Meals on Wheels Berks County
For many Americans, Meals on Wheels is literally the difference between remaining in their own homes and needing to relocate to a nursing facility. The nutritious meal, friendly visit, and safety check help them cope with three of the biggest threats of aging: hunger, isolation, and loss of independence. Research proves that when seniors have the right support, they gain greater quality of life, need fewer hospital stays, and live longer.
Meals on Wheels serves individuals who are unable to prepare their own food because of physical limitations. A home visit is required to determine eligibility, and if found eligible, we make arrangements to deliver meals to your home. At Berks Encore, we aim to serve everyone in need of home-delivered meals in Douglassville, Wernersville, Mifflin, Reading, Fleetwood, and Strausstown PA. The Meals on Wheels program provides not just a nutritious meal, but also a check in by a volunteer. We pack meals in each of our six centers to help save time, money, and other valuable resources.
If you are a senior in the Berks County community who needs help with your meals, please reach out to see if you qualify for Meals on Wheels.
Our six centers also provide congregate meals to seniors who are not homebound, yet unable to prepare their own meals. Everyone age 60+ is invited to enjoy a hot nutritious meal while in a social environment at one of our community centers. We also hold events, classes, fitness programs, and social gatherings, so check our Center Activities page for the schedule. We look forward to seeing you!
Meals on Wheels Berks County delivered 211,544 to an average of 600 clients daily!
Meals on Wheels Eligibility Guidelines
There are conditions of need and requirements for service to be eligible to participate in the Meals on Wheels program.
*Consumers applying for the Meals on Wheels program must be 60+ and must be homebound by illness, handicap and/or functional disability meeting the following guidelines:
▸ Physically, emotionally, or mentally unable to prepare their own meals and/or
▸ Have no family or friends or aids available or willing on an ongoing or temporary basis, to assist with meal preparation and/or grocery shopping and/or
▸ Physically, emotionally, mentally unable to attend or has no access to a Senior Center close to home, and/or
▸ Have no cooking facilities in their home and/or
▸ Lack of resources (money) for meals and/or
▸ Currently not active with a Community Health Choice Waiver program, or Senior Life When individual circumstances do not indicate the possibility of change in status and the person must continue to receive Meals on Wheels, an annual evaluation determines and documents his/her continuing need.
Other information:
▸ There is no cost for the meals, donation of $2.50/meal is suggested. ▸ MOW is not based on income however eligibility is based on need. ▸ Meals are delivered Monday-Friday, no weekends, no major holidays ▸ The care coordinator will call for an appointment to visit and determine eligibility and to obtain and update personal information. ▸ Once a consumer is determined eligible for Meals on Wheels, the consumer is started on the program within a few days depending upon route availability.
Submit a Meals on Wheels Referral
To refer someone to the Meals on Wheels program please fill in the form below.
Medicare Counseling Services
Confused about retirement benefits? Knowing how to access and make the most of your retirement benefits is important. Berks Encore has trained PA Medi counselors and volunteers that can help you learn the basics of Medicare, how to enroll, how you can supplement your Medicare benefits, what Medicare coverage will cost and what financial assistance is available.
Contact us today to make an appointment to review your Medicare benefits. Call 610-374-3195 ext. 209. Appointments are available in-person, via zoom or by phone.
Are you Turning 65? New to Medicare? Join us for an upcoming zoom or in-person presentation.
Download Medicare Presentation Dates
What is Medicare?
Medicare is health insurance for people age 65 or older. You are eligible to sign up for Medicare three months before you turn 65. To qualify, a person needs to be 65 years of age or disabled to 25 months. There is no age limit for persons with end stage renal disease or ALS.
Confused About the A, B, C’s and D’s of Medicare?
Join us for a zoom presentation. We will cover how to enroll in Medicare, how to supplement your Medicare benefits, what coverage will cost and what financial assistance may be available.
SEMINAR DATES: Contact us for the next available monthly Medicare seminar
REGISTER BY CALLING: (610) 374-3195 ext. 208
New to Medicare?
