NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Substance Abuse Education and Demand Reduction (SAEDR) Category One Who May Apply: Nonprofit organizations. Use: To support projects designed to educate the public about the dangers of substance abuse and/or reduce demand for these substances. Funds: PCCD expects to award up to nine grants with budgets not to exceed $200,000 over a 24- month project period. Application Deadline: February 23, 2026 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Substance Abuse Education and Demand Reduction (SAEDR) Categories Two and Three Who May Apply: A statewide organization that possesses five or more consecutive years of experience carrying out substance abuse education and demand reduction programs, maintains a drug-free workplace policy, and has as its purpose the reduction of substance abuse. Use: The goal of SAEDR Category 2 funding is to educate youth, caregivers of youth, and employers about the dangers of substance use; and increase the awareness of the benefits of a drug-free Pennsylvania. The goal of SAEDR Category 3 funding is to educate employers, unions, and employees about the dangers of substance use in the workplace Funds: PCCD expects to fund up to three Category 2 and three Category 3 Substance Abuse Education and Demand Reduction (SAEDR) projects to support this initiative. Budgets for each project may not exceed Read more
Dear Neighbor & Estimado Vecino, As always , here is some information I hope you find useful. For Spanish readers, please read the full Spanish-language version of this email here. Para los lectores en español, lea una versión completa de este boletín electrónico en su idioma aquí. Como siempre, aquí les presento información que espero pueda ser de utilidad. Y no olvides visitar mi página oficial para mantenerte informado. También puede verificar sus preferencias para asegurarse de que está registrado para recibir mis correos electrónicos. As the year comes to a close, I want to wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season. Serving the residents of Reading in the 127th Legislative District has been an honor, and I am Read more
¡Felices Fiestas! Ya a pocos días de cerrar el 2025, quiero desearles a ustedes y a sus seres queridos una temporada navideña llena de alegría. Ha sido un honor servir a los residentes de Reading en el 127. Distrito Legislativo, y estoy agradecido por la oportunidad de trabajar juntos para fortalecer nuestra comunidad. Que sus fiestas estén llenas de felicidad y esperanza para el año nuevo.¡Espero con entusiasmo continuar nuestro trabajo en 2026! Mi oficina en el distrito estará cerrada el miércoles 24 y el jueves 25 de diciembre por el feriado. ¡Más de $1 millón en fondos para nuestra comunidad! Cuatro proyectos locales recibirán más de $1 millón en financiamiento a través del programa Local Share Account del estado, beneficiando directamente a nuestra comunidad. Estoy muy orgulloso de ayudar a entregar estos fondos críticos y seguiré trabajando para asegurar que nuestro distrito reciba los recursos que necesita. Los proyectos financiados incluyen: Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority – $406,575. GoogleWorks Art Park Fase 2 – $600,000. Berks County Emergency Response Team (BCERT) – $200,000. Desarrollo de la Fase Final del Parque de Patinaje de Reading – $183,600. Esta inversión de $1.39 millones fortalece nuestra comunidad y Read more
READING, DEC. 18 – State Rep. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, today announced that four local projects will receive more than $1 million in grant funding through the state’s Local Share Account program. Among the projects benefiting from the funding is the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority. The grants were awarded to: Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority - $406,575 to complete Step 3 of the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor Identification and Development Program for the rail corridor between Reading and Philadelphia via Pottstown. This phase includes preliminary design, engineering and environmental documentation, and will allow the project to advance into final design and construction for the restoration of passenger rail service. Local Share Account funds will be used for engineering costs. The total project cost is $8.8 million, with additional funding from the FRA CIDP ($7.01 million, pending), SRPRA county funds ($395,000, committed), and other state funds ($395,000, pending). GoogleWorks Art Park Phase 2 - $600,000 for the construction cost of turning a neglected lot in downtown Reading into a vibrant cultural, educational and food hub called El Zocalo. This is a multi-phase