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Updated February, 2007

We've given the website a freshened look to start 2007. More importantly, we continue our work in preparation for the new Community Corrections Center, set to open later this year. We're coordinating a new Job Training program at the Berks County Prison with the staff of the Berks County CareerLink, and are gathering materials to open the Reentry Resource Center at our offices in the Courthouse and at the new Center. And please remember our Support Group for Family and Friends Coping with Incareration -- the group meets twice a month at the Flame Room at UGI on Route 10. And its not too soon to start thinking about nominees for the 2007 Berks Justice Hall of Fame Awards, scheduled for October 4th! We thank you for your ongoing support of BCPS and its mission!

Updated March, 2006

We've been so very busy at BCPS, as our community struggles to deal with crime and our staff is working harder than ever in response. That, along with our faithful Webmaster returning to school, as left us sorely lacking in keeping www.BerksConnections.org up-to-date. But there is so much new going on that we couldn't wait any longer! So now, finally, our website has been updated to reflect some new programs and services we provide to our community.

We were contacted by family members of individuals incarcerated at the Berks County Prison -- individuals who were frustrated, who were looking for information and support. After an extensive search, we realized that the nearest resource for families and friends of those in jail was in New Jersey! So we started the Family and Friends Coping with Incarceration support group. It meets the 1st and 3rd Thursday at UGI on Route 10. All are welcome -- to talk, to listen, to learn, to share.

April, 2005 - Welcome to our new Website!

There’s not too much new – except a new name, a new website, and a renewed dedication to serving people who need help throughout our community.
Since 1975, we’ve been known as the Berks County Prison Society. In recent years our name has caused confusion – confusion with the excellent work of the Pennsylvania Prison Society and confusion as added programming has extended our efforts far beyond the Berks County Prison.
So now we’re BerksConnections, and our work as County bail agency operates under the name BCPS / Pretrial Services.
Our commitment to assisting inmates at BCP and at-risk youth at the Berks County Youth Center hasn’t changed – in fact we’ve expanded such programming (like our recent and ongoing Voting Project at BCP). But we’ve launched new programs to reach at-risk youth in the community (such as FUNdamentals) and marked the successful reintegration of ex-offenders back into our community as a top priority. Our new name reflects our heightened commitment: connecting people who need help with people who care, wherever they may be.
So welcome to BerksConnections.org. Please look around, learn about us and get involved. We welcome your comments, your questions and your help.

Scott L. Rehr
Executive Director
srehr@countyofberks.com