Last Updated on: May 15, 2026
This page is for people leaving incarceration, their families, and case workers looking for reentry support in Reading, PA.
Reading has several strong reentry resources for people with criminal records. Below you will find an updated list of all reentry tools, programs and resources. You will find support with housing, employment, legal aid, education, mental health, substance use counseling, and related reentry needs and more.
Notice: For statewide help and/or other Pennsylvania cities, see our full guide to Reentry Programs in Pennsylvania. You may also find our Reentry Survival Guide for Felons helpful.
List of Reentry Programs in Reading, PA
Connections Work
Address: 19 N. 6th Street, 4th Floor, Reading, PA 19601
Phone: (484) 260-3860
Best For: People with criminal justice involvement who need comprehensive reentry services including employment training, housing, and family support.
What It Offers: Case management, workforce development with the R3 pre-apprenticeship program, GED/ESL classes through Level Up program, recovery support for those with opioid use disorders, and family reunification services.
Halfway Houses and Transitional Housing in Reading, PA
Stable housing is one of the biggest reentry needs in Berks County. Some programs provide transitional housing directly, while others connect people to shelters, sober living, supportive housing, or coordinated entry services.
For a larger housing guide, visit Felon Friendly Apartments & Housing – How to Find Housing With a Criminal Record.
GEO ADAPPT (Berks County)
Address: 417-419 Walnut Street, Reading, PA 19601-3905
Phone: (610) 478-8800
Best For: Individuals transitioning from incarceration who need structured residential reentry services and community reintegration support.
What It Offers: Community-based transitional housing with case management, employment support, substance abuse treatment referrals, and connections to local services for people on probation or parole.
Berks County Housing Authority
Address: 1803 Butter Lane, Reading, PA 19606
Phone: (610) 921-1900
Best For: Low-income individuals and families seeking permanent subsidized housing throughout Berks County.
What It Offers: Public housing vouchers, rental assistance programs, and affordable housing options through HUD-supported programs.
Housing Solutions for People With Criminal Records in Reading, PA
Housing can be difficult with a felony record, especially when landlords use background checks. Do not pay application fees until you ask whether felony records are automatic denials or reviewed individually.
For more help, read Felon Friendly Apartments & Housing – How to Find Housing With a Criminal Record. You may also want to review our guide to Public Housing for Felons.
Pennsylvania 211
Address: Countywide resource
Phone: Dial 211 (free, 24/7)
Best For: Anyone in Berks County who needs immediate housing referrals, emergency shelter information, or connections to local housing resources.
What It Offers: Free information and referral service that connects callers to local housing assistance, utilities help, shelter options, and emergency services available in your area.
Connections Work – Housing Support
Address: 19 N. 6th Street, 4th Floor, Reading, PA 19601
Phone: (484) 260-3860
Best For: Returning citizens who need housing assistance as part of comprehensive reentry case management.
What It Offers: Housing referrals, assistance securing stable housing, landlord mediation, and coordinated support to maintain housing stability.
Berks County Assistance Office
Address: 625 Cherry Street, 3rd Floor, Reading, PA 19602
Phone: (610) 736-4211 or (866) 215-3912 (toll-free)
Best For: Low-income individuals and families seeking emergency financial assistance, rent help, or utility assistance.
What It Offers: SNAP food stamps, rental deposit assistance, rent payment assistance, temporary financial assistance, and other emergency support programs.
Emergency Food, Clothing, and Basic Needs
If you just got out of jail or prison and need food, clothing, hygiene items, emergency shelter, or benefits, start with these resources.
For more options, read Emergency Financial Help for Felons. You can also check whether you qualify for Food Stamps (SNAP) as a Felon.
Helping Harvest Food Bank
Address: Multiple distribution sites throughout Berks County
Phone: (610) 926-5802 ext. 201
Best For: Low-income residents of Berks County who need emergency food assistance through partner food pantries.
What It Offers: Distributes over nine million pounds of food annually to more than 300 programs that feed hungry families in Berks and surrounding counties.
New Journey Community Outreach Food Pantry
Address: 527 Franklin Street, Reading, PA 19602
Phone: (610) 375-2662
Best For: Berks County residents who need groceries to supplement nutritional needs and meal preparation.
What It Offers: Free groceries and food assistance; clients may access the pantry once every 30 days by appointment.
Kennedy House Food Pantry
Address: Multiple locations in Berks County
Phone: (610) 926-5802 ext. 206
Best For: Low-income Berks County residents who need emergency food without application requirements or identification.
What It Offers: Free food to meet basic nutritional needs; walk-ins welcome with no vouchers or ID required.
Pennsylvania 211 – Basic Needs Assistance
Address: Countywide resource
Phone: Dial 211 (24/7, free, confidential)
Best For: Anyone needing emergency food, utilities help, clothing, or other basic necessities.
What It Offers: Referrals to local food pantries, emergency assistance programs, utility payment help, and other immediate support services.
Free or Low Cost Healthcare and Mental Health Help
Many people coming home from jail or prison need medication, therapy, addiction treatment, dental care, mental health care, or a primary doctor. These Reading resources may help. You can also read our guide to Health Insurance for Felons for more coverage options.