project, and in this phase the funds will be used to create a mini-golf course, garden and greenspace area, and a pavilion. This project will provide a space designed to engage and educate residents Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Violence Intervention & Prevention (VIP) + Building Opportunities for Out-of-School Time (BOOST) Combined Grant Program Who May Apply: Community-based nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status (VIP or BOOST), municipality, county, or district attorney’s office (VIP only), institute of higher education (VIP only), school district or career and technical center (BOOST only), library (BOOST only). Use: VIP + BOOST funds can be used to support a wide range of eligible activities designed to reduce and respond to community violence. Funds: Approximately $60 million in state funding is available, with no less than $11.5 million designated for BOOST funding. Application Deadline: January 26, 2026 More information: PCCD website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Statewide Building Opportunities for Out-of-School Time (BOOST) Program Who May Apply: Statewide youth-serving nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(4) status. Use: Funds for the proposed program may be used to support upstream prevention initiatives focused on school-age youth who are at risk, such as mentoring and OST programs. Funds: No less than $11.5 million in state VIP funding has been designated for BOOST funding. Application Deadline: January 26, 2026 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: School Safety and Mental Health Read more
READING, DEC. 18 – State Rep. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, today announced that more than $1 million in tax credits were awarded to 0 organizations working to strengthen the 127th Legislative District through community support. The awards come from the Neighborhood Assistance Program and its subprograms Charitable Food Program, Enterprise Zone Program and the Special Program Priorities. The grants were awarded to: Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank - $109,850 will be used for food purchases and distribution expenses, supporting over 350 locations, Mobile Markets, and a new Community Kitchen. Reading Historic Properties, LP - $500,000 to help transform two underutilized buildings into the Community Support Center, a new hub for economic and social revitalization. This $2.67 million initiative will create 11 new jobs and restore the buildings' exteriors and interiors. The center will house a Real Estate Developer (RED) University to train local BIPOC entrepreneurs and provide classroom space for free HIV and STI testing. It may also serve as the headquarters for a statewide homeownership program. Berks Encore - $22,750 to provide medically tailored meals to 100 aging adults with chronic conditions. Using funds to cover the $15 daily per-client food cost, the project aims to improve health, reduce hospital admissions, and boost independence. Reading Science Center - Read more
Manténgase abrigado este invierno El Programa de Asistencia Energética para Hogares de Bajos Ingresos está aceptando solicitudes para subvenciones en efectivo y para situaciones de crisis con el fin de ayudar a las personas a mantenerse abrigadas y seguras en sus hogares. Los hogares que cumplan los requisitos pueden recibir una subvención única en efectivo de entre $200 y $1000, en función del tamaño del hogar, los ingresos y el tipo de combustible. Los hogares que se enfrenten a una emergencia de calefacción, como un nivel bajo de combustible o un sistema de calefacción averiado, también pueden optar a una subvención de emergencia para obtener ayuda adicional. Las subvenciones se pagan directamente a su proveedor de servicios públicos o combustible. Puede presentar su solicitud en línea a través de PA Compass , en persona en la Oficina de Asistencia del Condado de Berks, situada en el edificio Reading State Office Building, en el 625 de Cherry St., o llamandoa la línea directa de LIHEAP al 610-736-4228 o al 866-215-3911. Si necesita ayuda urgente, llame al 211 o visite pa-navigate.org para obtener recursos y apoyo adicionales. Descubra los programas y servicios estatales disponibles ¡Llámenos al 610-376-1529 o visite mi oficina de distrito para Read more
Financial Assistance for Heating Bills Now Available Read more