Berks Encore provides ongoing support for those who are new to Medicare. We offer in-person meetings, phone counseling or zoom presentations. Please contact us for more information (610) 374-3195 ext. 208.
Services Available from Berks Encore
Be confident about aging! We can help you with the following insurance – related services:
→ Medicare
→ Medicare Advantage Plans and current Medicare Costs
→ Health insurance counseling
→ Long-Term Care Insurance
→ Low Income Subsidy for Medicare Part D
→ Low Income Subsidy for Medicare Part D and Medicare Part D Savings Program
→ Medical Assistance
→ PACEplus (Prescription Assistance)
→ Supplemental Insurance/Medigap Plans
→ Produce Vouchers
→ Pennsylvania Food Stamps
→ Rent and Property Tax Rebates
→ LIHEAP (Fuel Assistance)
→ Free Notary Service
We are here to Help You!
We helped 1,416 seniors save almost $201,740 in 2024
We can help you too! Contact us today!
Grocery Shopping Program
Berks Encore and Redner’s Warehouse Markets are proud to offer our Grocery Shopping Program. If you are over the age of 50 and have difficulty getting to a grocery store or doing your own shopping, Berks Encore will try to find a volunteer who will do your shopping and deliver the groceries to your home on a regular basis.
ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES FOR GROCERY SHOPPING PROGRAM
(Conditions of need and requirements for service)
CLIENT ELIGIBILITY
Berks County residents 60+ must meet the following guidelines for the Grocery Shopping Program. Adults under the age of 60 that request this service due to handicap and/or functional disability must also meet the following guidelines:
• Complete a Grocery Shopping Registered Client Application. Submit Application plus $5.00* Application Fee to: Grocery Shopping Coordinator Berks Encore 40 N. 9th Street, Reading, PA 19601. *NOTE: $5.00 application fee credited toward the $5.00 handling fee for the first shopping order.
• Must be able to pay for groceries at the time the groceries are delivered
• Client must not have other regular options to acquire groceries.
CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES
We make every effort to accommodate the needs of all clients. We ask that all clients abide by the following set of responsibilities so we can serve everyone.
• Please let us know if this service is needed on a temporary basis or an ongoing basis.
• Take advantage of a volunteer’s assistance on a consistent basis, to the best of your ability. If an order is not placed at least once each month, we will not be able to dedicate a volunteer for your shopping needs and cannot guarantee there will be someone available to take care of your order when requested.
• If a grocery order is not placed within three (3) months of receipt of application – you will be removed from the program and forfeit the $5.00 application fee. A new application plus $5.00 application fee is required to register for the program once removed from the program.
• Be specific when placing your grocery order, and let the volunteer know when it is okay to substitute.
• Provide full payment for the grocery purchase plus a $5.00 handling fee by writing a check payable to Berks Encore. The volunteer will give you a receipt for the grocery purchase.
• Limit your grocery order to 25 items or less each week.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The grocery shoppers are volunteers for Berks Encore. Please do not take advantage of their time and service by asking them to run additional errands for you. Volunteers are not authorized to shop for alcohol or comply with any request that could potentially put you, our client, at risk.
How to Register
Please fill and submit the online form below to register for the program. Once we are able to assign a volunteer in your area, they will contact you to discuss your shopping needs and their availability to deliver your groceries. Pay Invoice/Vendor Portal – Berks Encore
How to place a grocery order:
★ Contact our office at (610) 374-3195 ext. 219 to place an order on Monday or Thursday between 9 am and 2 pm to receive delivery that week.
★ Your volunteer shopper will call you to schedule a delivery time.
★ The volunteer will purchase the groceries at a local Redner’s Warehouse Markets location, using a Berks Encore charge card.
★ When your groceries are delivered, you pay for them with a check made out to Berks Encore, along with a $5 handling fee.
★ You can place an order weekly, or less frequently.
