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Components of Our Residential Programs

In response to the growing concern and staggering numbers of Homeless and Runaway Youth in Berks County – Mary’s Shelter joined forces with the Berks County Intermediate Unit, Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH) and the Berks Coalition to End Homelessness Youth Committee to find and initiate solutions. Mary’s Shelter received several grants to open the YESS (Youth Empowerment Support Services) Residential Program and Drop-in-Center to address the immediate needs of young people living on the streets.

This is only the beginning! The community is committed to working together, building resources and strengthening partnerships which will change young lives. We are providing compassion, direction and hope at a critical time in their lives.

We offer three programs:

Our Y.E.S.S. Program

  • We accept youths from ages 14-21 of any gender

  • Short-term, emergency shelter for up to 21 days

  • Referral from outside services, call ahead, or admission at the door

  • Provides place to stay with home-like atmosphere

  • We have a laundry room, gym equipment, recreational activities, a full kitchen, a computer lab for school/job/recreational activities

  • Classes intended to build social, vocational, or life skills offered weekly

  • One-to-one counseling

  • Tutoring available through BCIU on Thursdays @ 4:30pm

  • Referrals to outside services

  • Assistance with applications for benefits, housing, services, or another program

Our STRONG Program

  • 18-month housing program

  • We accept youths from ages 16-21 of any gender

  • Referral from outside services, call ahead, or admission at the door

  • Provides place to stay with home-like atmosphere

  • We have a laundry room, gym equipment, recreational activities, a full kitchen, a computer lab for school/job/recreational activities

  • Classes intended to build social, vocational, or life skills offered weekly

  • One-to-one counseling

  • Assistance with job searches, college applications and career planning

  • Referrals to outside services

  • Case management services to help develop Goal Plans

Our Drop-In Center

  • Available after school for youth from ages 14-21

  • From 3:30-6:30pm, Monday through Friday

  • Brookline (Barta route 10) stops right in front of our location for easy access

  • Offers many of the same services and features available to our residential clients

  • We have a laundry room, gym equipment, recreational activities, a full kitchen, a computer lab for school/job/recreational activities

  • Tutoring through BCIU on Thursdays at 4:30pm

  • Referral to outside services if needed

  • If within the age range, may also be able to utilize residential services