WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) successfully funded 14 Community Project Funding priorities, totaling $11,726,065, through the House Appropriations Committee. The Appropriations’ package was signed into law last weekend by President Biden. The purpose of Community Project Funding is to enable Members of Congress to allocate available federal funds to worthy, local projects in a timely manner.

While each congressional office processes Community Project Funding requests differently, all Members are required to publicly disclose their selections and sign letters certifying they have no personal financial interest in the projects. To ensure transparency for and accountability to her constituents, Houlahan goes above and beyond House guidelines by utilizing a nonpartisan board of community leaders to review applications and to make recommendations regarding project selection. Recently, Houlahan hosted a webinar for organizations interested in applying for future Community Project Funding grants. Watch the webinar here.

"I am elated that we secured over $11.7 million to fund 14 community-focused projects in our district. From Reading to Berwyn and everywhere in between, our community will benefit from stronger infrastructure, enhanced workforce opportunities, modernized resources for first responders, and more," said Houlahan. "With the help of our board of nonpartisan local leaders, we were able to advocate for projects that will positively impact our community and the region at large. I look forward to seeing these projects make a real, tangible difference in the lives of residents in Berks and Chester Counties."

In alphabetical order, Houlahan secured the following funding on behalf of local organizations:

1. $3,000,000 for Albright College, Innovation Corridor Life Science-Based Incubator – Camp Building Renovation Phase 1
"We are truly grateful that our community leaders are committed to the transformation of the City of Reading and the Albright College campus," said Jacquelyn S. Fetrow, Ph.D., president and professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Albright College. "With the transformation of the Camp Building, a historic factory now under the college's stewardship, we are bringing to life a vital component currently missing in Berks County: a biological, pharmaceutical and life science-based entrepreneurial and multi-purpose community incubator that will utilize the Total Experience Learning methodology to empower students and community entrepreneurs. The Albright College incubator, to be located in the 'Innovation Corridor' of Northeast Reading will serve to nurture emerging intellectual property and entrepreneurs of all ages. By fostering this entrepreneurial and multi-purpose community life science incubator, we are committed to supporting the inventors and innovators of today and tomorrow, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries and solutions."
 

2. $977,573 for Ann’s Heart, Purchase of Campus – Nonprofit Hub
“The Volunteers, Board of Directors and Staff of Ann’s Heart extend their deepest gratitude to Representative Houlahan and Senator Casey for their sponsorship and unwavering support of Ann’s Heart and for securing Community Project Funding. This vital funding will not only secure a permanent home for Ann’s Heart but also for multiple other nonprofits dedicated to serving parts of Chester and Montgomery Counties,” stated Kristen McGee, Executive Director of Ann’s Heart. “With this invaluable support, Ann’s Heart has been able to secure the purchase of the campus we have diligently worked to restore. This ensures the establishment and enduring presence of a non-profit hub dedicated to delivering critical human services in our region. Through this welcoming space, we are committed to continuing our fight against housing and food insecurity, supporting mental and behavioral health, and combating the isolation of our most vulnerable community members.”

3. $500,000 for Berwyn Fire Company, EMS Station
“The Berwyn Fire Company is humbled to be awarded a $500,000 grant to assist in the construction of a new fire/EMS station that will serve the citizens, visitors and businesses of Tredyffrin and Easttown Townships. This new state of the art facility will replace an aging structure that dates back to 1929. Our volunteers and career staff look forward to working in a safe and reliable environment,” said Eamon C. Brazunas, Deputy Chief of Berwyn Fire Company.

4. $1,035,000 for Reading Area Community College, Capital Improvements and Repairs - Workforce Development
"Reading Area Community College is honored and grateful to be a recipient of this much needed funding from Congresswoman Houlahan's office,” said RACC President Dr. Susan Looney. “We will be allocating the funds to enhance the Schmidt Training and Technology Center and Kratz Hall. Improvements to these facilities will further strengthen our workforce training; continuing our commitment to building a strong Berks County workforce.”

5. $959,752 for City of Coatesville, Ash Park Master Plan Implementation - Phase 2
"We are extremely thrilled to have received this for both phase 1 and 2 of the project. This money means we're receiving money so that we can move forward and have a reliable source of funding to design the project the way that it was intended. It is a huge win for the community, and I can't express how much this will mean. I deeply appreciate the support," said James Logan, Coatesville City Manager. 

