• Connecting Nonprofit Leaders to Learning Opportunities
• Connecting Schools to Green Energy
• Connecting Community Resources to Increase Access to Services
The mission of Berks County Community Foundation is to promote philanthropy and improve the quality of life for the residents of Berks County.
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
When we began expanding our Community Foundation team in 2022 to include three program officers, each of whom is an expert in her area of expertise, we knew this strategy would allow us to dig deeper into issues affecting our community. While each program officer manages a portfolio of funds and does her due diligence to ensure that our grantmaking follows the intent of the donors who established funds at the Community Foundation, their jobs aren’t just about distributing grants.
Grantmaking is a small piece of the work of the Community Foundation. In fact, a large part of our work includes connecting the dots in our community. What does that mean, exactly?
Our ability to get things done depends on our ability to collaborate. We emphasize growing and maintaining relationships with stakeholders in our community.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:
Molly McCullough Robbins
WRITERS:
Molly McCullough Robbins
Vice President for Philanthropic Services
Monica Reyes
Vice President for Programs and Initiatives
Emily Smedley
Environment and Energy Program Officer
Erica Caceres
Former Staff
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Brad Drey
Purdon Photography
Jeremy Drey
Jeremy Drey Photography
Jennifer Foster
JFoster Photography
DESIGN:
Deb Soule
The Drawing Board
To meet our mission of helping to improve the lives of residents in Berks County, collective action is how real change happens. Being present and connected to the community through our partnerships is an integral part of what we do.
To read more about how we connect the dots, please turn to page 10.
Kevin K. Murphy President Berks County Community Foundation
Cindy Milian, Health and Human Services Program Officer
Cindy oversees grants for individuals, public health initiatives, and human services initiatives.
Kim Sheffer, Lifelong Learning Program Officer
Kim manages education-related grantmaking and initiative work, as well as 130 scholarship opportunities.
Emily Smedley, Environment and Energy Program Officer
Emily manages grantmaking and initiatives related to environmental health, sustainable energy, land use, and neighborhood vitality.
AREAS OF FOCUS
Community Initiatives are the driving force behind many life-changing projects here in Berks County. Our team partners with local organizations to support initiatives that actively improve the welfare of the residents of Berks County. Our years of experience give us the resources to join forces and make change happen. Our program team dives deep into the following areas of focus:
Arts, Culture, & Humanities: Life is made richer through the arts, culture, and humanities. Our programs and grantmaking support efforts to bring the arts out into the community in a variety of ways.
Environment & Energy: Berks County is a beautiful place. Our goal is to keep it that way by supporting projects and programs that accelerate community resilience against climate change, support renewable energy sources and
energy efficiency, and build collaborative partnerships to reduce the environmental footprint in Berks County.
Health & Human Services: We work to ensure our community has access to the healthcare and quality of life services it needs to function at its best.
Lifelong Learning:
We’re here to help build a community of lifelong learners through a variety
of professional development programs, initiatives to attract and retain college students, and scholarships.
Neighborhood Vitality: Berks County offers unique urban, rural, and suburban lifestyles. We manage several funds created by local people to ensure the neighborhoods they love continue to thrive.
Program Officers: Kim Sheffer, Emily Smedley, Cindy Milian
CAREER AND COACHINGCreating a Legacy
A career as a financial advisor and coach led Ed Lombardo to establish scholarship funds.
Life sometimes takes us on an unexpected path. Ed Lombardo, lifelong Berks County resident, never envisioned establishing a scholarship fund. In fact, giving back to the community wasn’t something his family discussed as he grew up in Reading in the 1960’s. However, Ed’s career in financial services and his passion for coaching football eventually led Ed to the Community Foundation.
Family History
Ed’s family has deep roots in Reading. His maternal grandfather emigrated from Italy in the 1930s. He set up a shoe repair shop in the back of his house and brought his wife and son over to join him in Reading once he was established.
Ed’s father, Ronald Sr., and mother, Nancy, grew up near each other in Reading. In 1961, when Ed was born, his parents were living on Schuylkill Avenue, and the family moved closer to West Reading when he was still a baby. He is the third of four children.
Ed’s dad, Ronald Sr., was a general mechanic at Textile Industries in Wyomissing. His mom, Nancy, worked various jobs after raising their four children, including a position at CNA in downtown Reading before her retirement. Ed’s older sister, Raenette, died in 2008 from cancer. His older brother, Ronald Jr., (R.J.), passed away in a car accident in 1980. His younger brother, Joe, lives in Atlanta. After the passing of Ed’s brother, R.J., his parents divorced. His dad remarried and eventually moved to Florida after retiring.
continued on page 4
The Lombardo family
High School, College and Working Life
Ed went to grade school at St. Peter’s and attended Holy Name High School. When Ed was younger, he “did all the sports”, but by high school, he focused primarily on baseball. After high school, Ed got a job at American Bank, where he worked from 1979-1984. He started in the mail room and eventually worked as the building services coordinator. This role gave Ed a comprehensive view of the bank, exposing him to everything from daily operations to branch management. Ed attended college at night while working full-time. In 1984, Ed took a leap of faith and moved over to Waddell and Reed as a financial advisor. He has been in the same office (now LPL Financial) ever since.
