD testing and counseling

Welcome Home Checklist Please Note: If you are a severely disabled Veteran and need any special accommodations, please identify that to your service officer or career counselor when making appointments. Receive your DD 214 Things to do within one year from Separation Have your DD 214 recorded in the County Recorder's Office for FREE

• Safeguard all your records. You will need them again.

Visit your County Director of Veterans Affairs (normally located in the County Courthouse) or Accredited Service Organization Representative for FREE

• Take a copy of all your records with you for your appointment: Service Medical Records; Personnel File; Dental Record,
• Have your County Director of Veterans Affairs or Accredited Veterans Service Officer review your records and advise you on the benefits you qualify for,
• File for disabilities through an Accredited Veterans Service Officer.

Fill out VA form 10-10 EZ for

On-site advocates at all local hospitals; On-site response to medical advocacy calls 24/7/365; access to Safe Berks services, info, advocacy, safety planning and shelter; specialized education to healthcare providers

Provides options, information, and advocacy to victims of domestic abuse within the welfare system and educates welfare personnel about domestic abuse.

Provides skills training classes, peer support, advocacy, information and referral, nursing home, and youth transition services to individuals with disabilities.

Provides speakers and educational material about fair housing, tenant-landlord problems, and mediation services. Offers specific advocacy for renters and homeowners with housing problems.

Provides advocacy on behalf of individuals and their families to ensure that they receive the benefits and services for which they are eligible and that organizations within the established service delivery system meet the collective needs of the client. Provides advocacy in schools and in the community. Service provided on case by case basis.

Operates as a civil rights organization, participates in voter registration, criminal justice issues, housing, veterans and armed services, health, religious, legal redress, education, candidate forums, women issues, ACT, and etc.

Services include a daily pantry (fresh produce, bread, prepared foods, and surplus pantry items), monthly food appointments (supplemental food and toiletries), food support to other agencies/providers, and specialized services (food for seniors and students, as well as 24/7 food bins throughout the community for after-hour service). NOTE: PACS Does not offer rental assistance.

Trains physicians, nurses, medical students, and other medical professionals to recognize the signs of domestic abuse. Provides on-site support when available to victims at local hospitals. Develops and distributes resource materials which are used by hospitals and health care providers when they are dealing with victims of domestic violence.

Provides 24-hour hotline support, legal advocacy, medical advocacy, accompaniment, trauma-informed empowerment/options counseling, support groups, Information and Referral, community prevention, and awareness education.

Provides advocacy and/or financial assistance. Situations vary and assistance is based on a case by case need and availability of funds. Co-pay and/or repayment is often requested.

Provides education about blindness, referral services, scholarship information, publications, and any aids, appliances, or adaptive equipment needed. Also provides advocacy services, counseling, guidance, and support for the blind and their families.

An early intervention program for individuals between the ages of 15-25 who are experiencing early signs of psychosis or their first episode of psychosis. Treatment is provided by a specialty coordinated care team. Services include: outpatient therapy, medication management, mobile therapy, case management, family education and support.

Provides family therapy, case management and emergency crisis intervention family support services, including emergency on-call crisis intervention. Also provides family support and stabilization services, including assisting financially in meeting specific needs of the family as well as funding additional or creative methods of working with the family.

Offers citizenship classes, financial literacy, and social services in addition, to promoting civic engagement.

Provides information, referral, and advocacy.

Works to reduce substance use and risk factors among youth.

Offers women to pair with an advocate who counsels and directs them in developing and implementing a personal goal plan. Some of these goals include greater self-determination, establishing a source of income, and obtaining permanent housing. The advocates provide supportive listening and identify problems or issues and offer possible solutions. Also provides accurate information, referral and follow-up as necessary.

Works to advance policies and system reforms. The program is designed to facilitate the development and preservation of affordable homes, build stronger neighborhood shopping districts, advance equitable neighborhood revitalization, and address resident needs.

Offers support to families with school age children to address digital divide, chronic absenteeism, truancy, and other socioeconomic barriers to create a positive educational experience. Seeks to bridge the gap in educational outcomes by providing essential resources, advocacy, and support tailored to each participant's needs.

Works with families to increase their ability to self manage and problem-solve.

Arranges one-on-one mentoring between adults learning to cope with a mental illness and volunteers of the same sex and of similar age who share common interests.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) are community volunteers who serve as the voice of abused and neglected children in the court system. The advocacy looks to ensure that the children will be safe, secure and given a better opportunity to thrive.

Provides disability advocacy, doctor referrals, and information to persons affected by Tourette Syndrome. Provides non-legal advocacy services for education or employment, and training for family and extended family.