6. $550,000 for East Fallowfield Township Police Department, Municipal complex construction
“This funding will move us closer to having a more secure police station that will provide a welcoming environment to the public and better equip our law enforcement to serve and protect our community,” said Scott Swichar, Township Manager of East Fallowfield. “We appreciate Representative Houlahan’s unwavering support and strong commitment to public safety in the community.”

7. $657,000 for FarmerJawn and Friends Foundation Fund, the FarmerJawn Barn Revitalization
"We are incredibly grateful to Representative Chrissy Houlahan for her unwavering support and successful advocacy in securing a federal grant of $657,000 for FarmerJawn. This generous funding will enable us to renovate our aging barn and incorporate hydroponic facilities, allowing us to expand our mission of teaching essential agricultural skills and entrepreneurship qualities to the Chester County community. With this investment, FarmerJawn will continue to thrive as a vital contributor to the local agricultural landscape, offering innovative, sustainable solutions and opportunities for continued growth,” said Brandon Ritter, COO of FarmerJawn.

8. $500,000 for Helping Harvest, Community Kitchen
“Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank is so grateful to Representative Houlahan for her support and her work securing this funding,” said Jay Worrall, Helping Harvest President. “The Helping Harvest Community Kitchen will provide heat-and-eat ready meals to low-income seniors and families throughout Berks County while providing Culinary Arts skill training to residents.  The kitchen is currently under construction, and we will be cooking by year’s end!  Thank you for helping us provide healthy, nutritious food to people in need in our community.”

9. $959,752 for Kennett Square Wastewater Treatment Plant, UV Disinfection
Mayor Matthew Fetick and Borough Council President Bob Norris jointly stated, “The Borough is grateful to our elected officials for supporting this important upgrade to our sewer infrastructure.  This funding is a vital investment and addresses a major need for the Borough’s future growth and development.  Upgrading our sewer system will not only benefit Borough residents but our neighbors in Kennett Township and New Garden.”

10. $117,000 for Phoenixville Police Department, Law Enforcement 21st Century Policing Initiative
“The Borough of Phoenixville is experiencing tremendous growth in new housing and the town’s population is on the rise. A year-round calendar of cultural events attracts countless visitors to our thriving downtown business district. Representative Chrissy Houlahan is a frequent visitor to Phoenixville and she understands the challenges associated with policing our growing community,” said Chief of Police Brian Marshall. “On behalf of the men and women of the Phoenixville Police Department, we are honored and grateful to be the recipient of the PA-06 Community Funding Project grant for equipment upgrades!  The police department will be allocating the awarded funds for the purchase of six (6) new body-worn cameras and server, a TruNarc handheld rapid drug identification device, and a portable safety camera to be used at our numerous events. The Phoenixville Police Department values Representative Houlahan’s advocacy for and involvement in our community and we will use this grant funding to make the Borough of Phoenixville safer for everyone.”

11. $1,925,000 for Reading's Oakbrook Homes Center For Early Education
"This vital federal grant will enable us to repurpose two existing buildings into a Neighborhood Services Center and Family Services Complex, allowing us to expand access to crucial services for those facing economic and food insecurity in our community. With this support, Oakbrook Homes will continue to be a beacon of hope and assistance for families in need, fostering a brighter and more equitable future for all. We extend our deepest gratitude to Representative Chrissy Houlahan for her tireless efforts in securing $1,925,000 for this project,” said Modesto Fiume, president of Opportunity House.

12. $117,000 for Southern Chester County Regional Police Department, Body Worn Camera and Taser Project
“The Southern Chester County Regional Police Department is extremely grateful for the support and funding we received from Representative Houlahan and her staff. Not only were they helpful with the grant application process, they saw immediate value in our initiative to receive funds that will ultimately improve upon transparency and accountability while executing our department’s mission to protect human life, our first and most sacred core value. The funds received will cover the majority of the purchase of AXON’s leading technology Body Worn Cameras, which are used to record all interactions we have with the public and furthermore are submitted as evidence and shared with the District Attorney’s Office for the purpose of evidence in prosecutions. The funding will also allow us to purchase the newest version of the Taser by AXON which offers a less-lethal option in situations where an intermediate weapon can preserve human life. These devices are expensive and often can not be purchased out of the allotted police department budget, so this grant funding will have a huge impact on our ability to function as a high-level, premier law enforcement agency,” said Joseph Greenwalt, Chief of Police.