★ Each order will be limited to 25 items.
SNAP Recipients
The Grocery Shopping program accepts SNAP (Food Stamp) payments. Please call 610.374.3195, ext. 219 for instructions and paperwork to sign up for the program.
Why Join our Grocery Shopping Program?
“ My neighbors have been wonderful helping me, but I don’t want to ask for their help too often. This program has changed my life because now I am eating food again that I couldn’t get before and it is wonderful. Also, my volunteer is very helpful, congenial and is very interested in what I’m doing. She’s very nice and I think she enjoys helping. I thank God that there are people like her. We really need more people like her. ”
— Jeanne, grocery shopping program recipient
“ I personally enjoy bringing what little bit of time I can to share a smile and a few moments of conversation with the seniors I have the pleasure of serving, and I believe I can spare an hour or so a week to provide a friendly visit. I think the act of visiting is the most important part. I believe they really appreciate the services and knowing that someone cares about them. I truly love to give, and I always leave my visits with such a good feeling that I have left behind a moment of joy for that person, no matter how small or brief, the feelings of care and compassion linger. ”
— Kellie, grocery shopping program volunteer
In 2024, 63 volunteers completed over 1,900 grocery shopping trips!
If you have questions or concerns about this program, we’d be happy to help. Click here to get in touch!
Friendly Visitor Program
Experience the Joy of making a new Friend! Through Berks Encore’s Friendly Visitors Program, we connect homebound seniors with adult volunteers who agree to call or visit for about one hour per week. Volunteers are thoroughly screened and must pass a Criminal Background Check before being matched with a senior in the area. Location, interests, hobbies, and pets are all considered before the first visit is scheduled.
Are you a homebound senior interested in making a friend? Please contact (610) 374-3195 ext. 225 to join this program.
In 2024, 19 volunteers dedicated their time to brighten the lives of 19 clients.
Read more about the program and the positive impact it is having in our community.
If you’d like to join our Friendly Visitor program, please fill out this contact form. Contact us with any additional questions at ApplaudingLife@BerksEncore.org or by calling (610) 374-3195 x225.
Health & Wellness
We know health and wellness can be difficult to maintain at any age. Help yourself and join one of the many health and wellness classes available at our six centers or virtually. We provide a variety of FREE programs and activities to help you remain engaged and active for years to come.
In 2024, our Master Trainers led 96 programs, engaging 1,687 participants in activities that promote healthier living.
Evidence-Based Programs
No matter what your age or ability, remaining physically fit is very important. Reinforcing a healthy lifestyle by staying active and involved enhances your “encore years.”
Our licensed instructors offer evidence-based programs for improved strength, flexibility, and balance.
Resources to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Our health and wellness programs focus on education to promote the soundness of body and mind and a healthy way to live. We teach you healthy lifestyle strategies to overcome the challenges of aging and managing chronic conditions. Our goal is for our participants to function at optimum health and wellness to lead fulfilling, active and independent lives.
Health & Wellness Classes:
Register for any of the health & wellness programs by filling in the registration form.
Call Kathy Roberts, Health & Wellness Director with questions 484-388-3196.
LET’S GET STARTED! Our 6-week seated exercise program
Berks Encore Fleetwood Center – 14432 Kutztown Road Fleetwood – Tuesdays 11:00am
Berks Encore Reading Center – 40 N. 9th Street, Reading. – Mondays @11am Berks Encore Wernersville Center – 350 Sportsman Road, Wernersville. – Thursdays @ 9am
A MATTER OF BALANCE
Exeter Community Library – 4569 Prestwick Dr., Reading
Tuesdays, 1:30pm to 3:30pm, June 3 through July 29
Douglassville Center – 2144 Weavertown Rd., Douglassville
Mondays 9:30am to 11:30am, June 23 through August 11
POUNDfit
A full body exercise program that combines cardio and strength training using constant rhythmic drumming.
