Friend Inc. Community Services

658D Noble St., Kutztown, PA 19530 610-683-7790 - www.friendinc.org

Friend Inc. Community Services is a not-for-profit, multi-service agency that supports the well-being of families and individuals in need, and is committed to strengthening the lives of those living in northeastern Berks County.

Our service area includes Kutztown, Fleetwood and Brandywine Area school districts. In 2018, we served 2,354 individuals in need, or more than 1524 families through our food pantry and case management services. Friend now serves close to approximately 150 students per week in our KU satellite food pantry. Kutztown University pantry partners include the Lutheran Center and Kutztown University.

Besides providing the food pantry, Friend Inc. provides assistance to those struggling to make ends meet through information and referral, and connecting clients to the health and human services they need.

We collaborate with other agencies to bring services to our clients at Friend. Berks Encore, Family Guidance Center and WIC nutrition program all provide services at our facility.

The uncertain economic climate has made it difficult for families to decide whether to pay bills or buy food for the family. Friend helps bridge the gap for families through food pantry and emergency financial assistance.

In our effort to help clients develop skills to cope, we have added a financial management program. It runs for five weeks for clients who have received financial assistance from Friend. Each session combines an interactive lesson with a one-on-one meeting with a volunteer money manager.

Our Christmas Cheer program provides gifts for over 300 children who might not otherwise receive gifts. Also, families receive holiday meal boxes provided through donations.