13. $112,500 for The Garage Community and Youth Center, Rain Garden and Green Roof Chester County PA
"The Garage Community & Youth Center (The Garage) is honored and thrilled to be a recipient of Community Project Funding from Congresswoman Houlahan's office,” said Kristin Proto, Executive Director. “The Garage serves as a liaison between the community and our families, promoting the equity and inclusion of an underserved and marginalized population. With this essential Community Project Funding support, The Garage will continue to renovate our Avondale facility with improved stormwater management through a rain garden and  green roof as well as environmental educational opportunities that come with an outdoor classroom space. Our organization has been providing support through after-school programming for over twenty years, and with the help of the community, friends, and partners like the Sixth Congressional District, we look forward to another twenty years!"

Reading, PA – Reading Area Community College (RACC) has been awarded $125,000 from Truist Bank to support nursing student scholarships.

Over the next two years, the award will be used to fund scholarships to students enrolled in the nursing (RN) and practical nursing (LPN) programs in the most impactful way possible.

In Pennsylvania, employment growth in the healthcare sector is projected to be 2.5 times the average for all other occupations over the next ten years. While the Commonwealth faced an identified healthcare worker crisis before the COVID-19, the shortage was compounded by workers leaving the profession during the pandemic. 

“Truist is proud to partner with Reading Area Community College in helping their nursing students prepare for the next step in life. Our company’s purpose is to ‘Inspire and build better lives and communities’ and funding these scholarships gives us the opportunity to help fulfill that purpose here in Berks County” said Truist Market President David Roland.

Pennsylvania would need 50,000 more employees in the healthcare sector by 2026, not including the replacement needs of those who left the field for other work or retirement. In Berks County, the sector is comprised of 25,146 workers, or 13.6% of the workforce. While the two top in-demand professions are Registered and Licensed Practical Nurses, there are many current openings for lab technicians and other healthcare related positions as well.

RACC President Dr. Susan Looney, says, “This grant will immediately benefit our nursing students who are highly prepared and ready to enter the regional healthcare workforce.”

The Weitz Hall at RACC is being transformed into the Weitz Healthcare Pavilion. RACC is completely redesigning its Weitz Hall, merging classrooms currently scattered between two buildings into one cohesive building specifically tailored to the needs of a competitive Health Sciences program. The renovation will allow RACC to address the current healthcare crisis by increasing the graduates of its Health Sciences programs by 80%. This renovation will last eighteen months and has started this May 2023, and will be completed in the late fall 2024.

RACC President Dr. Susan Looney, says, “This grant will immediately benefit our nursing students who are highly prepared and ready to enter the regional healthcare workforce.”

To learn more about health professions programs at RACC, contact admissions@racc.edu, 610.607.6224 or 800.626.1665.

About Truist
Truist Financial Corporation (NYSE: TFC) is a purpose-driven financial services company committed to inspiring and building better lives and communities. Truist has leading market share in many high-growth markets in the country and offers a wide range of products and services through our retail and small business banking, commercial banking, corporate and investment banking, insurance, wealth management, and specialized lending businesses. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Truist is a top 10 U.S. commercial bank with total assets of $543 billion as of September 30, 2023. Truist Bank, Member FDIC. Learn more at Truist.com.

Reading, PA, January 4, 2024 – Tompkins Community Bank today announced that it has donated $10,000 to the Foundation at Reading Area Community College under the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program.

A check presentation ceremony was held at the Tompkins corporate office with Tompkins Senior Vice President Laurie Grube, RACC President, Dr. Susan Looney, Tompkins Senior Vice President Peter Rowley, Executive Director of the Foundation for RACC Tony DeMarco and Tompkins Vice President Amy Vaughan.

Dr. Susan Looney, president of RACC commended Tompkins for their EITC gift said, “Tompkins gift to the Foundation for RACC for the EITC program is inspirational for high school students looking to find the funding to continue their education or enter the workforce after high school.”

Laurie Grube and the Tompkins leadership were excited to help Berks County students start their college education through RACC’s Dual Enrollment program. She noted, “Tompkins believes in giving back to Berks County, a region that means so much to our bank.”

“RACC hopes that other business leaders follow the lead of Tompkins by supporting the RACC EITC Dual Enrollment program”, said Tony DeMarco, Executive Director of the Foundation. “The cost of higher education remains the greatest obstacle for thousands of families. EITC gifts provides high school students with an affordable path to a college degree.”

