Opportunity House Core Values Champion: Yanelis

Congratulations to Yanelis on being named an Opportunity House Core Value Champion.  Yanelis has demonstrated her commitment to the core values we share at Opportunity House.

Core Values Champion YanelisName: Yanelis

Title:  Case manager

Core Value Demonstrated: #1 We are passionate about empowering people to improve their lives.

Living our core values: As a new employee, Yanelis hit the ground running. She worked tirelessly to assist a mother and her children to gain permanent housing.  She assisted her in identifying other essential resources the family needed to become and remain stably housed. Her efforts made an impact for this mother and her children.

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

A Fighting Spirit to Overcome Homelessness-Opportunity House

“My mom taught me how to keep fighting and not to give up. My dad taught me to dream.” Those traits are part of her DNA that has helped her survive abuse, homelessness, and despair. Today, as Tara* is rebuilding her life, her internal motivation drives her while her Zen-like calmness gives her peace through […]