In 2024 our combined Food Pantries served 1,136 households consisting of 2,112 individuals; 436 children, 1,599 adults, and 143 seniors. In addition, emergency food was distributed to 592 individuals. 901 individuals received information and referral services and 772 individuals were connected to and/or provided with additional supportive services. In 2021 Friend, Inc. also brought on an Advocate from Safe Berks who joined counselors from Family Guidance Center and representatives from Maternal and Family Health Services who administer WIC making access to these critical services more accessible to the communities of northeastern Berks County.
Community Impact Report
In the Summer 2018 as part of the strategic planning process Friend Inc. in collaboration with Kutztown Strong conducted a community needs assessment of the Kutztown, Brandywine Heights, and Fleetwood school districts. A total of 664 community residents participated in the study. The report summarized the identified community needs across school districts, with financial management, access to out-of-school/after school programs, mental health counseling, parks and recreation, neighborhood safety, and child care access reported as top areas of need.