Wernersville State Hospital
Address: 160 Main Street, Wernersville, PA 19565
Phone: (610) 678-3411 or (800) 828-3354 (toll-free)
Best For: Berks County residents with serious mental health needs who require longer-term inpatient psychiatric treatment.
What It Offers: Inpatient psychiatric care, medication management, therapy, and coordination with county mental health programs for step-down to community services.
Reading Hospital – Community Health Services
Address: 6th & Spruce Streets, Reading, PA 19601
Phone: (610) 988-8000
Best For: Uninsured or underinsured individuals needing primary care, substance abuse treatment, or mental health services.
What It Offers: Primary care services, addiction medicine, behavioral health treatment, and financial assistance programs for uninsured patients.
Connections Work – Recovery Works Program
Address: 19 N. 6th Street, 4th Floor, Reading, PA 19601
Phone: (484) 260-3860
Best For: People with opioid use disorder or substance abuse history seeking workforce development integrated with recovery support.
What It Offers: Case management, workforce training, and peer support specifically for individuals in recovery from substance use disorders.
SAMHSA National Helpline
Address: National phone and referral service
Phone: 1-800-662-4357
Best For: Substance abuse and mental health treatment referrals nationwide
What It Offers: SAMHSA provides free, confidential referrals to local treatment providers for mental health and substance abuse needs.
Legal Help, Expungement, and Documents
Legal help can make a major difference after incarceration. People may need help clearing records, reducing charges, getting IDs, handling warrants, dealing with child support, fixing tickets, or understanding employment rights. For more on record clearing, see our Felony Expungement & Sealing Information. You may also find our guides to Background Check Laws and Seven Year Background Check States helpful.
MidPenn Legal Services – Reading Office
Address: 35 North Sixth Street, Mezzanine Suite 101, Reading, PA 19601
Phone: (610) 376-8656 or (800) 326-9177 (to apply)
Best For: Low-income Berks County residents who need free legal help with expungements, record sealing, housing disputes, or public benefits.
What It Offers: Free civil legal services including expungement assistance, Clean Slate record sealing, pardon applications, employment law help, and representation for housing and public benefits issues.
Berks County Bar Association – Lawyer Referral Service
Address: 544 Court Street, Reading, PA 19603
Phone: (610) 375-4591
Best For: People who need a private attorney referral or want to learn about the Modest Means Program for reduced-cost legal help.
What It Offers: Referrals to qualified Berks County attorneys; information about the Modest Means Program for those who don’t qualify for legal aid but need affordable representation.
Berks County Adult Probation & Parole Office
Address: Berks County Services Center, 7th Floor, 633 Court Street, Reading, PA 19601
Phone: (610) 478-3400
Best For: People on probation or parole who need guidance on supervision conditions, reentry requirements, or referrals to support services.
What It Offers: Supervision and monitoring, reentry case management, referrals to employment and housing assistance, and coordination with treatment providers.
Employment Help for Felons in Reading, PA
Employment is critical to successful reentry. Many employers in Berks County are willing to hire people with criminal records if you know where to look. Start with government-funded reentry employment programs before applying to larger corporations.
For more help, read Jobs For Felons & Companies That Hire People With Records and our Employment for People With Criminal Records guide.
Connections Work – R3 Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Address: 19 N. 6th Street, 4th Floor, Reading, PA 19601
Phone: (484) 260-3860
Best For: Returning citizens seeking pre-apprenticeship training and direct employer connections in construction and skilled trades.
What It Offers: Pre-apprenticeship curriculum, job readiness training, credit toward ABC Keystone and Eastern PA apprenticeships, case management, and wage support during training.
PA CareerLink – Berks County
Address: 1920 Kutztown Road, Suite F, Reading, PA 19604
Phone: 610-988-1300
Best For: People with records seeking job training, placement services, and employment support services.
What It Offers: Job readiness training, career counseling, connections to employers, training programs, and support for displaced workers and those returning from incarceration.
Connections Work – Workforce Development
Address: 19 N. 6th Street, 4th Floor, Reading, PA 19601
Phone: (484) 260-3860
Best For: Returning citizens needing comprehensive employment readiness, job placement, financial literacy, and ongoing career support.
What It Offers: Employment readiness workshops, job placement assistance, vocational training, financial literacy classes, employer connections, and long-term job retention support.
Education & Job Training for Returning Citizens
Many people need GED preparation, high school diplomas, vocational training, or college help after incarceration. Check whether you qualify for the Pell Grant for felons or student loans despite a drug conviction.
Connections Work – Level Up Program
Address: 19 N. 6th Street, 4th Floor, Reading, PA 19601
Phone: (484) 260-3860
Best For: Returning citizens and others with barriers to employment who need GED or ESL classes integrated with career planning.
What It Offers: GED and ESL classes with individualized career plans, job search support, employment placement, and ongoing case management.
Literacy Council of Reading-Berks
Address: 502 Washington Street, Reading, PA 19601
Phone: (610) 373-1126
Best For: Adults in Berks County who need literacy, GED, or English language education.
