History

History Milestones

Since 1967, through interfaith cooperation, PCRC has been providing tangible services, support, and spiritual guidance to address the basic needs of persons within and beyond the Greater Pottstown area, coordinating programs and referrals to help clients improve their overall stability.

We currently provide Food Security, Housing Stability, and Supportive Services and Education.

Penny

1967

History begins with the formation of the Cluster under the driving force of Father Wilfred Penny, Rector of Christ Episcopal Church.

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March 27, 1968

“Local Council of Churches Okayed” was the headline in The Mercury. Thirteen congregations had agreed to take steps toward the formation of a Pottstown Cluster of Churches.

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1971

Probably the best known of the early projects was the Pottstown Interfaith Emergency Service, or “PIES.”

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1972

Hazel Nettles was instrumental in organizing a food pantry.

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1977

Local Public Welfare Office Advocacy — an office accessible to Pottstown residents — was opened.

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1979

Pottstown Area Senior Center becomes a reality through efforts encouraged by members of the Cluster.

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October 1982

Trinity United Church of Christ invited other worship centers to share in what is now the Community Meals program.

CROP Hunger Walk

1985

The Cluster begins sponsoring the annual CROP Hunger Walk to raise funds for local and world hunger.

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April 1985

The search began for a location where the functions of PIES could be consolidated under one roof.

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March 1987

Patricia Von Bing was hired part-time as the Cluster’s first paid employee.

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June 1988

The Cluster rented the location at 137 Walnut Street and opened the Cluster Outreach Center. PIES was officially dissolved and its functions were absorbed and expanded by the Center.

Alden-Lanphear

October 2006

Alden Lanphear is hired as the Interim Executive Director.

Barbara-Wilhelmy

February 2008

Barbara Wilhelmy is hired as the first full-time Executive Director and staff member for the organization. Staffing consisted of one full-time and six part-time employees.

American Legion

January  2010

PCRC buys the former American Legion building at 57 North Franklin Street.

Ribbon Cutting

July 14, 2011

The Grand Opening and dedication of the building occurs.

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July 2011

PCRC Pantry opens its doors as a Choice Food Pantry.

UP3

February 2013

The first workshop series for the Getting Ahead initiative, now call Understanding Poverty, to Plan and Persevere, or UP3.

Your Way

September 2013

PCRC is awarded a $1 million+ contract with Montgomery County to become one of three county Housing Resource Centers as part of Your Way Home Montgomery County.

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March 2014

The Wise Food Shopper Nutrition Education program begins.

61 PCRC

July 2015

Purchased property at 61 North Franklin Street to serve as PCRC’s educational and administrative building.

Philabundance

June 2016

PCRC signs an agreement with Philabundance to become Montgomery County’s first Redistribution Organization (RDO).

50th Brand

March 2017

PCRC celebrates 50 Years of Service to the Pottstown community.

HealthSpark

February 2019

HealthSpark Foundation grant facilitates three new innovative pilot programs with partners Philabundance and Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County; MAHN; and Leadership Tri-County.

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