Married Life
In 1990, Ed met Joanne Hiester through mutual friends. At the time, she was employed at Exide Corporation (YuasaExide, Inc.) as a department secretary. From 1991-1997, Joanne moved up the ranks and eventually became administrative assistant to Michael Ehlerman, President and COO of Yuasa-Exide, Inc.
In the 90’s, Ed started to get involved with coaching high school athletics. He started with baseball and eventually switched over to football. He
first coached for Holy Name and moved to the coaching staff at Muhlenberg High School in 1992, shortly before starting his family. By then, he had left American Bank to work in the financial services industry.
Ed recalled, “I was introduced to the head coach through a family friend who was an assistant coach. They had an opening on their staff, and I was fortunate they brought me on.” Ed continued coaching at Muhlenberg throughout his working career. When asked what kept him involved all those years, Ed reflected, “That is a big chunk of my life, but I met the other coaches for the team. We all had kids around the same time and watched all our families grow together.” The football schedule was easy to incorporate into his family and work life – games were only on Friday nights or Saturday afternoons. “I was able to set my own hours and leave work to coach for a couple hours,” he explained.
Family Life
and earned her master’s degree from Drexel University. She currently works at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center as a registered and board-certified art therapist and art therapy supervisor. Alexis, her husband, Ben, and their daughter, Parker, live in South Lebanon. Ed and Joanne spend as much time as they can with their granddaughter.
Marisa has been a sports fan
Philanthropy truly became an important part of Ed’s life after years of coaching. By 2000, he was ready to do something more for the kids in the community.
in lieu of flowers,” Ed explained. That was the start of the Lombardo Family Scholarship Fund. That fund was held at Berks Catholic, and eventually, donations slowed. Ed began to add his coaching paychecks (and more) to the fund each year. In the beginning, the fund awarded one $500 scholarship to a male athlete at Muhlenberg High School. Eventually, one male and one female athlete each received $500 scholarships, and over the years, the award has grown to $1,000 per athlete. In 2000, Ed transferred that fund over to the Community Foundation, and he has continued to add to the fund over the years.
Their first child, Alexis, was born in 1993, followed by Marisa, born in 1995. Alexis attended Marywood University
her whole life, and she turned that passion into a career. After receiving her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Alvernia University, she joined the staff of Alvernia Athletics and now serves as the director of sports information and operations. “My daughter keeps me involved; sometimes I help out in the press box at Alvernia for their home football games.”
Giving Back
“When my brother passed away in 1980, donations were given by community members
Philanthropy truly became an important part of Ed’s life after years of coaching. By 2000, he was ready to do something more for kids in the community. Those coaching paychecks provided enough additional income to allow him to establish something new at the Community Foundation. “They were paying me to coach, and I’d been fortunate enough to work in the financial field. While I was at Muhlenberg, the great people working there treated me like one of their family. The kids were great, and I wanted to start giving something back to the community”, Ed remembered. He decided to start taking the coaching paychecks and turn that money into a new scholarship fund.
In 2018, Ed established the
Lombardo Family Memorial Fund in honor of his siblings who had passed away. Ed wanted to build up the new fund to the same level as the first and added donations to it as he was able. His brother, Joe, has become more involved in the fund in recent years. When each of their parents passed away in 2018 and 2020, friends and family members contributed to the memorial fund in their honor.
“We asked people to send money to Berks County Community Foundation in lieu of flowers or donations elsewhere. We wouldn’t have been able to do that without help from the Community Foundation, guiding us and getting things set up and organized for us.” The Lombardo Family Memorial Fund provides two $1,000 scholarships per year to Berks Catholic students.
Looking Ahead to Retirement
Ed’s wife, Joanne, worked for Governor Mifflin School District for about 22 years and retired in March: Ed will retire in July. Ed loved his career. “It’s been very satisfactory, working with clients, assisting them in investing and financial planning. I have multi-generational clients – in some cases, four generations.” When asked how he feels about leaving his clients, he said that it will be hard, particularly for those with whom he has more personal relationships. He knows they
will be in good hands. “A lot of my clients are happy for me –they know I’ve worked hard for over 40 years.”
Ed and Joanne purchased a vacation home in the Outer Banks in 2017, once both of their daughters finished college. They sold it last year so they could build a family home near Fenwick Beach, Delaware, a much shorter drive from home. The new home is spacious enough for the whole family to gather.
Ed attends the Foundation’s scholarship luncheon each year, and now that Joanne is retired, she can attend with him. Thinking about the impact his funds have, Ed said, “Working with the Community Foundation has been a good partnership. The thing I like the most about it is that these funds will be ongoing, and we were able to build them up over the years.”
If you would like to learn more about funds at Berks County Community Foundation, email mollyr@bccf.org or call Molly McCullough Robbins at 610-685-2223.
“ The thing I like the most about the Community Foundation is that these funds will be ongoing, and we were able to build them up over the years.”
