14 episodes
Face of Opportunity Opportunity House
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- Business
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.
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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.
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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.
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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 as the South Of Penn Ministries to today.
Carol attributes the continual expansion of services that Opportunity House offers to many of the churches in Reading putting together teams of people to serve meals every week. The Organization is successful because of people in the community caring about people in the community. As a Board Member Carol spreads the news of the work at Opportunity House and drums up support for more volunteers. -
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 arts & crafts for all ages. She helps kids make cool gifts for all the Holidays. Bev shares the stories of appreciation and surprise from family members who are recipients of these gifts.
Bev has gotten so close to the kids she knits hats, mittens and sweaters for all the kids. Robert says the kids aren’t the only ones who look forward to Miss Bev visits. The staff truly appreciates the help she offers and the connections she has made with the kids. -
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 assistance he received at the Reading Emergency Shelter so he returned. This time it was re-named Opportunity House. He talks about all the help he received through their Veterans Program. Today Sid is the proud owner of has his own house.
Klover Custis, Program Director of the SSVF Program at Opportunity House and explains the SSVF Program that Opportunity House offers in Berks, Lancaster and Schuylkill Counties. They received a $750,000 grant to help homeless veterans find a home and get them the assistance the need to address any life issues they may have. The program is receiving kudos from veterans and administrators -
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 assistance and resources she found at Opportunity House Tracy was able to set goals, go to school and get her life back together. Today she is self-sufficient, raising her 2 daughters while working at the Second Street Learning Center. Tracy says her case manager has always been there for her and she wants to pay it forward and help others.