Monthly Archives: April 2020

DSC00920

We are saddened to report the passing of Allan N. Altschull, on Saturday, April 18, 2020. Mr. Altschull served on the Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities Board of Directors, from 2009 through 2016. He served as both the Vice President for one year and as President for four years. During his tenure on the board, he helped the Pottstown Cluster establish a permanent presence in Pottstown, through the purchase of both our properties on North Franklin Street and the renovation and opening of the Cluster Outreach Center in July 2011.

Mr. Altschull’s passion for the Pottstown Cluster’s mission was repeatedly demonstrated by his ability to introduce members of the community to and engage them in our work. Whether that was through finding new board members or new supporters, either financially or through in-kind service, he brought many friends to the organization, helping to grow and sustain our presence in the community.

We were fortunate to have Mr. Altschull participate in our President’s Plaque Reception earlier this year, where recent Board Presidents, including Mr. Altschull, were recognized for their service and dedication. The Pottstown Cluster was blessed by his service over the years and his impact to the organization will have a lasting impression. We extend our deepest sympathies to Mr. Altschull’s family on his passing.

Allan N. Altschull’s Obituary can be read here.

Share this:
Share
Continue Reading →


Hi Friend,

During any crisis, it’s easy to turn inwards and focus on our own needs. However, many people from our community have been reaching out to us to support our mission as we work to provide food security and housing stability to local seniors and families in need during this critical time. This has been an important reminder of the power of community and the fact that working together is our community strength in Pottstown.

We want to recognize those who are helping others and working to keep us all safe. Please join us in recognizing your neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family members who are doing great things for others by using #COVIDCaringPottstown on your social media posts. We will be doing the same to keep you updated on the many acts of kindness we are receiving!

“All of us, at some time or other, need help. Whether we’re giving or receiving help, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That’s one of the things that connects us as neighbors”- Fred Rogers

 

 

#COVIDCARINGPOTTSTOWN

Our volunteers and employees have been busy helping us meet the growing demand by packing food boxes, distributing food, and restocking shelves.

 

We appreciate all of our volunteers especially those who continue working vigorously to ensure our neighbors struggling with hunger do not have to worry about how they will feed themselves or their families. Thank you!

Jill Dennin, Chair, Pottstown Cluster of Religious Commuities Development Committee, Board member, and volunteer
Barbara Wilhelmy, LCSW, Executive Director, Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities and Valerie Arkoosh, MD, MPH Chair, Montgomery County Board of Commissioners
Barbara Wilhelmy, LCSW, Executive Director, Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities and Kenneth Lawrence, Jr. Vice Chair, Montgomery County Board of Commissioners

#COVIDCARINGPOTTSTOWN

At our 8th annual “You Gotta Have Heart” event in September, we honored our 2019 Cluster Community Awardees, Valerie Arkoosh, MD, MPH Chair, Montgomery County Board of Commissioners and Kenneth Lawrence, Jr. Vice Chair, Montgomery County Board of Commissioners for their significant contributions towards improving Food Security, Housing Stability, and Supportive Services and Education within and beyond the Greater Pottstown area.

 

We would like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank our Commissioners for keeping us well informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Our commissioners—in coordination with the CDC—continue to respond to the evolving situation in Montgomery County to keep us safe and help detect and slow the spread of the virus. We applaud their responsiveness and commitment to keeping us informed and—most importantly—prioritizing our health and safety during this time.

#COVIDCARINGPOTTSTOWN

Thanks to a generous Pottstown family, the Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities has been given a $5,000 match opportunity to help struggling families and seniors in this time of crisis. Thanks to our community’s generosity and willingness to help, we are over half way to our goal.

 

But we need your help to reach our goal and continue this work. You can support the Pottstown Cluster’s response to COVID-19 through April 30 and your gift will be doubled – helping the Pottstown Cluster meet the need today and tomorrow.

Share this:
Share
Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

The Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities Receives a $25,000 Connelly Foundation Grant Award
to Support Renovations at New Education and Administration Center to Bring Essential Services to Residents of the Greater Pottstown Area 

 

POTTSTOWN, PA, April 3, 2020 – The Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities is the recipient of a $25,000 Connelly Foundation grant award in support of renovations needed to achieve occupancy of their new Education and Administration Center located at 61 North Franklin Street in Pottstown Pennsylvania.

 

While the renovation project is currently nearing completion, the award will sponsor the building’s kitchen and fund final projects needed to achieve occupancy and preserve the building’s exterior. “The most compelling reason to complete the work is that it will allow us to provide essential programs with several community partners, bringing supplemental education and support services to those we serve – services that have not been readily available to residents in our area, but which will be possible in this new space. This renovation work will have a multiplier effect in benefit in this community where the need is so great,” said Barbara Wilhelmy, Executive Director of the Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities.

 

Essential services for residents of the Greater Pottstown area include a pilot program with Philabundance and Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery and Delaware County on financial literacy for working families who are receiving food through the pantry at the Pottstown Cluster’s Outreach Center. The goal for participants is to improve their overall financial and housing stability, thus eliminating their need to use the pantry. This end goal is to not just reduce hunger, but eliminate hunger for these working families. Additionally, a partnership with HopeWorx Inc., TIME, to support individuals who have had experience with the judicial system and are seeking to improve their future stability upon re-entering the community. These collaborations and services would not be possible without access to this new space.

 

About Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities

For over 50 years, through interfaith cooperation, the Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities has provided Food Security, Housing Stability, and Supportive Services and Education to address the basic needs of persons within and beyond the Greater Pottstown area. The Pottstown Cluster coordinates its programs and referrals to help clients improve their overall stability. For more information or to give now, call 610.970.5995, or visit pottstowncluster.org.

 

# # #

 

Share this:
Share
Continue Reading →