WEDNESDAYS
9am to 10am Strausstown Center
9:30am to 10:30am Mifflin Center
1pm to 2pm Wernersville Center
THURSDAYS
10:30am to 11:30am Douglassville Center
FRIDAYS – Coming to our Fleetwood Center in May!
11:30am to 12:30pm Fleetwood Center
LIVING WELL WITH DIABETES
Thursdays, 9am to 11:30pm,
May 1 through June 5
Center at Spring Street 200 Spring Street, Boyertown, PA 19512
Eat Well – Be Well
Wednesdays, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
April 2 – April 23, 2025
Wyomissing Public Library – 9 Reading Blvd., Wyomissing
JOIN OUR HIKE OF THE MONTH CLUB – See you in the Spring!
We hike the 4th Monday of each month, April – November. Contact Kathy Roberts to register and learn about the next scheduled hike.
STEPPING INTO HISTORY – Spring Tours!
The stepping Into History program is one of our most successful ventures. Recognizing the values and interests of lifelong learners, our Stepping Into History program was created to provide seniors a pleasure-filled educational experience and an opportunity to explore historical sites to learn about the culture and history of the destination. Stepping Into History offers seniors the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, walk for wellness and learn the history of the popular landmarks in our backyard.
Lerch Tavern Museum – Tuesday, April 29 from 10:00am – 11:30 am
Deerfoot Farm & Winery – Tuesday, May 6 from 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Nicholas Stoltzfus Homestead – Tuesday, May 13 from 10:00am – 11:30 am
Berks History Center – Tuesday, May 20 from 10:00am – 11:30 am
Registration is required for each event you plan to attend, call Kathy Roberts: 484-388-3196.
Our Six Senior Centers Offer In-Person & Virtual Exercise Programs Besides our regular exercise and social programs offered at each of our Berks Encore Senior Centers we are also offering some virtual programming. Contact a Center Manager to receive login information for virtual classes.
Virtual Class Schedule:
| Tuesday @ 10 am & 11am | Virtual Tai Chi I & Virtual Tai Chi II | Instructor: Jan Gyomber | Low impact exercise method involving slow movements and breath to improve balance and strengthen muscles. |
| Wednesday @ 10:15 am | Virtual Chair Zumba | Instructor: Victoria Milillo | Zumba Gold Chair classes are specifically designed for people with limited mobility, people with balance issues, and anyone who wants a great seated workout. Class focuses on all elements of fitness: cardiovascular, muscular conditioning, flexibility and balance! |
| Wednesday @ 11:00 am | Virtual FABS | Instructor: Lynn & Tim Kreider, LJ’s Fitness | This class focuses on Flexibility, Aerobics, Balance, & Strength using popular songs. |
| Thursday @ 10:15 am | Virtual Chair Yoga | Instructor: Jillian Warminsky | Yoga in a seated position; focuses on increasing flexibility, improving strength, reducing stress and pain |
Berks Encore Senior Centers offer a variety of fitness and health education programs. Follow your local Berks Encore Facebook and visit our Senior Centers page for a full schedule of activities.
▸ Aerobics
▸ Billiards
▸ Line Dancing
▸ Senior Fitness
▸ Shuffleboard
▸ Sit and Get Fit
▸ Social Dance
▸ Tai Chi
▸ Table Tennis
▸ Yoga
▸ Zumba Gold®
Dedicated fitness equipment is available at our Fleetwood, Reading, and Strausstown centers.
What is Berks Encore Care+?
Berks Encore Care+ is a holistic, client-centered approach to help families by caring for the older adults in our community. At Berks Encore Care+, our care managers work with seniors and their family members to provide answers at a time of uncertainty. Their guidance and expertise help families take action and make decisions that ensure quality care and an optimal life for those they love. As a result, this reduces worry, stress, and time off work for family caregivers.
How Can Berks Encore Care+ Help?
With our comprehensive approach to care management, we examine every older adult’s unique situation across a variety of dimensions:
What is a Care+ Care Manager?
