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Opportunity House
430 N. 2nd Street
Reading, PA 19601

610-374-4696

 

 

About Us
 
Recent News

Donors leave hungry at city charity event
Hundreds partake of an intentionally meager meal at a fund-raiser for a Reading shelter.
©2003 Reading Eagle Company

By Yvonne M. Wenger
Reading Eagle

Jim S. Rothstein of Wyomissing isn’t going to go hungry, but on Tuesday he got a taste of what it might be like.

The idea of the Opportunity House’s Souper Bowl was for Rothstein and the more than 500 others who attended to have just enough soup and bread to coat their stomachs, leaving them hungry for more, with an empty ceramic bowl to take home.

"The bowls are a constant reminder," said Sharon M. Scullin of Wyomissing, who came with Rothstein. "We happen to be fortunate, but not everyone is."

Modesto D. Fiume, Opportunity House president, said the event, held at the Sovereign Performing Arts Center, 136 N. 6 th St., spread the organization’s mission.

"It is a great opportunity to get the word out," Fiume said. "We get to tell our story to a whole other group of people."

Opportunity House operates a variety of services such as job training, life-skills classes, 24-hour child care, professional guidance for children (and their families) who have been sexually abused.  In addition to transitional and permanent housing, an emergency shelter provides meals daily for the hungry and temporary housing for the homeless.

The Souper Bowl raised more than $15,000 for the nonprofit. Last year, the event raised $11,000.

More than 20 local restaurants and food vendors donated soups, breads and drinks to the event; about 10 businesses provided other goods and services. Nearly 700 ceramic bowls were made and donated by about 40 area schools, colleges and professional potters.

Live music was provided by a string quartet and a rock jazz ensemble, both of Reading High School.

The proceeds will go into Opportunity House’s general fund.

Contact reporter Yvonne M. Wenger at 610-371-5015 or ywenger@reading eagle.com

Past Articles

Ex-addict shows convicts they can succeed

Center aims to ease ordeal for children in sex-abuse cases
Feb 22, 2004 - PDF version

The hidden homeless
Feb 8, 2004 - PDF version

Group hopes to find good use for a former city trouble spot
Jan 20, 2004 - PDF version

Eagles kicker, announcer swoop into celebration
Dec 24, 2003 - PDF version

Inside Opportunity House
December 5, 2003 - PDF version

Woman, son find a new life at Opportunity House
October 28, 2003 - PDF version

Facility changes name to reflect its mission
7/21/03

 

Opportunity House is located in Reading, Pennsylvania and serves residents of Berks County. Our goal is to help families and adults become and remain independent members of our community.

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