El Programa de Asistencia para la Calefacción Doméstica ya está disponible Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Who May Apply: Any nonprofit organization designated under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the organization must primarily serve individuals, groups, or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidence identified by the FBI in its Hate Crime Statistics Publication (race/ethnicity/ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender, or gender identity). Use: For security enhancements designed to protect the safety and security of the users of a facility located in the Commonwealth. Funds: A total of $10 million in state funding is available for this round. Grants may range from $5,000 to $150,000 with match funding required above a request of $25,001 based on the size of the grant request. Application Deadline: January 12, 2026 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Continuing County Adult Probation and Parole Grant Who May Apply: Counties that provide adult probation staff and may be used for costs incurred by the county for adult probation and parole services, but only to the extent that the staff and program meet the qualifications and standards established by the Commission. Use: To provide funding from the Commonwealth for costs incurred by the county for adult probation and parole supervision. Read more
Un día especial en nuestra comunidad ¡Aún siento la energía de mi 5ta Feria Anual de Acción de Gracias y Entrega de Recursos! Me siento agradecido de haber podido apoyar a tantas familias mientras se preparan para la temporada festiva. Un sincero agradecimiento a Helping Harvest y a todos mis aliados comunitarios cuya colaboración hizo posible este día. ¡Así es como luce una comunidad unida! Horario de Oficina durante las Fiestas Mi equipo y yo les deseamos a usted y a sus seres queridos un cálido y maravilloso Día de Acción de Gracias. Por favor, tengan en cuenta que nuestra oficina estará cerrada por el feriado desde el miércoles 26 de noviembre hasta el viernes 28 de noviembre. Reabriremos en nuestro horario normal el lunes 1 de diciembre. Estoy agradecido de poder representarlos a usted y a toda nuestra comunidad. Asistencia para la Calefacción abrirá el 3 de diciembre Debido al cierre del gobierno federal, Pensilvania se vio obligada a retrasar la apertura de LIHEAP, la asistencia vital para la calefacción del hogar de 300,000 familias. Me complace informar que LIHEAP finalmente abrirá para recibir solicitudes el miércoles 3 de diciembre. Si necesita ayuda para calentar su hogar este invierno o si tiene preguntas sobre LIHEAP, llame a mi oficina al 610-376-1529. Read more
READING, Nov. 20 — State Rep. Manny Guzman, D-Berks, will host a Thanksgiving Resource Fair Friday to support families and connect residents with state and local programs. The fair will take place from 10 a.m. to noon tomorrow, Friday, Nov. 21 at 206 S. 9th St. in Reading. Guzman emphasized that this event goes far beyond simply helping residents with their Thanksgiving meal. He said he wants families to take full advantage of the support available through state and local programs while experiencing the strength and spirit of the Reading community. Guzman indicated that his team will be on hand to provide information on the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, job opportunities, updates on nutrition and utility assistance programs, PennDOT services, and much more. “One of the most valuable aspects of the event is hearing directly from constituents,” he said. “I look forward to answering questions and listening to the concerns of both long-time residents and new families in the district.” For more information, residents may contact Guzman’s office at 610-376-1529. Read more
Dear Neighbor & Estimado Vecino, As always , here is some information I hope you find useful. For Spanish readers, please read the full Spanish-language version of this email here. Para los lectores en español, lea una versión completa de este boletín electrónico en su idioma aquí. Como siempre, aquí les presento información que espero pueda ser de utilidad. Y no olvides visitar mi página oficial para mantenerte informado. También puede verificar sus preferencias para asegurarse de que está registrado para recibir mis correos electrónicos. Read more
El presupuesto estatal asegura más fondos para nuestras escuelas Como tu Representante Estatal, me enorgullece haber defendido un aumento en la financiación para nuestras escuelas locales en el presupuesto de Pensilvania 2025-26. El Distrito Escolar Governor Mifflin recibirá casi $2 millones adicionales, un aumento del 13,2%, y el Distrito Escolar de Reading verá $29 millones más, un incremento del 11,1%. Invertir en nuestros estudiantes y maestros es invertir en el futuro de nuestra comunidad, y continuaré luchando por los recursos que nuestras escuelas necesitan para prosperar. Un plan que beneficia a las familias trabajadoras de bajos ingresos Después de un forzado retraso de cuatro meses, la Asamblea General de Pensilvania ha aprobado hoy un presupuesto equilibrado y bipartidista. Aunque el proceso tomó mucho más tiempo del que debería, estoy orgulloso de nuestro trabajo y de lo que logramos. Este presupuesto apoya a las familias en Reading y el condado de Berks, mantiene los impuestos estables y evita nuevos costos. Aumenta la financiación para escuelas, trabajadores de cuidado infantil, la creación de empleo, personas mayores y la infraestructura, ayudando a las familias a prosperar mientras nuestras comunidades se mantienen seguras y fortalecidas. Este presupuesto coloca el bienestar Read more