A Care+ care manager is a guide and advocate for families who are caring for older relatives or disabled adults. Educated and experienced in several fields related to aging and social work, their experience provides a specialized focus on issues related to aging and elder care.
Do I need a Care+ Care Manager?
When caregiving for an aging family member becomes overwhelming, it may be time to contact Care+ if:
▸ The person you are caring for has limited or no family support.
▸ You live a distance from your loved one.
▸ The person you are caring for is unable to live safely in their current environment.
▸ Your family is either “burned out” or confused about care solutions.
▸ Your family has limited time and/or expertise in dealing with your loved ones’ chronic care needs.
▸ Your family is at odds regarding care decisions.
▸ The person you are caring for is not pleased with current care providers and requires advocacy.
▸ The person you are caring for is confused about their own financial and/or legal situation.
▸ Your family needs education and/or direction in dealing with behaviors associated with dementia.
▸ Your family needs direction about available services.
Our caregivers understand how hard it can be for you to care for loved ones as they deserve. It can be painful for you to care for loved ones with dementia, Alzheimer's, or other conditions that change their relationship with you.
What Makes Berks Care + Unique?
- As a non-profit organization we provide our Care+ service to residents of Berks County.
- After your complimentary phone consultation, we come to YOU for your loved one’s in-home assessment – there is no need to worry about driving anywhere or arranging for transportation.
- With over 60 years of experience, serving older adults and forging relationships with high quality service providers. We are truly neighbors serving neighbors.
- We are proud to serve all older adults, their families, and loved ones, regardless of their sex, gender identity, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or educational and income level.
What If I’m Interested in “Aging in Place?”
You have come to the right place! Berks Encore Care+ is designed to help you plan ahead. By developing a long-term care plan now, while you are living independently in your own home, we can address many challenges often associated with aging.
Fees & Associated Costs
We provide a complimentary initial phone consultation with a Care+ care manager. A Comprehensive Assessment and Personalized Care Plan can be developed for a fee. Follow-up engagement for the Care Plan can be arranged by selecting one of our care packages. Contact us for current packages and fee information. Interested in Berks Encore Care+? Talk to a Care+ care manager Today! Call 484-577-4243 or complete the referral form below.
Learn more about Berks Encore Care+ and how a care manager can help you and your family navigate the variety of aging services available to help you age with confidence.
beNourished
Berks Encore, in partnership with local hospitals and Redner’s Markets, is pleased to announce beNourished, a medically tailored meal program developed for patients with a cardiac or diabetic diagnosis.
We are currently in the process of updating this program. More information will be added to this page soon.
be @ Night
Berks Encore @ Night is an outreach program designed to connect with older adults during evening hours, offering engaging learning opportunities outside of our regular senior center programs. Held at various community locations, including our senior centers, these events provide valuable education and social interaction in a convenient format.
In 2024, we hosted 3 programs with a total of 49 participants, expanding access to enriching experiences for the older adults in our community.
Berks Encore presents…be @ Night in partnership with Fleetwood Bank. Learn how you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud. Join us Tuesday, April 22 at 6:00 pm at Berks Encore Wernersville Center located at 350 Sportsman Road, building 5, Wernersville.
Please register using the form below or call Rita Phillips, 610-374-3195 ext. 217.
Additional Available Resources
In our fast-paced society, it can be difficult for seniors and their families to overcome challenges that come with age. Fortunately, Berks Encore’s staff — along with its volunteers — works tirelessly to assist people accessing a myriad of government benefit programs and senior services.
Berks Encore’s Resource Directory will assist you in accessing programs and services, as well as providing County, State and Federal points of contact. We hope that this directory will also serve as a quick telephone reference in serving your needs. Berks Encore’s Resource Directory, which will assist you in accessing programs and services, as well as providing County, State and Federal points of contact. We also hope that this directory will serve as a quick telephone reference in serving your needs.
For more information on how Berks Encore continues to assist our clients, contact us online!