- Ed Lombardo
Joanne and Ed Lombardo
Connecting Students to the Community –Student Attraction and Retention
Berks County is home to a plethora of riches in the form of higher education institutions. Albright College, Alvernia University, Kutztown University, Penn State Berks, and Reading Area Community College have long been cornerstones of our community. The addition of Drexel University’s medical school campus in West Reading has created more opportunities for higher education in Berks County.
Data from Albright, Alvernia, and Penn State Berks shows that they enroll about 35% of their students from Berks County. That means that 65% of their students have chosen to relocate to Berks County for four years of their lives.
Kim Sheffer speaks to local college students.
This data prompted us to consider these questions:
• Can we do more to make Berks County a place where college students want to spend their college years and put down roots after graduation?
• Is there a way to increase that 35% in a way that adds to the vitality of the community?
As schools across the county face a myriad of challenges, keeping students enrolled and engaged remains a top priority.
The Community Foundation began to investigate this opportunity by gathering a group of Berks County residentscollege and university leaders, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, business owners, and civic groups:
• Alvernia University
• Albright College
• Kutztown University
• Penn State Berks
• Reading Area Community College
• Drexel University’s College of Medicine
• Workforce Development Board
• VOiCEup Berks/Generation Impact
• West Reading Main Street
•Greater Reading Chamber Alliance
• Berks Business Education Coalition
The group organized into committees to dig deep into focus areas:
• Community Engagement - When students feel part of the community, they’re more likely to see themselves here long-term. The group is researching volunteer opportunities, local business discounts, student-centered events, and increasing awareness of entertainment and recreational activities.
• Internship and Employment Opportunities - We want to make it easier for students to find local employment through internships, mentorships, and better connections between employers and campuses.
Our local colleges and universities are motivated. While our focus is community growth, the benefits for the colleges are compelling:
• Recruitment: Cultural and natural assets are increasingly important in attracting students. Showcasing Berks County as a vibrant, livable place gives these schools a competitive edge.
• Retention: Student engagement with the local community supports better retention. In an era when many institutions struggle to build and keep first-year classes, retention is a battle they can’t afford to lose.
• Alumni impact: When graduates stay and thrive here, they become donors, mentors, and champions for their alma maters. The longer they stay, the more connected they become.
Our commitment is to see Berks County thrive – not just for today but for generations to come. College students are our future neighbors and leaders. This initiative to make Berks County a place where more students choose to stay, build careers, and raise families will always be a priority. Our goal is to make it compelling for college students and young professionals to say “yes” to Berks County.
Kim Sheffer, Lifelong Learning Program Officer, is representing the Community Foundation and working with stakeholders on this initiative. To learn more, email kims@bccf.org or find information about Kim’s work by visiting the QR code.
Our goal is to make it compelling for college students and young professionals to say “yes” to Berks County.
Connecting Nonprofit Leaders to Learning Opportunities
The 2024-2025 class members:
• Laura Biancone, Interim Executive Director, LGBT Center of Reading
• Stacey Cole, Chief Development Officer, Animal Rescue League of Berks County
• Laura Cordero, Community Builder and Initiative Coordinator, Centro Hispano Daniel Torres
• Tish Davis, Executive Director, Berks Arts
• Violet Emory, Executive Director, Berks Latino Workforce Development Corporation
• Amy Folk, Compliance Manager, Mary’s Shelter
• Amanda Ford, Executive Director, Twin Valley Community Education Foundation
• Jessica Heil, Senior Director, Marketing and Digital Engagement, United Way of Berks County
• Ashley Houston, Director of Development, Foundation for the Reading Public Museum
• Mary Marks, Co-Director, Hannah’s Hope Ministries
• Brandon Marth, Regional Philanthropy Officer, American Red Cross
• Ashleigh Mills, CHC Service Coordinator, UPMC (formerly with Berks Encore)
• Rick Perez, CEO, Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading & Berks County
• Lily Ponce, Executive Assistant, Literacy Council of Reading-Berks
• Denise Pulgino Stout, Executive Director, Boyertown Community Library
• Thomas Scornavacci, President/Pastor, Common Ground Recovery Ministries & Common Ground Recovery Community
• Anthony Tucci, Executive Director, Western Berks Ambulance Association
• Ralia Vardaxis, Executive Director, Reading Science Center
• David Whitehill, formerly with Reading Symphony Orchestra
Berks County Community Foundation’s Nonprofit Management Certificate Program brings instructors from The Nonprofit Center at LaSalle University to Berks County’s nonprofit community for a ten-month professional development opportunity designed exclusively for full-time paid nonprofit executive directors and high-potential staff members.
Investing in professional development for nonprofits is essential as it helps to strengthen the organizations that are addressing the community’s critical needs and driving positive change. The Community Foundation is focused on investing in the long-term health, vibrancy and success of the community.
We have seen cases where leaders have strengthened their organizations by enhancing their leadership skills, strategic thinking, and operational expertise after participating in this program. When our community leaders engage in a cohort with their local peers, it empowers them to build stronger partnerships.
