Human Services

The Foundation dedicates approximately 36% of its annual funding to human service organizations in the region (allocation will vary slightly year to year, as we respond to each year’s requests). Preference will be given to those organizations whose programs serve a disadvantaged or underserved population.

ACHIEVEability, located in Philadelphia, was founded in 1981 out of concern for the future of low-income, single parent families living in homeless shelters or substandard conditions. Funded to provide support for their Family Self-Sufficiency Program, which focuses on helping parents pursue post-secondary education or an equivalent vocational/technical certificate; helping strengthen family life by equipping parents with better parenting skills; helping families get jobs; and helping parents and children with personal development by helping them develop life skills.

Bethesda Project, located in Philadelphia, has been providing shelter, transitional and permanent housing, and supportive services for men and women who are homeless in Philadelphia, for over 30 years. Funding will provide general operating support for their many programs, including ways to provide job opportunities for their shelter guests and residents who need work experience in a supportive setting before they can be successful in competitive employment.

Chester County Food Bank, with offices in West Chester, collects, stores, and delivers government purchased and surplus food, donated food, and fresh produce from its gleaning program to food cupboards, congregate feeding sites and other organizations in the county. Their goal is to decrease the number of food insecure days that county residents will experience, and simultaneously provide an opportunity for their increased nutrition and health. The program is made possible due to the generosity of 41 participating farms and gardens throughout the county. Funding will provide support for general operations.

Forteniters Club, with offices in Norristown, assists persons living with mental illness in their adjustment to the community, providing for friendship and mutual support. Funding will support program expansion, as average attendance has increased, including new members, new guests, and new volunteers from the community and local colleges. Their goals are to develop the leadership and other gifts of their members, while adding new members, continuing to enrich their lives through weekly dinners and other recreational activities.

Phoenixville Area Community Services continues to serve, after 37 years, as the central community agency where people turn for aid in accessing health and human services, as well as direct aid for financial emergencies: food, housing, heat, utilities and other essential needs. Help is provided by linking clients to appropriate agencies and resources, completing applications, making appointments, and, as needed, acting as an advocate to facilitate the process of accessing benefits and services. In the 2008-2009 fiscal year, 8,389 referrals were made to more than 100 different programs. Funding will support their general operations.