We’re Better Together!
OUR MISSION:
Caring for the needs of Children and Families in crisis and preparing them for success in life, thereby strengthening the Quality of Life in the Communities we serve.
For more than 140 years, The Children’s Home of Reading (CHOR) has stood as a pillar of hope, transforming the lives of at-risk children and families. What began as a heartfelt effort by compassionate citizens to shelter just six children has grown into a vital lifeline—reaching over 4,000 children, adults, and families through more than 35 specialized residential, educational, and community-based programs.
Yet, our work is far from over. Every child deserves safety, healing, and the chance to thrive, but we can’t do it alone. It’s the generosity of individuals, businesses, volunteers, and community partners that makes our mission possible. Every act of kindness, every voice that shares our story, and every extended hand brings us one step closer to changing lives and building a brighter future for those who need it most.
Every year, over 15,000 PA children are in foster care; there are not enough homes.
Are you willing to help?
Children in foster care need safe, supportive homes. You can be their lifeline. As a professional parent, you’ll provide love, structure, and guidance to children who need it most.
✔️ Training & ongoing support provided
✔️ Financial assistance available
✔️ Make a lifelong impact
You can change a child’s future—will you step up?
There are lots of opportunities:
Join us for our Spring Foster Parent Information Sessions, where you’ll learn how YOU CAN make a difference in a child’s life. Our team will walk you through the process, answer your questions, and help you take the first steps toward becoming a foster parent.
💙 Learn more today! Call 610-655-5555 or visit https://www.buildingkidslives.org/programs/community/foster-care.
We have so many opportunities if you want to invite a few friends to learn more or just want to pop in to ask some questions:
Two Chances Left in March, This Thursday!
3/27/25 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM - Join us at the Muhlenberg Community Library for Storytime! 3612 Kutztown Road, Temple, PA
3/27/25 - 4 PM to 6 PM Foster Parent Information Session – VIRTUAL –Call 610-655-5555 for the registration link. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-into-fostering-join-our-free-foster-parent-info-sessions-tickets-1262540435429?aff=oddtdtcreator
APRIL 2025
4/1/25 3 PM to 6 PM - Foster Parent Information Session – 2450 Brodhead Road, Bethlehem, PA https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-into-fostering-join-our-free-foster-parent-info-sessions-tickets-1262579732969?aff=oddtdtcreator
4/14/25 10 AM to 1 PM - Foster Parent Information Session – 1010 Centre Avenue, Reading, PA https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-into-fostering-join-our-free-foster-parent-info-sessions-tickets-1262581157229?aff=oddtdtcreato
4/18/25 – 10 AM to 1 PM - Foster Parent Information Session – Pressed Coffee Shop – 123 Mahantongo Street, Pottsville, PA https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-into-fostering-join-our-free-foster-parent-info-sessions-tickets-1262572631729?aff=oddtdtcreator
4/24/25 - 4 PM to 6 PM - Foster Parent Information – VIRTUAL – Call 610-655-5555 for the registration link.
Spring is a season of new beginnings—why not make it the season you start your foster care journey?
Learn about the foster care process.
Hear real stories from foster parents.
Get answers to all your questions.
Discover the support and resources available to you.
You don’t have to be perfect—just willing to provide love and stability to a needy child.
Register today and take the first step toward changing a life! Sign up here: Via Eventbrite or Visit our Website: https://www.buildingkidslives.org/programs/community/foster-care. Questions? Contact us at 610-655-5555. Let’s make this spring a season of hope and new beginnings—for you and a child in need!
💙 Learn more today! Call 610-655-5555 or visit https://www.buildingkidslives.org/programs/community/foster-care.
Programs and Services
The Children’s Home of Reading offers over 35 different programs & services that meet the unique needs of over 3,500 children & families in crisis every year.
Specialized Education Services
Three licensed school programs with state-certified teachers to help children and youth who have special education needs to achieve their academic goals.
Residential Treatment Programs
Trauma-focused cognitive and behavioral therapy services to help children and youth with mental health disorders like ADHD, post trauma disorders, etc.
Acute Partial Hospitalization
Stabilization and treatment services to help children ages 5-18 with mental health disorders and emotional disturbances.
In the NEWS…
December 20, 2024, Channel 69 - Generosity of the Community
December 6, 2024, Berks Weekly - Children’s Home of Reading: Jill Troutman on 140 years of hope and healing
October 18, 2024, Berks Weekly - Annual Toy Run to benefit the Children’s Home of Reading this Sunday
October 1, 2024, BCTV - Afterschool Program Helping Kids Build Positive Relationships
September 24-27, 2024 - RCPA Conference Booth #52 “Get the Scoop”
September 17, BCTV - National Kinship Month
September 13, 2024, Berks Weekly - Children’s Home of Reading & CHOR Youth & Family Services Celebrates 140 years of Service to the Community
Get Involved
We rely on your timely support to continue to provide critical program services to help the most vulnerable children and youth.
“It’s difficult to answer why we give back to CHOR because it’s similar to the question- Why you love your brother or sister?
We give back because we work well together, we are there for each other, and we care for each other. Giving to CHOR is a natural thing for us.”
MG Architects’ Principal Architects -Robert Conklin (on left) and Scott Graham( on right).
Connect With Us On Social Media
Our Mission, "Caring for the needs of Children and Families in crisis and preparing them for success in life, thereby strengthening the Quality of Life in the Communities we serve.”