The program includes three group lunches, six daylong in-person nonprofit management classes at the Community Foundation’s office in Reading, and three nonprofit management webinars.
Cohort participants particularly like the diversity of organizations included. There is a wide range of experience among the leaders, they serve different populations and differ in size. These leaders serve Berks County but don’t often have the opportunity to spend time with other community leaders.
Monica Reyes, Vice President for Programs and Initiatives at the Community Foundation, explained, “The certificate program is designed to enhance or refresh the management and leadership skills of local nonprofit leaders right here in the community. It offers expert instruction from faculty at The Nonprofit Center at LaSalle University, combined with valuable peer learning opportunities, allowing cohort members to connect and learn from one another.”
Nonprofits leaders are deeply committed to meeting the urgent and ongoing needs of the community, often dedicating countless hours to their organizations’ missions. In doing so, some of them rarely have the opportunity to step back, connect with their peers, or invest in their own professional growth. For them to continue to do this important work in the community, it is important for Berks County Community Foundation to create the space for them to do so.
To learn more, please contact Monica Reyes at monicar@bccf.org.
Conversations that Keep the Community Connected
Berks County Community Foundation introduced a new program in 2025. The Community Forums program is designed to provide an opportunity for meaningful dialogue around the issues that matter most to Berks County residents. The forums are hosted by Dave Myers, Senior Fellow at Berks County Community Foundation.
Through this new series of community conversations, residents from all over Berks County come together to talk, share, and shape the future of their neighborhoods.
People are showing up—in big numbers.
“These aren’t just conversations,” Myers explains. “They are a commitment to improving the quality of life in Berks County. People want to
stay informed, they want to be engaged, and they want to be part of the solution.”
The forums take place monthly, most often over Zoom. Some sessions are hosted in person to encourage networking and connection. The goal is to bring community members together around pressing topics in the community.
Myers moderates each forum, offering a platform for residents, experts and local leaders to voice concerns, ask questions, and generate solutions. Whether it’s a discussion about the future of public K-12 education, the challenges facing EMS service providers, or crime in Berks County, the conversations are engaging and informative.
Participants can register
online, and interest has increased since the program was launched. While the topics may vary, the message remains consistent: a better Berks County starts with an engaged Berks County.
For more information about Community Forums, email Dave (davem@bccf.org) or Monica (monicar@bccf.org).
OUR NEWS IS YOUR NEWS
Looking for the latest information about things that are happening at the Community Foundation? Scan the QR code to check our our latest news or sign up to attend an event.
Dave Myers, Senior Fellow and Monica Reyes, VP for Programs and Initiatives
Connecting the Dots: The Community Foundation’s
When people think about the work of a community foundation, they often focus on grantmaking. While the distribution of grants and scholarships is an essential part of what we do, it represents only a small fraction of our efforts. Our impact extends far beyond funding. Through fostering relationships, facilitating collaboration, and driving collective action, we play a vital role in improving the lives of the Berks County community. Our program team averages 40 meetings per month—about 480 meetings per year. These interactions allow us to forge meaningful connections, identify problems and opportunities, and address pressing community needs. Here are five ways our team connects the dots to provide solutions to issues in Berks County and create lasting impact.
NUMBER 1
Convening Organizations and Building Networks
Berks County Community Foundation is an impartial convener. We have the unique ability to bring together organizations within the same sector that may not otherwise communicate. By hosting these discussions, we encourage collaboration, share best practices, and tackle challenges collectively.
Over the past few years, we’ve convened executive directors of education foundations, allowing them to connect and exchange ideas. Topics of discussion have ranged from alumni engagement and fundraising to scholarship opportunities and event planning. Other groups we’ve convened include other nonprofit leaders, healthcare professionals, environmental organizations, church groups, and advocates for attracting and retaining college students.
NUMBER 2
Connecting People to Community Assets
Beyond funding, we help individuals and organizations navigate local resources. Often, after a meeting, our next step is making an introduction between two individuals or groups who should collaborate.
For example, a staff member at Mary’s Shelter, which supports youth who are experiencing homelessness, mentioned a visually impaired young man in need of adaptive equipment. Recognizing the need, we connected them with the Vision Resource Center, ensuring that he received the necessary support to transition to independent living.
NUMBER 3
Bridging the Gap Between Government and the Community
We frequently act as an intermediary between local organizations and government agencies, ensuring that communities have access to the resources and support they need.
When the Antietam Valley area experienced flooding that led to school closures, local churches formed a recovery group to assist affected residents. We facilitated a connection between this group and the County’s Emergency Management Services Director, expediting access to government assistance and resources.
NUMBER 4
Linking Outside Organizations to Berks County
External groups often seek our assistance to connect with Berks County stakeholders. One example outside of Berks County is the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation, a member of MPACT (a network for resilient transit-oriented communities), who reached out for help in identifying Berks County representatives for a regional conference. We facilitated a connection with the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, ensuring our community had a voice at the event.
Impact Beyond Grantmaking
NUMBER 5
Maximizing Funding Opportunities
Collaboration among local funders enhances the impact of philanthropic investments. We meet quarterly with various local foundations to align efforts and pool resources.
