The year is almost over, and we’re looking back on our year of supporting Opportunity House.

First and foremost, thanks to ALL our 2025 clients—it’s your session fees and orders that provide the bulk of our support, through the percentage of every sale that we donate to our Charity of the Year. We wouldn’t be here without you, much less have the ability to contribute to this amazing organization in our community.

About Opportunity House

Opportunity House started out in 1984 as an outreach of local churches, utilizing church basements to provide a warm meal and a safe place to sleep to unhoused residents of Reading. After moving to their permanent location at 430 N 2nd St., Reading, in 1986, the organization expanded year after year. Among the services they provide to those in need in the community are various life skills classes, child care, long-term transitional housing, and permanent housing for adults with disabilities.

The shelter is now a 24-hour multi-service facility that improves the quality of life for men, women and children who are in need. They also work to achieve their mission through additional services, including the Second Street Learning Center, the OppShop retail thrift store, and the Reuse & Recycle Program that reduces landfill waste.

The driving force behind everything Opportunity House does in the community is summed up by their purpose statement: “We empower individuals to improve their lives.” You can view their core values on their website, all of which support their purpose. The last one on the list is another great summary statement of their goals: “We are committed to helping others. We are dedicated to the long-term success of our community. Our primary responsibility is to make a difference in the lives of others.”

How you can support Opportunity House

There are lots of different ways to get involved and support Opportunity House.

• You can get directly involved by volunteering to serve a meal at the shelter, or in other ways such as helping to teach a class on a life skill or career you know a lot about.
• You can donate items to the OppShop, which helps support programs and services at Opportunity House. Additionally, clients at the shelter can shop for clothing at OppShop at no cost.
• You can donate money, online or by check.
• You can attend one of the events that raise funds for Opportunity House, including the Garden Party, the Souper Bowl, and Wine, Women, and Shoes.

Get more information about supporting Opportunity House here.

It was a privilege to be able to support this organization throughout 2025 through our BH Cares Charity of the Year program. This is a year-long partnership with one organization. Each year, we donate a portion of our proceeds to a local organization making a meaningful impact in the community.

We’re wrapping up our year of support by making and serving a meal at the shelter on December 29. Interested in joining us? You can volunteer to prep and serve the meal with us, or just donate food items for the meal. Let us know how you can help out by signing up here. And thanks again for your partnership in giving back to our community!