SafeBerks

SafeBerks 24 hour hotline/ Línea directa: 844-789-7233 (English)(Español)
24 hour text line SAFE BERKS to 20121 They did not give up and the community responded.

In 1976, twelve dedicated women met at the YWCA in Reading to begin the monumental task of providing services to women victims of domestic violence. They met to discuss the details of providing hotline, counseling and temporary housing services to victims. They were pioneers locally and statewide, as they sought to find solutions to end family violence and to help all victims. They attended the fi

rst meeting of the Pennsylvania Coalition against Domestic Violence held on November 12, 1976 in Lancaster and became one of the Coalition’s first members. They worked tirelessly, putting together the framework to make families safe, piece by piece. They pooled their resources and doggedly pursued the support of the greater Reading Community. Safe Berks is the product of the inspirational leadership, determination and insight of our “Founding Mothers.” We owe them much more than a “thank you” or an award. We owe them respect, honor and praises. Our Founding Mothers included:

Louise Grim
Judy Henry
Lorraine Condeelis
Linda Ludgate
Marge Swanson
Nancy Eldon
Paula Herman
Barbara Hart
Cathy Saunders
Genny Esterling
Donna Heckman

Survivors deserve services they can count on, and those services need funding to survive.There are two opportunities for...
05/29/2026

Survivors deserve services they can count on, and those services need funding to survive.

There are two opportunities for you to join advocates from across Pennsylvania at the State Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg to support funding for domestic violence and sexual assault programs.

June 8 at 2 PM hosted by PCAR
June 16 at 2 PM hosted by Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Safe Berks stands with survivors and calls on our community to help make sure life saving services remain available for everyone who needs them.

Your voice can make a difference. Comment below if you'd like to join or even carpool with staff members!

Safe Berks is currently in need of dinner donations for our Safe House residents, and there are two ways you can help ma...
05/26/2026

Safe Berks is currently in need of dinner donations for our Safe House residents, and there are two ways you can help make an impact. 1. You can volunteer to prepare a meal and drop it off/serve or 2. make a monetary donation to help us purchase meals through Helping Harvest Community Kitchen or Hack Away Hunger program.

Dates we need a volunteer to cook and drop off/serve food:
June 1, June 2, June 4, June 5
June 8, June 12
June 15, June 18
June 22, June 23, June 25
June 29, June 30

If you're interested in volunteering, please email Eniyah Cooper [email protected] and if you're interested in making a donation, click the link below!

https://forms.donorsnap.com/Form/Index/30df5598-dd70-4978-9049-67acddbbb2af

Safe Berks offices will be closed Monday, May 26 in observance of Memorial Day. Our 24/7 hotline and text line remain op...
05/25/2026

Safe Berks offices will be closed Monday, May 26 in observance of Memorial Day. Our 24/7 hotline and text line remain open for support. Offices will reopen tomorrow, Tuesday May 27.

If you or someone you know needs support, please call 844-789-SAFE or text SAFE BERKS to 20121. We are always here to help.

05/24/2026

Don’t forget! There’s 7 more days in the month of a May to shop and support Safe Berks.

Did you know we offer free support groups for survivors, children, and caregivers in our community? Whether you are rebu...
05/22/2026

Did you know we offer free support groups for survivors, children, and caregivers in our community? Whether you are rebuilding after domestic violence, supporting a child survivor, processing trauma, or simply searching for a safe space where people truly understand, support is here.

Safe Berks currently offers:
Women’s Domestic Violence Support Group (18+)
Grupo de Apoyo para Mujeres Sobrevivientes de Violencia Doméstica (18+)
Children’s Sexual Abuse/Assault Support Group (ages 6 to 12)
Parent/Caregiver/Legal Guardian Support Group for families of child survivors

These groups are designed to provide connection, emotional support, coping tools, healing, and community in a safe and confidential environment.

Please note: intake paperwork with a Safe Berks counselor is required before joining any support group. Some groups are closed groups with limited registration to help create a supportive healing environment.

To learn more or begin the intake process, contact our Counseling Department at 610-373-1206 ext. 606 or email [email protected].

Don't forget register for our annual Walk for NO MORE on Saturday, June 20 during the Annual Art on the Avenue in Visit ...
05/19/2026

Don't forget register for our annual Walk for NO MORE on Saturday, June 20 during the Annual Art on the Avenue in Visit West Reading!

Join us as we walk together to support survivors and stand against domestic violence and sexual assault. Registration is FREE and donations are appreciated.

May 23 is the LAST day to guarantee a t-shirt in your size. Shirts will still be available the day of the event while supplies last on a first come, first served basis.

Tag your walking buddy and register through the link today! https://safeberks.org/wfnm2026/

05/16/2026

This morning, we received totes full of essential items for our safe house residents. The Emerging Leaders of came together at a time where needs are increasing.

Acts of kindness like this make a direct impact on individuals and families navigating some of life’s hardest moments. We are incredibly grateful for the hands, hearts, and teamwork poured into every bag packed. 🫶🏽

Want to make a difference too? Donations, volunteers, and community partnerships always help us continue the mission. Email Erica Caceres at [email protected] to learn more.

Here's your reminder that Boscov’s Outlet Center is donating 100% of proceeds to support the mission of Safe Berks. Yes…...
05/16/2026

Here's your reminder that Boscov’s Outlet Center is donating 100% of proceeds to support the mission of Safe Berks. Yes… 100% of every purchase!

The best part? You can even purchase items that help support our residents through urgent needs. From home goods and luggage to small appliances, shoes, decor, and unexpected treasures, every item purchased helps support the mission of Safe Berks and provides hope for survivors in our community.

Visit Boscov’s Outlet Center today and shop with purpose all through May. Because doing good never goes out of style.

05/15/2026
A huge thank you to the volunteers from Alcon  for spending time at Safe Berks organizing and going through our donation...
05/15/2026

A huge thank you to the volunteers from Alcon for spending time at Safe Berks organizing and going through our donation room to help make items more accessible for the individuals and families we serve. From sorting essentials to creating a more welcoming and efficient space, their teamwork and dedication made a meaningful impact.

It takes compassionate hearts and willing hands to help keep our mission moving forward, and we are so grateful for community partners who show up and do the work behind the scenes that truly changes lives.

Interested in volunteering with Safe Berks? Click the link in our bio/website to learn how you can get involved.

https://safeberks.org/get-involved/volunteer/

Our Safe House is currently in need of several essential items for residents, and we are asking our community to help us...
05/14/2026

Our Safe House is currently in need of several essential items for residents, and we are asking our community to help us fill the shelves with care.

While all donations are appreciated, the items listed are among our most urgent needs at this time. All items must be new. Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM at Safe Berks.

Prefer to shop online? You can also support our residents directly through our Amazon Urgent Needs List linked below/in bio. https://a.co/06bNQiU0

Thank you for helping us create hope one donation at a time!

Address

255 Chestnut Street
Reading, PA
19602

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