Through our coordination, local funders combined their resources for projects like Spotlight PA and support for the Reading Public Museum. Additionally, we keep nonprofit organizations informed about national and government funding opportunities, connecting organizations like VOiCEup Berks with the Lady Gaga Foundation for mental health funding.
Beyond Grantmaking: Creating Systemic Change
One of our recent initiatives was to advocate for a County Health Department. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Berks County lacked centralized health authority, leading to inconsistent guidance. We supported a feasibility study and later amplified its findings through a communications campaign, raising awareness of the county’s healthcare challenges. While the current local administration has paused efforts to establish a county health department, we remain committed to revisiting this initiative when opportunities arise.
Strengthening Our Network Through Collaboration
We also engage with other community foundations to share insights and strategies. Recently, we visited a foundation of similar asset size in Somerset, Bedford, Cambria, and Indiana counties. While they manage nearly 1,000 funds compared to our 390, their geographic and economic landscape differs significantly. These exchanges enhance our approach to serving Berks County.
Conclusion
The most significant community impact is driven by relationships, collaboration, and strategic convening. By connecting the dots, we empower local organizations, strengthen community networks, and create meaningful, lasting changes in Berks County.
Who is on the program team?
• Monica Reyes, Vice President of Programs & Initiatives
• Cindy Milian, Health & Human Services Program Officer
• Kim Sheffer, Lifelong Learning Program Officer
• Emily Smedley, Environment & Energy Program Officer
• Daniel Gombar, Grants Management Administrator
For more information on our team, please scan the QR code.
CONNECTING SCHOOLS TO
Generation
180 Provides Support for Schools in Berks County Green Energy
Berks County is a beautiful place. Our goal is to keep it that way by supporting projects and programs that accelerate community resilience against climate change, support renewable energy sources and energy efficiency, and build collaborative partnerships to reduce the environmental footprint in Berks County.
In support of this goal, we identified three focus areas:
Accelerate resiliency against climate change
We can accelerate resiliency against climate change by planting more trees and native shrubs, preserving open space, supporting sustainable farming practices, and preparing for extreme weather events.
Support renewable energy and energy efficiency
We support green building technology, high-efficiency heating and cooling options, and green energy production to shrink our community’s energy usage over time and lessen the use of nonrenewable energy sources.
Build collaborative partnerships By building collaborative partnerships across multiple sectors, we can strengthen and grow existing capacities to reduce our environmental impact on Berks County and protect its resources for future generations.
Berks County Community Foundation and Generation 180 representatives visit Fleetwood Middle School to discuss solar power.
One way we have put this work into motion is through a multi-year grant to Generation180, a national nonprofit organization inspiring and equipping people to take action on clean energy. Specifically, the grant supports their Electrify Our Schools campaign, which helps Pennsylvania K-12 schools adopt solar energy. Installing solar panels can help schools reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions, enhance student learning and foster healthier communities.
Shannon Crooker, Generation180’s Pennsylvania Director, remarked, “Thanks to the generous support of the Met-Ed/Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund, Generation180 has been able to empower schools in Berks County and throughout the state to take meaningful steps toward a resilient energy future. Solar energy technology offers schools a unique opportunity to lower utility costs, reduce emissions, and create a living classroom for students. We’re proud to support districts such as Exeter and Brandywine Heights to lead by example and show what’s possible when communities invest in both education and sustainability.”
This work was jointly funded by the Met-Ed Sustainable Energy Fund and the Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund to broaden impact in the Met-Ed
and Penelec utility areas across the state. Thus far, Generation180 has supported K-12 schools in both territories by:
• Helping 21 school districts explore solar options with technical assistance
• Performing solar feasibility studies for nine school districts that modeled potential solar projects with a cumulative capacity of 11.6 MW
• Assisting four schools in acquiring $1,481,573 through the state-level Electrify Our Schools grant program. In Berks County, Exeter School District received $344,051 and Brandywine Heights School District received $300,000 in grants to install solar. In Penelec electric territory, Erie County Technical School received $400,000 and Cambria Heights School District received $437,522 in grants to install solar. Once these solar projects are installed, the school districts expect to save over $450,000 per year in energy costs.
In addition to the benefits of adopting solar energy, schools can purchase backup battery storage to create resilient campuses that keep schools operating and support community needs during electric outages and extreme weather events.
“This grant offered an amazing opportunity to support an effort that brings together increased renewable energy capacity, community visibility
This work is supported by the Met-Ed/Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund, which provides funding to promote the development of sustainable and renewable energy programs and clean-air technologies in the Met-Ed and Penelec utility territories. The Metropolitan Edison Company Sustainable Energy Fund of Berks County Community Foundation (Met-Ed Sustainable Energy Fund) and the Pennsylvania Electric Company Sustainable Energy Fund of the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies (Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund) jointly distribute funding and share an advisory committee. They are commonly referred to in the singular as the Met-Ed/ Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund.
