Berwick Area Transitional Services-BATS

08/31/2026

This week: 8/31-9/4☀️ Mobile Food Pantry Distributions
Please remember to bring reusable bags to our distributions. Help us share this with your neighbors.

Interested in Volunteering? We'd love to have you! Fill out our interest form here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/0SdhS4N9Bh ❤

08/31/2026

🏠 APARTMENT BECOMING AVAILABLE SOON!

We have been informed that an apartment will be coming available very soon at Atlas on Mulberry Street.

✨ 2 Bedrooms
🛁 1 Bathroom
💰 $675.00 per month
🗑️ Trash & Sewer Included
🔥 Electric Heat
💡 Tenant is responsible for electric and all other utilities.

📍 Atlas on Mulberry Street

If you or someone you know is looking for affordable housing, please keep an eye out for more information regarding availability and how to apply.

Send a message to learn more

08/31/2026

YES — WE ARE OPEN TODAY! 🙌

It was a busy weekend as we started updating and integrating our email server as we continue to grow. We’re still prepping everything, and it may take some time because, well… nothing is fast in the nonprofit world! 😂

Now comes the fun part: merging all those email addresses over. UGGGG! But hey, it’s all part of the growing pains!

On the bright side, our team is growing! 🎉 With that comes some extra help in the office, which we are incredibly thankful for. We have A LOT going on and even more that we’re preparing for — strengthening our foundation, planning fundraisers, chasing grants, building programs, and so much more.

It’s coming together, one step at a time. ❤️

For everyone who reached out to us over the weekend — we WILL be getting back to you! Today’s office time may be a little tied up and responses may be slower than usual as we work through part of this process.

BUT HERE’S THE IMPORTANT PART:

📢 YES, WE ARE OPEN TODAY!

Please be sure to sign in when you arrive.

And apparently, we have another ongoing office crisis… 😂

WE’RE OUT OF WATER — AGAIN! 💧

As some of you come in, you’ve been asking for drinks, and unfortunately, we’re currently out of water.

So, if you’d like to help out, donations of cases of bottled water are ALWAYS an awesome gesture! 💧❤️

Thank you for your patience, your support, and for growing with us through all these growing pains. We appreciate you more than you know!

08/30/2026

08/30/2026

One meal can make a difference. Thousands can strengthen an entire community. 💜
So far this year, AGAPE has helped provide 200,217 pounds of food to individuals and families throughout Columbia, Montour, and Northumberland counties. 🥫

Behind every pound is someone who no longer has to choose between paying a bill and putting food on the table. It's a reminder that when a community comes together, hope can take many forms.

Thank you to our volunteers, community partners, donors, and everyone who helps make this impact possible.

08/30/2026

We need your assistance!

The family who went through the fire in Berwick. Their motel stay is expiring. We need assistance on multiple levels.

#1 Immediate financial donations to help cover more motel stay time.
&
#2 We are seeking open apartments for the family to review. From 3 to possibly a 4 bedroom unit.

As social services (as all) we'll all do what we can. But we need community support to be more effective. Any landlords with open units please reach out.

08/29/2026

Everyone loves telling you to wait until 70 for the “bigger” Social Security check. Nobody talks enough about the $134,400 you gave up waiting for it.

In this example, claiming at 62 pays $1,400 a month.

Waiting until 70 pays $2,480.

That sounds like an easy decision until you realize the person who started at 62 has already collected eight YEARS of checks before the other person gets their first one.

That’s a $134,400 head start.

From there, the person who waited is ahead by $1,080 a month.

But it still takes until roughly age 80 and 5 months just to BREAK EVEN.

And that’s before you even start talking about health, life expectancy, taxes, whether you’re still working, whether you’d invest the earlier checks, or whether a spouse could benefit from a larger survivor benefit.

This is why I hate blanket advice on Social Security.

“Always wait until 70” sounds smart until you actually look at the math for YOUR situation.

Sometimes waiting is absolutely the better move.

Sometimes taking it earlier makes a lot more sense.

The right answer depends on a whole lot more than just which monthly check is bigger.

08/29/2026

Please welcome one of our other new boardmembers

Autumn Cleary

Integrated Care Committee

I earned my bachelors degree in Psychology from Bloomsburg University in 2019 and have spent the past 7 years serving individuals in the Drug & Alcohol and Mental Health fields. Including 2 years as a Unit Supervisor in the inpatient setting, where I developed strong leadership skills while supporting individuals on their recovery journey. I also have experience in program development. I am passionate about creating and strengthening services that support recovery, mental wellness, and a whole body approach to health.

Beyond my professional experience I am committed to giving back through active volunteer work in my community. Whether in my career or through service I strive to lead with compassion, integrity, and a commitment to continuous growth. Outside of work I enjoy kayaking and spending time with my husband and our 5 children. I’m honored to support the mission of BATS, believing strongly in its positive impact for the local community.