Below are multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Agriculture: Commonwealth Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Who May Apply: State and local organizations, producer associations, academia, community-based organizations, and other eligible specialty crops stakeholders. Use: To assist with the growth, certification of seed and marketing of eligible specialty crops. Funds: $460,000 is available for funding Application Deadline: December 19, 2025 More information: PDA Website Department of Agriculture: Federal Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Who May Apply: State and local organizations, producer associations, academia, community-based organizations and other eligible specialty crops stakeholders. Use: To enhance the competitiveness of eligible specialty crops. Funds: Approximately $1,000,000 is available for funding Application Deadline: December 19, 2025 More information: PDA Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Read more
El Gobernador Shapiro acelera los beneficios SNAP de noviembre ¡Buenas noticias! Tras una resolución de un tribunal federal, Governor Shapiro está acelerando los beneficios SNAP de noviembre, permitiendo que las familias de Reading y todo el condado de Berks que no recibieron un pago puedan acceder a alimentos. Los beneficios se están cargando en las tarjetas EBT ahora, ayudando a casi dos millones de personas en todo el estado. ¡Consulta tu saldo en ConnectEBT y mantén tu tarjeta segura! ¡Reserva la fecha para mi Próxima Feria de Recursos! Mi Distribución Gratuita de Pavos y Feria de Recursos Anual de Acción de Gracias está de regreso. Esto no es solo un evento, es una celebración de comunidad, conexión y gratitud. Mi equipo y yo estamos orgullosos de apoyar a las familias con menos recursos con artículos esenciales para el Día de Acción de Gracias y de compartir información sobre programas y servicios estatales valiosos. Vengan a saludar, recoger un pavo gratis, conocer a mi personal y aprender cómo los recursos del estado pueden ayudarles. ¡Espero verlos el 21 de noviembre , de 10 a. m. a 12 p. m.! Esta celebración tendrá lugar en el 206 S. 9th street, Reading. No habrá cortes de servicios para hogares de Read more
Central PA Delegation Calls on PUC and Gas and Electric CEOs to Protect Families Facing Energy Hardships. Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 31 – State Rep. Manuel Guzman Jr., chair of the Central Pennsylvania House Democratic Delegation, today announced that the delegation is acting swiftly on behalf of the region to request that gas and electrict utility companies consider LIHEAP delays and the current financial hardships faced by families in our region. “The ongoing federal government shutdown and the delayed rollout of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program have placed thousands of families and furloughed federal workers in our state in a difficult position,” Guzman said. “Many households are being forced to choose between paying for heat, electricity, and other essentials. Our request is simple: gas and electric utility companies should take these challenges into account to help protect families during this critical time,” Guzman said. Guzman explained that thousands of families across Berks, Lancaster, Dauphin, and Centre counties rely on LIHEAP assistance each year, and delays put their health and safety at risk. “The delegation is committed to working closely with gas and electric companies, local governments agencies, and community organizations to ensure that no household goes without essential utility services during the winter months. “We are acting swiftly and will continue to monitor developments closely. We will not stop advocating Read more
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645 Penn St.5th FloorReading, PA 19601-3543
P*: (610) 376-1529
F*: (610) 378-4406
Hours of Operation - 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The office has staff ready to assist you in Spanish and English.
32 East WingPO Box 202127 Harrisburg, PA 17120
P*: (717) 787-3525