Reading Area Community College is an accredited, comprehensive, open enrollment education institution that provides the following: Associate degree, Certificate and Diploma Programs; career-focused training; transitional coursework; skills training for business and industry; personal enrichment programs and public service activities. Sponsored by Berks County, the College provides affordable access to meet identified community educational needs.

About Tompkins
Founded in 1836, Tompkins Community Bank serves the Central, Western, and Hudson Valley regions of New York, and the Southeastern region of Pennsylvania. As a community-based financial institution, we consider it our duty to provide innovative financial solutions for local families and businesses as they navigate their financial journeys. Through our unique local decision-making model, Tompkins offers personalized service and exceptional responsiveness, while delivering a broad range of products and services for consumers and businesses. Insurance services are offered through Tompkins Insurance Agencies, and wealth management services are available through Tompkins Financial Advisors. Further information is available at tompkinsbank.com.

RACC Earns Prestigious Histotechnician Program Accreditation

October 19, 2023 — Reading Area Community College (RACC) has achieved accreditation status for their Histotechnician program. Following a rigorous evaluation process, the program has been granted accreditation by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) for five years.

Accreditation by NAACLS is a testament to the exceptional quality and standards maintained by RACC's Histotechnician program. This achievement is a result of the dedicated efforts of faculty, staff and students who have consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence in education and training.

The Histotechnician (HT) is a medical lab worker responsible for processing surgical tissues, biopsies, and autopsy specimens for microscopic review by pathologists. Illnesses such as cancer or serious infections can often be detected by the arrangement of cells in a tissue sample.

“We are thrilled to have achieved this significant milestone for our Histotechnician program. This accreditation affirms our commitment to providing exceptional education in healthcare and further validates the efforts of our faculty and staff in maintaining the highest standards of excellence,” says RACC Dean of Health Professions, Dr. Stacia Visgarda.

RACC’s state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty, and hands-on learning opportunities ensure that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the industry.

The employment prospects for the field of Histotechnology are projected to be high due to a growing demand for medical and diagnostic services, as well as advances in medical research that require the use of histologic techniques.

To learn more about health professions programs at Reading Area Community College, contact admissions@racc.edu or 610.607.6224.

The three-year award provides support for renovations to the current Weitz Hall facility.

September 27, 2023 — Reading Area Community College (RACC) received a $300,000 grant from the Wyomissing Foundation to kick off the Capital Campaign to renovate and redesign Weitz Hall to the Weitz Healthcare Pavilion. The Weitz Healthcare Pavilion will dramatically increase classroom and lab spaces for the 14 healthcare programs currently at RACC and to allow capacity to bring on nine new healthcare programs. Currently, the college offers associate degree programs in Registered Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, Medical Laboratory Technician and a new Histotechnician program, as well as for-credit certificate practical nursing program and several short-term training programs such as Phlebotomy and Nurse’s Aide.

“With increased space, we will increase the number of applicants seeking admission to our healthcare programs by as much as 80%. These students will then work here in Berks County since over 90% of our graduates stay in our region after graduation,” says RACC President, Dr. Susan Looney. “As a Hispanic Serving Institution, we graduate students of diverse backgrounds, resulting in equitable representation in the local healthcare industry which is critical as our local population reflects our student body.”

“The Wyomissing Foundation is proud to make the first major gift to this essential campaign which will directly address the healthcare workforce crisis here in our region. We are also proud to honor RACC President Emerita, Dr. Anna Weitz, who has long been a champion of the training our local workforce,” says Wyomissing Foundation President Pat Giles.

There are significant healthcare workforce vacancies throughout Eastern Pennsylvania and throughout the Commonwealth. While the two top in-demand professions are Registered and Licensed Practical Nurses, there are many current openings for lab technicians and other laboratory-based positions. Local employers also note increased demand for entry-level workers such as nurse’s aides and phlebotomists.

“Having the highly respected Wyomissing Foundation make this phenomenal award to the Weitz Healthcare Pavilion signals to our business and philanthropic community that the Weitz Healthcare Pavilion is a project that merits serious consideration. We are so grateful to the Board of the Wyomissing Foundation for their support,” says Tony DeMarco, executive director of the Foundation for RACC and the vice president of advancement.

About the Wyomissing Foundation
The Wyomissing Foundation is a private Foundation established in Berks County, Pennsylvania and formed for the promotion of such charitable, scientific, literary and educational activities as the Trustees of the Foundation in their discretion may select.

About Reading Area Community College
Reading Area Community College builds communities of learning committed to educational growth and to the economic vitality in our region.

Learn more about programs at RACC.