Since inception in 2000, the Met-Ed/Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund has approved 279 grants totaling $7,800,852; 51 loans totaling $25,161,087; and three equity investments totaling $1,600,000. Total funding since inception is more than $34.5 million.
and impact, and educational opportunities. Generation180 has already had huge impacts across the state and will continue to drive positive change in our communities,” said Emily Smedley, the Community Foundation’s Environment and Energy Program Officer.
To learn more about Emily’s work, email emilys@bccf.org or scan the QR code.
Maggie Lewis
“I love that the Community Foundation supports a giving circle that funds projects for women and girls.”
Maggie Lewis’s relationship with Berks County Community Foundation began in 2001 when she was a sophomore at Holy Name High School. Her guidance counselor approached her with a unique opportunity to join the inaugural Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) at the Community Foundation.
Maggie recalls that when YAC was originally pitched to her, she understood that the group would evaluate organizations to provide grants for youthrelated projects in the county. She didn’t realize that part of the committee’s work would include learning about philanthropy and implementing fundraising efforts. Once she attended the YAC meetings, she recalls, “It resonated with me
Connections for a Lifetime
immediately that I loved the idea of fundraising, and not everyone likes asking people for money! Soon after, we wanted to launch our own campaign for $500,000 to permanently endow the youth fund.”
Maggie was inspired by her work with YAC and remained on the committee throughout high school. That volunteer work led to a paid internship position with the Community Foundation over two summers. Maggie’s work focused on that fundraising campaign, and she learned about prospect research and asking for gifts.
“My biggest ask that summer was $30,000 – and we got $15,000. Imagine asking for a five-figure gift as a teenager!”, Maggie remembered.
“We really worked at it. We had a script for all of our fundraising requests. We came up with brochures that summer. We all just felt so passionate about this work we were doing. I do not have it anymore, but for a long time there was a Berks County Community Foundation Post-it note in my parents’ house, and I wrote, ‘I am important’ on the note.”
Planting the Seeds - Family and Community Service
Maggie’s parents met while Maggie’s dad, Jim Place, and Maggie’s maternal Aunt Claire were working for Bank of Pennsylvania. Maggie’s mom, Peggy Flemming, took a job as
a summer secretary. Jim asked her out, and “that was that”, according to Maggie.
The family lived in Wyomissing Hills for most of Maggie’s childhood. While she was attending elementary school at Sacred Heart in West Reading, she spent many afternoons at Aunt Claire’s house, right in the neighborhood. Claire Flemming had a successful career in banking and served on many boards, including Alvernia University and Mary’s Shelter. Maggie’s parents were also very service-oriented. They were involved in their church and served on multiple boards during Maggie’s childhood. “There was a thread of service throughout my childhood. I watched my parents going to evening engagements and coming home late from board meetings and then bringing me along when there were events on weekends.”
Seeing examples of service and philanthropy throughout her life, Maggie’s involvement with YAC is no surprise. Maggie went on to study at the University of Richmond, where she earned her degree in psychology. She continued her volunteer and fundraising work throughout college, and it didn’t end there.
“When I moved to Philly in 2015, I was looking for something to get involved with, and I wanted to meet other
– Coming Full Circle
young professionals. I thought about joining a nonprofit board, and I found the Spruce Foundation which started as a giving circle among friends who were living on Spruce Street in Philadelphia.” That role provided insight into the power of collective giving.
Maggie is now married with two children, living in Aston, PA and working as Vice Dean for Student Success at Temple University. Her connection to Berks County, however, remains strong. “Even though I love Philly, my roots are here.”
Connection to Giving Aunt Claire passed away in 2020 and left some money to Maggie, who does not take that gift nor responsibility lightly. She thinks of herself as a steward of Claire’s money and aims to give back to the community. That’s where the Power of the Purse Fund of Berks County Community Foundation comes in. When Maggie saw something on Facebook about the Power of the Purse (POP), she called Franki Aitken at the Community Foundation, who was thrilled to hear from her former intern. Franki recalls, “I met Maggie when she was one of our first Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) members. Her compassion for others stood out from the crowd as well as her strong leadership
skills. She later interned with us and ran YAC. I thought that was a milestone. Years later, when she called to tell me that she wanted to join Power of the Purse, I knew she came full circle. I wasn’t wrong about her passion for helping others and her strong leadership skills.”
POP is a women’s giving circle managed by the Community Foundation. Members’ donations are pooled, and grants are awarded annually from the fund based on a process that includes reviewing applications, attending site visits and participating in the voting process. Maggie was interested in joining because she wanted to meet like-minded women and she appreciates that this format allows members to become informed givers. “I love that the Community Foundation supports a giving circle that funds projects for women and girls. It sets the tone for the next generation and shows that women can be individual donors and can make decisions that benefit the lives of other women.”
Maggie connects her philanthropy back to her Aunt Claire, who always found ways to donate her time, talent and treasure in Berks County. She hopes that her aunt would have been proud of Maggie’s philanthropic efforts.
Maggie is one of over 60 members of the Power of the Purse, which was established in
2012. They recently completed their 2025 voting meeting, after which another member, Carol Siegel, said enthusiastically, “I feel so satisfied!”. Participating in POP is an engaging way to learn more about the needs of nonprofit organizations in our community, and the thoughtful, deliberate conversations that occur during the evaluation and
voting process are powerful. To learn more about the Power of the Purse, scan the QR code.