What It Offers: Adult basic literacy education, GED preparation classes, English as a Second Language (ESL), and workforce literacy programs.
Substance Abuse & Addiction Treatment
Substance abuse treatment is often necessary for successful reentry. If you are struggling with addiction, start by calling SAMHSA’s National Helpline or your county substance abuse office.
Council on Chemical Abuse (COCA) – Berks County
Address: Multiple treatment locations in Berks County
Phone: (610) 376-0223
Best For: Individuals with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders needing assessment-based treatment.
What It Offers: Outpatient counseling, group therapy, medication-assisted treatment, intensive programs, and referrals to residential treatment when needed.
Connections Work – Recovery Works Program
Address: 19 N. 6th Street, 4th Floor, Reading, PA 19601
Phone: (484) 260-3860
Best For: People in recovery from opioid use disorder seeking integrated workforce development and peer support.
What It Offers: Case management, peer support, workforce training, financial literacy, and community connections for those in recovery.
Alcoholics Anonymous – Berks County
Address: Multiple meeting locations throughout Berks County
Phone: (717) 234-5390 (Central PA Intergroup)
Best For: People seeking peer-led recovery support and fellowship in 12-step programs.
What It Offers: Free peer-led meetings, sponsorship opportunities, and community support for those working toward sobriety.
SAMHSA National Helpline
Address: National referral line
Phone: 1-800-662-4357
Best For: People who need free, confidential referrals to local substance abuse or mental health treatment
What It Offers: SAMHSA connects callers to treatment providers, support groups, and community-based organizations nationwide.
Family, Youth, and Community Support
Reentry affects families, children, and the whole community. These organizations may help with mentoring, family support, youth programs, community connection, and advocacy.
Connections Work – Family Connections Program
Address: 19 N. 6th Street, 4th Floor, Reading, PA 19601
Phone: (484) 260-3860
Best For: Children and families impacted by parental incarceration seeking support and family reunification services.
What It Offers: Family counseling, children’s support groups, parenting programs, supervised family visits, mentoring, and community connection activities.
Berks County Community Foundation – Ready to Reenter Resource Guide
Address: Berks County-wide resource
Phone: (610) 685-0557
Best For: Returning citizens seeking comprehensive information about local services including employment, housing, benefits, and family support.
What It Offers: Updated directory of reentry resources including probation/parole information, government agencies, and community services.
Other Helpful Resources
These guides may also help if you are rebuilding your life in Berks County:
Reentry Programs in Pennsylvania
Best For: Statewide reentry help
What It Offers: A larger list of Pennsylvania reentry programs, housing resources, job help, legal support, and basic needs resources.
Jobs For Felons & Companies That Hire People With Records
Best For: People looking for work with a criminal record
What It Offers: A list of companies and job types that may be more open to hiring people with felony convictions.
Felon Friendly Apartments & Housing
Best For: People who need housing after incarceration
What It Offers: Practical advice for finding apartments, asking about background checks, and locating housing options that may review applicants individually.
Emergency Financial Help for Felons
Best For: People who need immediate help with money, food, bills, or basic needs
What It Offers: Emergency assistance ideas and places to look for short-term help.
Food Stamps (SNAP) for Felons
Best For: People applying for SNAP benefits with a criminal record
What It Offers: Information about SNAP eligibility for people with drug convictions and felony records.
Grants for Felons
Best For: People looking for financial assistance to rebuild after incarceration
What It Offers: A guide to grants that may be available to people with felony records.
Scholarships for Felons
Best For: People with records who want to pursue education
What It Offers: A list of scholarships that may be available to formerly incarcerated people and those with criminal records.
What Makes a Good Reentry Program in Reading, PA?
A good reentry program should do more than hand you a phone number. Look for programs that offer direct help, clear intake steps, realistic services, and staff who understand criminal records.
Strong reentry programs usually help with:
- Housing or housing referrals
- Job readiness and employer connections
- Substance abuse or mental health support
- Legal aid or expungement referrals
- Identification documents
- Family reunification
- Case management
- Transportation or basic needs referrals
- Long-term support, not only one appointment
Tips for Choosing a Reentry Program in Reading, PA
Call before you go. Ask whether you need an appointment, ID, proof of release, probation paperwork, parole paperwork, Medicaid information, or referral documents.
Ask these questions:
- Do you work with people who have felony convictions?
- Do you help with housing, or only give referrals?
- Do you help people who are homeless right now?
- Do you help with jobs or only resume classes?
- Do you help with expungement or record clearing?
- Is there a waitlist?
- Do I need to live in Berks County?
- Do you accept walk-ins?
- Are services free?
- What should I bring to my first appointment?
Disclaimer
This page is for general information only. Reentry program details, eligibility rules, phone numbers, locations, funding, and services can change at any time. Always contact the program directly before visiting. Help For Felons does not guarantee that any organization will accept you, provide housing, offer financial help, remove a criminal record, or place you in a job. This information is not legal advice. Program information on this page was gathered from official program websites, county and city sources, and direct program listings. If you find outdated or incorrect information, please contact us.
