The CONNECTOR
PEDALING TOWARDS A BALANCED LIFE
Jose is an R3 graduate who found a way to improve his work-life balance with a simple yet impactful change
Jose's daily routine was a struggle In addition to a workweek exceeding 50 hours, he spent a lot of time each day on buses shuttling to and from work The long commutes were taking a toll, leaving him with little time for rest and personal activities
Recognizing the need for change, Jose contacted his case manager and requested one of our donated bikes This small adjustment made a world of difference His commute became significantly easier, allowing him to save precious time each day With the extra time, Jose can enjoy more rest and better manage his daily responsibilities
Jose’s story is a powerful reminder that small changes can lead to significant rewards and highlights the importance of finding balance in our busy lives
OVERCOMING ADVERSITY TO ACHIEVE HIS GOALS
Victor demonstrates that the road to success is rarely linear, facing each challenge with courage and perseverance. For over seven years, Victor has been on a rollercoaster ride with Connections Work, battling through personal struggles with sobriety and navigating rough patches along the way Despite the setbacks, Victor never lost sight of his goal: getting into the R3 Program
Since 2019, Victor has been tirelessly pushing forward His dedication shone through as he consistently showed up for appointments with his case manager, completed paperwork on time, and revisited classes he'd already done in the past After some time, his perseverance and unwavering commitment finally paid off Victor graduated with Cohort 35 in May!
For Victor, it wasn’t just about completing the R3 program; it was about reclaiming his life and maintaining his sobriety
A JOURNEY TOWARDS COURAGE AND GROWTH
For Dimitry, learning always comes with obstacles Haunted by past experiences in school and burdened by hurtful labels, he initially felt resistant and nervous about returning to learning. The belief that he was "too dumb" to learn weighed heavily on him, a notion imposed by his peers
But within the supportive environment of Connections Work’s Level Up classes, Dimitry found encouragement Staff members guided him, fostering an atmosphere of trust and empowerment Slowly but surely, Dimitry began to embrace the possibility of growth. His confidence grew, and he expressed a desire to increase his learning sessions to twice a week
Yet Dimitry's journey doesn't stop there In addition to his dedication to the Level Up program, he is also an active participant in the 36th R3 Cohort an achievement that speaks volumes about his commitment to personal development. And the excitement doesn't end here! Dimitry was awarded the Susan Kraus Foster Care Grant This grant, through the Berks County Community Foundation, will provide him with vital resources for education and housing, marking a significant step toward a brighter future
Level Up is a program funded through a Venture Grant that the Literacy Council of ReadingBerks, Inc received from the United Way of Berks County. The educational achievements experienced in Level Up will assist our participants in gaining employment and advancement opportunities
NAVIGATING NEW HORIZONS
Connections Work is thrilled to announce the expansion of our team with the addition of a new position made possible by funding provided by the County of Berks Meet Erin Delson, our Digital Navigator!
In today's digital age, access to technology and the internet is more crucial than ever However, not everyone has the skills to navigate the digital landscape effectively That's where Erin comes in This position will play a vital role in coaching clients who need introductory digital skills, helping them become proficient technology users
Erin will provide personalized, one-on-one guidance and support to ensure that our clients can harness the power of technology to enhance their lives
Connections Work is part of Berks County’s Digital Equity Coalition, and we are excited to offer a new asset that will be a game-changer for those we serve.
FUR-REAL FUN AT LANCASTER FARM SANCTUARY
In Connections Work’s ongoing commitment to supporting local organizations, our team had the pleasure of presenting a donation check to the incredible folks at Lancaster Farm Sanctuary as part of our Casual for a Cause (C4C) initiative.
Lancaster Farm Sanctuary's mission of rescuing and nurturing farm animals is not only commendable but truly inspiring
As we continue our quarterly C4C efforts, Connections Work is reminded of the power of collective action and the difference we can make when we come together for a common cause
Seeing these resilient animals thriving in a loving environment touched our hearts deeply.
Patty Bell, HR Director
Gainingfundamentaldigital
BREAKING NEWS
U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan is championing 15 Community Project Funding Grant requests for Fiscal Year 2025, and Connections Work's grant request for our Reentry Works program has been selected for submission
The $750,000 grant will significantly enhance our efforts in expanding workforce development services to individuals with current or past justice system involvement Reentry Works utilizes a comprehensive, case-managed approach to empower clients, fostering reliability and success in the workforce.
At Connections Work, we believe in second chances and the transformative power of education and mentorship. Through the Connect to Success program, Connections Work is partnering with CareerLink’s Young Adult Program to serve 18-24-year-olds with justice involvement
Connect to Success offers a holistic approach to personal and professional development The program provides comprehensive GED instruction, essential workforce development services, individualized case management, and dedicated mentoring Connections Work provides mentoring and assists with program recruitment and outreach The goal is to equip participants with the tools and support they need to build a successful and fulfilling future
Originally funded through a three-year Focused Grant from the United Way of Berks County, Reentry Works has already made a positive impact in our community Now, with this additional support, we're poised to make an even greater difference in the lives of our clients.
Thank you, Representative Chrissy Houlahan, for your commitment to serving marginalized communities and your support of Connections Work Your visit to our R3 program last spring was a testament to your dedication, and we're honored to have you in our corner
This program was made possible by a two-year Youth Reentry Grant from the PA Department of LaborandIndustryawardedtothe Berks County Workforce DevelopmentBoard
Do you know a young adult who wants to overcome their past and work toward a brighter future? If so,thisprogramisforyou! Formoreinformation,visit careerlinkberks.com/youngadults
U S Representative, Chrissy Houlahan with Cohort 30 last Spring
CURRENT R3 COHORT
UPCOMING EVENTS
Connections Work CAREER FAIR
Connections in Action
October 7, 2024
Looking for a new talent pool? Want to have a meaningful volunteer experience? Look no further than this fair chance employer Career Fair!
CHRISTMAS IN JULY
We are getting ready for Christmas and need your help to brighten the holiday season for children with incarcerated, justice-involved, or at-risk parents through our Holiday Gift Project Your donations and volunteer support can bring joy and hope to these children, making their holidays a little more magical For information: development@connectionswork.org
Monday 2025
CONNECTIONS WORK
For more information about Connections Work events or volunteering: development@connectionswork.org
