Prospectus Berco is dedicated to inspiring people with disabilities or other special needs to lead meaningful lives by providing innovative services that promote dignity and respect.

Description:
Prospectus Berco provides services to 500 adults with developmental disabilities and children in Berks County annually. Prospectus Berco programs and services are provided through our comprehensive Day Services and Residential Departments. The Day Services Department includes our Adult Training Program, Vocational Services Program, and Senior Day Services Program. The Adult Training Program, currently serving 115 adults, offers various opportunities based on the desires and abilities of each individual. Social and recreational activities, paid work, volunteer experiences, communication and mobility training, and physical and occupational therapies are among the experiences offered. The Vocational Services Program, employing 150 workers with disabilities, provides businesses throughout the country with packaging and subassembly services. Workers perform a variety of semi-automated and manual operations utilizing various types of equipment. The Senior Day Services Program, serving 40, provides a safe and secure setting for the elderly of Berks County. The Residential Services Department includes 28 community homes throughout Berks County that provide a family atmosphere to 120 adults, LifeSharing through Family Living, Family Support Services, and Foster Care. Currently, 14 families participate in the LifeSharing through Family Living Program. Adults with disabilities reside with a family, sharing the joys and responsibilities of family life. Family Support Services is an innovative and exciting program that provides individualized services to people with disabilities and their families as determined by the families. Our Foster Care program, currently serving 37 children, places children with caring, qualified families on a temporary or long-term basis.

History:
Prospectus Berco is a private, non-profit organization established in 1977 to provide services to men, women, and children with disabilities and to the elderly in Berks County. A volunteer Board of Directors comprised of family members, business leaders, and other community representatives governs the agency.

In March of 1977, Joseph Gousie and Jim Arnold, with a group of volunteers from the Berks County Chapter of the Association for Retarded Citizens, founded the corporation Prospectus Associates, Inc.

When deciding on a name for the corporation, Joe and Jim looked for a name that would be meaningful, but at the same time would not bring attention to the disabilities of the individuals, but rather their abilities. The word prospectus was found in an unabridged dictionary in Joe’s office. In addition to its normal use within the business community and stock market, it had an additional meaning of being able to see the potential in any circumstance.

Prospectus Associates, Inc. became a provider of innovative services for people with developmental disabilities. The organization grew and reached into five other counties besides Berks. Eventually, it became apparent that people are best served in a county-based system, so the services were turned over to local providers in all counties.

Today, Prospectus Berco, under the leadership of Jody H. Wagner, Executive Director, provides many different programs and services for individuals with developmental disabilities and the elderly in Berks County.

Prospectus Berco is located at 840 William Lane, Reading PA, which is home to our Adult Training Program, Vocational workshop, Senior Day Services Program, as well as our Fiscal, Residential, and Administrative offices.

Contact person: Susan Stalnecker, Director Of Development, (610) 372-4637 , ext. 103, (email)
Office fax number: (610) 372-6672

Address:

840 William Lane Reading, PA 19604 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.prospectusberco.org

Directions:

Directions to 840 William Lane from 422 East: 422 becomes Route 12. Take the 11th Street exit. Keep right at the fork to stay on North 11th Street. Turn right onto Rockland Street. Turn left. . . (more)   Nearest Bus Stop: Kutztown Road/Hiester Lane, 5 minute walk