Power of the Purse voting meeting
Connecting Community Resources: Rural Initiative in Hamburg Aims to Increase Access to Services
The Community Foundation expanded its team in recent years to include expert program officers who manage grantmaking in each of our community initiatives. Cindy Milian is the Health and Human Services Program Officer. Cindy oversees grants for individuals, public health initiatives, and human services initiatives.
Some of Cindy’s initiative work includes support for rural communities in Berks County. The United Way’s 2022 ALICE Report (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) shows that 41% of Berks County households are one paycheck away from a financial crisis. In analyzing the data further, Cindy found that 49% of households in the Hamburg Area School District met the ALICE report’s criteria for living in poverty. This information combined with the lack of social services in the area led her to focus on the Hamburg School District Area to discuss the pressing needs in that community.
Cindy began by reaching out to community leaders in the Hamburg Area School District: government and civic leaders,
school administrators, and more. These conversations, along with supporting data from the United Way’s ALICE Report, led to Cindy’s new initiative work. This work will focus on helping community leaders work together to develop a strategic plan with action steps to meet the community’s needs.
To help us build a collective strategy of and by the community, the Community Foundation is collaborating with the Institute for Conservation Leadership (ICL) to structure this initiative. During ICL’s 30year history, they have assisted organizations with community building and community engagement, specializing in building coalitions, alliances, partnerships, and strengthening communities.
Some of the most prominent issues or changes that community leaders have shared include:
• A lack of social services in the district
• Increasing food insecurity
• A growing need for basic housing including more affordable housing and support to prevent increasing evictions
Awarding grants and scholarships may be the area of our work with which most community members are familiar, but our ability to convene and collaborate to find solutions and spark change is a big part of what we do.
• An increase in mental health and behavioral health issues
• No public transportation and limited transportation services
• Increased juvenile crime rates and arrests since 2020.
Shedding light on the Hamburg area’s needs prompts these questions:
• Where could we help to make a positive change?
• Are more resources needed?
• Who is doing what?
• What’s been working to meet the current needs?
• What are the assets available in the community that can be utilized?
Berks County Community Foundation’s mission is to promote philanthropy and improve the quality of life for the residents of Berks County. Awarding grants
and scholarships may be the area of our work with which most community members are familiar, but our ability to convene and collaborate to find solutions and spark change is a big part of what we do. Community leaders who would like to participate but have not yet connected with Cindy are encouraged to contact her. To reach out, please email cindym@bccf.org or scan the QR code.
Thun Award: Honoring Ramona Turner Turpin
On March 29, Ramona Turner Turpin was honored as the 2025 recipient of the Thun Award. Thun Award recipients are leaders in commerce and industry and community advocates. Ramona’s deep roots in Berks County and commitment to her family are obvious to all who know her. Her impressive career and community involvement span the decades and display her various interests in supporting youth, her church, education, and girls & women.
Berks County Community Foundation and Fulton Bank co-sponsored the Celebration of Giving and Presentation of the Thun Award, attended by approximately 150 of Ramona’s friends, family members and colleagues in addition to supporters of the Community Foundation. It was a celebration of giving and an opportunity to connect with those in our community who share our mission to improve the quality of life for the residents of Berks County.
Community Connections
The Thun Award was created in 1988 to honor Louis R. Thun and Ferdinand K. Thun, local industrialists and philanthropists, in recognition of their long-standing record of civic and community service. The award is presented to Berks County residents whose commitment of time, leadership, and philanthropy exhibits the enduring sense of community reflected by the high ideals of the Thun family.
PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS
1988: Ferdinand K. Thun and Louis R. Thun
1989: Gertrude Sternbergh
1990: H.O. “Mike” Beaver
1991: Eugene L. Shirk
1992: Severin Fayerman
1993: Albert Boscov
1994: Paul and June Roedel
1995: Sidney and Barbara Kline
1996: Samuel A. McCullough
1997: Dr. Charles A. Carabello
1998: John F. Horrigan Jr.
1999: T. Jerome and Carolyn Holleran
2000: P. Michael Ehlerman
2001: Robert W. Cardy
2003: Thomas P. Handwerk
2004: Karen A. Rightmire
2005: David L. Thun
2007: DeLight E. Breidegam
2008: Gordon G. Hoodak
2013: C. Thomas Work
2014: Irvin and Lois E. Cohen
2015: The Honorable Arthur E. Grim and Louise C. Grim
2016: Christ “Chris” G. Kraras
2017: Carole and Ray Neag
2018: Carl D. and Kathleen D. Herbein
2022: Julia Klein and Eric Jenkins
2025: Ramona Turner Turpin
Kevin K. Murphy, Berks County Community Foundation; Ramona Turpin, honoree; Jeffrey Rush, Fulton Bank
Ramona and friends
MEET THE BOARD
Our volunteer Board of Directors represents a cross-section of community leadership. The Board directs the investment of funds, the distribution of grants, and the setting of strategic goals.
