Opportunity House Core Values Champion: Denise

Core Values Champ Denise

Opportunity House is proud to celebrate Denise as a Core Value Champion. We are grateful for her unwavering commitment to our Core Values, which she has demonstrated through her work. Thank you, Denise, for being an inspiration to us all!

Name: Denise

Title: Director, Retail & Warehouse Operations

Core Value Demonstrated: #3 We  know the power of going above and beyond

Living our core values: Figuring things out and making a difference are in Denise’s DNA.  Denise is a problem solver. As soon as we make a contact with a retailer, retirement community or referral source—she’s on it and provides easy solutions to form lasting relationships.  Thanks to her commitment to form and foster relationships, we have seen impressive growth at OppShop.  She finds sources for products and nurtures them to continually provide merchandise to the store. Denise even does pick ups of donations when any of the drivers are out. She is always looking for more ways to expand the re-use recycle program.  

 

More About Opportunity House

Discover the Heart of Compassion in Reading, PA at Opportunity House — a beacon of hope and care for the homeless. Since its inception in 1984, Opportunity House has stood as a pillar of support for the most vulnerable members of our community, offering a safe haven for men, women, children, families, and veterans. Our mission is rooted in providing not just emergency shelter, but also temporary housing, and crucial pathways to supportive and permanent residences throughout Berks County, PA.

But our impact doesn’t end with shelter. We embrace the future by nurturing young minds through our Keystone 4 Star quality early learning programs at the Second Street Learning Center. From infants as young as 6 weeks old to children up to 13 years, our year-round center offers a holistic educational experience. We believe in creating a foundation for success, including after-school care, engaging summer camps, and invaluable social-emotional support, shaping a brighter tomorrow for the children in our community.

A commitment to sustainability also courses through Opportunity House’s veins. Through our Reuse and Recycle program, we’re proud to divert over 1,000,000 pounds of waste away from landfills—an eco-conscious step that resonates with our broader dedication to making a positive impact. Speaking of which, meet OppShop—our retail thrift haven located at 3045 N. 5th Street Highway in Muhlenberg. Explore our diverse collection of gently used clothing for the entire family, alongside furniture, housewares, bakeware, and small appliances—all essentials ready to find a new home.

The best part? Every purchase at OppShop echoes in the lives we touch. All proceeds contribute directly to the programs that uplift the homeless, including those who have valiantly served our country—homeless veterans in Berks County. With every item you bring home, you become an agent of change, a supporter of progress, and a partner in the journey toward a stronger, more compassionate community. Join hands with Opportunity House as we rewrite stories, create futures, and weave a tapestry of care and hope for all.

 
SUCCESS STORY

Addiction Lead to Homelessness and Redemption–Opportunity House

“When is the bus stopping? I need a cigarette.”  You’d expect to hear that from people who have an addiction to cigarettes.  They don’t sound like life-saving words, but they were. When Terrance left Atlanta to return to Pennsylvania, he had no plans.  His girlfriend died. Her children didn’t want him around. He was returning […]