Cluster Chronicles July 2020

Cluster Chronicles

July 2020

Feature

The 2020 Toyota Hunger Relief On Demand X1 Video Series Features the Pottstown Cluster of Religious in Partnership with Philabundance
to raise awareness about food insecurity throughout the Greater Philadelphia area

 

The Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities, as a Philabundance partner, is featured in the 2020 Toyota Hunger Relief On Demand X1 three-part video series to raise awareness about food insecurity throughout the Greater Philadelphia area.

The three-part video series is available in a “Hunger Relief” folder in a Toyota On Demand X1 destination and Comcast subscribers can use their voice remotes to “Say Toyota” to learn more.

The series begins by posing the question, “What is Hunger?” then moves on to explore the “Bold New” of “Ending Hunger. For Good.” – a partnership program between the Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities, Philabundance, and Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery and Delaware Counties. “Ending Hunger. For Good.” provides critical services and supports to improve food security and financial stability as well decrease the number of people facing hunger throughout the Greater Philadelphia area.

“It’s not just about handing out food, it’s about helping people create stability in their lives through counseling services, life coaching, education about how to manage and save money, and building resources,” Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities Executive Director Barbara Wilhelmy said.

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A Message From the Executive Director

Greetings Friends,

Summer is officially here and I hope you are doing well, staying safe, and in good spirits.

While the past few months have been challenging to navigate, I am proud to report that despite a decline in volunteers and on-site staff due to limiting the number of people in the Pottstown Cluster Outreach Center and following health and social distance guidelines, we have been able to keep our public community food pantry open and operating as safely as possible to meet growing demand. We have also been working to support and protect our most vulnerable by delivering food to older adults and high-risk individuals so they can remain safe in their homes as well as provide easy access Community Meals at several locations for anyone in need of a meal. Additionally, we have housed and maintained housing for the families we work with through our Pottstown Housing Resource Center (HRC).

While all of this has been going on, we have been blessed to have strong support from our community in many ways. We have had many, many offers of support, volunteers wanting to help, monetary donations, storage space – both dry and refrigerator, and transportation assistance to move food. All this speaks to how a community can come together in a difficult situation and do the best for everyone in need.

As you read this issue of Cluster Chronicles, I hope you will find ways to continue to be engaged with our work and be excited to hear about the difference your support is making for those we serve. In this issue you will read about the 2020 Signature Page Showcase of Support. I encourage you to join us in celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Signature Page. While the page is always a demonstration of your commitment to ending hunger in our community, this year’s page will offer an opportunity to thank our volunteers, employees, and local heroes who have been supporting the Pottstown Cluster’s response to COVID-19 and committed to providing food security and housing stability to those in need.

In this issue, you can also watch the Pottstown Cluster in the 2020 Toyota Hunger Relief On Demand X1 three-part video series that was created to raise awareness about food insecurity throughout the Greater Philadelphia area. I also hope you enjoy reading more about the many acts of kindness we have been receiving over the past few months from our #COVIDCaringPottstownCommunity.

Check out “Take Action”, paying special attention to opportunities including ways you can help neighbors in our community. From volunteering to donations, all help is greatly appreciated.

And remember, your support is a reflection of your deep commitment to our mission and local families and neighbors in need of food security, housing stability, and supportive services and education. Please keep our work in your prayers and share your interest in our organization with a friend. Together, we are helping to nourish lives and strengthen families in this community, and for that I am truly grateful.

Thank you for your faithful commitment to the work we do.

Sincerely,


Barbara Wilhelmy, LCSW
Executive Director
bwilhelmy@pottstowncluster.org

The 2020 Signature Page Showcase of Support

From June 4 through July 15, 2020, you are invited to showcase your support for our mission and work in our local community newspaper, The Mercury.

Join us in celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities Signature Page. While the page is always a demonstration of your commitment to ending hunger in our community, this year’s page will offer an opportunity to thank our volunteers, employees, and local heroes who have been supporting the Pottstown Cluster’s response to COVID-19 and committed to providing food security and housing stability to those in need. Won’t you join us in thanking those who have continued serving the community at the most important of times?

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You’re Invited to “Celebrate Service with Heart”!

Get ready to virtually join the Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities for our 9th annual fundraiser “You Gotta Have Heart” in October 2020!

All proceeds will support our mission to provide tangible services, support, and spiritual guidance to address the basic needs of persons within and beyond the Greater Pottstown area, helping clients improve their overall stability.

You just GOTTA Have Heart for the greater Pottstown area! More details coming soon. Hope to see you there!

Working Together is Our Community Strength

Many have been reaching out to support our mission as we work to provide food security and housing stability to our at-risk neighbors and families in need during this critical time. The desire to help is an important reminder of the power of community and the fact that working together is our community strength in Pottstown.

We hope you enjoy reading about of the many acts of kindness we have been receiving over the past few months from our #COVIDCaringPottstown Community.

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EPIC

The Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities Receives a $5,000 TD Charitable Foundation Grant
to provide direct rental assistance for households facing eviction in Montgomery County

The Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities is the recipient of a $5,000 TD Charitable Foundation grant award to provide direct rental assistance to households facing eviction in Montgomery County through the Eviction Prevention and Intervention Coalition (EPIC).

The EPIC program is designed to stabilize vulnerable families and individuals in Montgomery County who are facing eviction by providing them with free legal support and connection to the long-term financial and social supports needed to prevent future housing instability.

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

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.

 

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Jacqui Good Joins Us as Director of Development and Communications

Jacqui Good joins us as the director of development and communications, working with the team responsible for all fundraising and community and donor outreach. She has a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania where she also worked in advancement services. In addition to higher education fundraising, she has worked for several nonprofits ranging from $200,000 to $38 million in annual operating budgets. Good most recently worked in development at Albright College. She lives in northeastern Lancaster County in the house built for her grandmother with two dogs and one spouse.

Take Action

The Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities has many ways in which you can help neighbors in our community. From volunteering to donations, all help is greatly appreciated.

Volunteer

PCRC thanks its Partners/Supporters!

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