Susan N. Denaro, Esq. Board Chair Attorney, Plank Frankowski
Kevin K. Murphy President Berks County Community Foundation
Frances A. Aitken, CPA Treasurer** Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer Berks County Community Foundation
Douglas F. Smith Assistant Treasurer Vice President, Mid Penn Bank
Jay R. Wagner, Esq. Secretary** Shareholder, Stevens & Lee
D. Michael Baxter, M.D. Retired Chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine Lyn Camella-Rich Retired
Vicki Ebner, Esq. Retired Senior Counsel, East Penn Manufacturing
Tricia J. Salvatore Ludgate, CFP Certified Financial Planner, Sovereign Financial Group, Inc
Michael J. Rowley, ABV, CVA, CPA, CFF Senior Advisor, Herbein + Company, Inc.
Dr. Thomas Flynn Retired President of Alvernia University
Richard L. Stoudt, Jr. Retired President, High Construction Company
Hon. Carissa Johnson, MBA Magisterial District Judge, District Court 23-1-02
To learn more about each board member, scan the QR code.
MEET THE STAFF
A team of passionate, driven people committed to promoting philanthropy and improving the lives of Berks County residents. We’re here to help. Reach out to any of our team members with questions or to learn more.
Sally Cox Finance and Operations Administrator sallyc@bccf.org
Dan Gombar Grants Management Administrator danielg@bccf.org
Zoraida Gonzalez Receptionist zoraidag@bccf.org
Julie Hartman Senior Accountant julieh@bccf.org
Cindy Milian Health and Human Services Program Officer cindym@bccf.org
Karen A. Miller Senior Fellow karenm@bccf.org
Kevin K. Murphy President kevinm@bccf.org
Dave Myers Senior Fellow dmyers@bccf.org
Monica Reyes Vice President for Programs and Initiatives monicar@bccf.org
Molly McCullough Robbins Vice President for Philanthropic Services mollyr@bccf.org
Kim Sheffer Lifelong Learning Program Officer kims@bccf.org
Emily Smedley Environment and Energy Program Officer emilys@bccf.org
William R. Sheeler Senior Fellow bills@bccf.org
Securing Your Legacy and Supporting Your Community
Berks County Community Foundation can help to ensure that your charitable goals are met after you’re gone. Working with the Community Foundation offers a unique and powerful way for individuals to make a lasting impact in their community by creating a charitable fund through their will.
For three decades, staff members of the Community Foundation have had the honor of meeting with individuals and families as they prepare their wills. Participating in these discussions includes learning about each person or family and the causes most important to them.
An easy and meaningful way to support those causes and organizations that align with your values and passions is by establishing a fund with the foundation. This can be done by including a provision in the will that directs a specific asset or portion of your estate to the
Community Foundation, which will be used to establish a named fund in your memory or in honor of a loved one.
The process of creating a fund through a will is simple. You can work with your attorney to include language in your will that directs assets to the Community Foundation. You can also consult with our staff to determine the most appropriate type of fund for your charitable interests and goals. Once the will is executed, we will work with your executor or personal representative to establish the fund according to the instructions provided in the will.
Creating a fund at the Community Foundation through your will not only provides a way for you to make a lasting impact in your community but also offers a range of giving options. Funds may be established to respond to the most pressing needs in
The Importance of Philanthropy in Your Will
Including philanthropic goals in your will ensures that the causes you care about continue to receive support even after your lifetime. It allows you to:
• Create a legacy: Your charitable contributions can make a lasting difference in your community, reflecting your values and priorities.
• Inspire others: Your generosity can inspire family members and friends to continue supporting the causes you care about.
• Maximize impact: Thoughtful estate planning can optimize tax benefits, allowing you to give more to the organizations you support.
At Berks County Community Foundation, we are here to help you fulfill your philanthropic goals. Together, we can ensure that your legacy of giving continues to make a positive impact for generations to come.
the community, to support a general field of interest, or to benefit a specific organization or multiple organizations. Knowing that you have a plan in place can provide significant peace of mind. Creating a fund ensures your assets are distributed according
to your wishes. It can also be a way for you to make a difference in the lives of others, even after you are gone. Scan the QR code to learn more!
Molly McCullough Robbins and Franki Aitken
Change starts with a spark. Your spark.
237 Court Street
Reading, PA 19601
Help us support the arts and the environment!
Bringing Beauty and Talent to Life
Life is made richer through the arts, culture, and humanities. Our programs support efforts to bring the arts out into the community in a variety of ways.
From murals to musical performances, school assemblies to pop-up poetry, our grants support programs that surprise and delight members of our community.
Gifts to funds supporting these efforts allow us to continue to expand our grantmaking. If you would like to help, please contact Molly McCullough Robbins at mollyr@bccf.org or visit our website by scanning the QR codes.
Berks County is a Beautiful Place Our goal is to keep it that way by supporting projects and programs that accelerate community resilience against climate change, support renewable energy sources and energy efficiency, and build collaborative partnerships to reduce the environmental footprint in Berks County.
