Tuesday, November 23, 2010

CHOR Residential Success Story

Edward arrived at CHOR on May 21, 2008. Prior to arriving at CHOR, Edward was already getting into trouble with the law. By his own self-report Edward was an angry individual. He was failing his classes in school because he didn’t listen to the teacher. He was unable to keep a lasting friendship with another person his age, was arguing and fighting with his family members and was getting into fights with peers on a regular basis. Edward had very few goals for himself and seemed to be drawn to people who didn’t listen to authority and activities that were against the law.
           Initially, Edward was not invested in his treatment. He had difficulty following directions given to him by staff, struggled to build relationships with staff or peers, and continued to display his angry aggressive behavior.  Through patience and hard work, the treatment team was able to learn a lot about Edward and his needs. Edward was picked on a lot before coming to CHOR and did not know how to build a relationship with a friend. He often kept people at a distance and was resistant to making connections with others. This was displayed through his
negative behaviors.
Over the course of the almost two years that Edward was at CHOR, he learned how to be himself and accept  himself for who he is. Through his own self acceptance, he was able to make friendships with his peers and open up to staff. Edward reports that he doesn’t feel angry at the world anymore and has goals of becoming a graphic designer and living a successful life. He took on the role of a peer leader at CHOR and helped those new to the program by sharing all that he has learned. Edward stopped expressing himself through aggression and now expresses his feelings through music and artwork.
Edward left CHOR with the confidence in himself that he can make friends and be successful at whatever he chooses to do in the future. He came to CHOR surrounded by walls that he built himself in order to keep everyone away. Through patience, understanding, and encouragement, the team at CHOR were able to help Edward begin to tear down those walls little by little, allowing him to leave as the happy and confident young man that he now describes himself as.

Attention all book lovers

We have an immediate need for all books appropriate for
boys ages 10-18. If you are willing to donate any books,
please contact Debbie Acker at 610-478-8266 ext. 429.

You can help make a difference at CHOR

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Tutors in all subject areas
Development Office helpers
Groups to play organized sports with our clients
Individuals to share a talent or hobby
Make our kids a homemade treat

• All volunteers need to be at least 21 years of age
with current state and child abuse history clearances.
Most opportunities are during the school day.

• For more information on any of the above or if you
have an idea you would like to present to us, please
contact Mindy McIntosh at 610.478.8266 ext. 468
or mmcintosh@childrenshomeofrdg.org.

CHOR’s Monthly TV SHOW

Building Kids' Lives in Berks,  CHOR’s Monthly TV SHOW


Airs live on the 3rd Thursday of every month from 11:30 am - 12:00 pm. The show re-runs on the following days and times: Saturday at 8:30 pm, Sunday at 3:30 pm, and Monday at 1:30 pm.

To watch a past show, click on the above link to the BCTV website and search "Building Kids Lives" under the Archives section.

CHOR Trivia

CHOR Trivia:

1. What milestone did we celebrate in 2009?
2. What year were we founded?
3. What year did we move to our current location?
4. What was the function of our agency when it was founded?
5. Where were we originally located?
6. In 1886 we were incorporated under what name to represent our new function as a home for children in need?
7. What year did we change our name to The Children's Home of Reading?
8. In which decade did the Board of Directors amend the Home's charter to expand its function to include more treatment oriented care?
9. The APHP program is located in the "cottage". What program was that building intended for when it was constructed in 1976?
10. What year was the Specialized Foster Care Program established?
11. What year was Berks Parents Services Collaborative established?
12. ATC, our first Residential Treatment program, was established in what year?
13. What year did we become JCAHO accredited for the first time?
14. What year did we start operating the RTF program?
15. What year was the NEAG building completed?
16. Dr. Vince LaSorsa began his tenure as President and CEO of the Home in what year?
17. What year did APHP start?
18. What year did our Alternative Education Program start on the main campus?
19. The CHOR Day Academy started in what year?
20. Lehigh Valley Community Programs began in what year?
21. What year did we start our SRTF program?
22. What year did we receive our Adoption license?
23. What year did ERC start?
24. What program started in 2009 in Lehigh and Northampton counties?

1. 125th Anniversary
2. 1884
3. 1888
4. Day Nursery
5. Franklin St.
6. Home for Friendless Children
7. 1947
8. 70's
9. Group home for youth with drug and alcohol addictions
10. 1982
11. 1991
12. 1996
13. 2003
14. 2003
15. 2003
16. 2004
17. 2004
18. 2004
19. 2005
20. 2005
21. 2005
22. 2006
23. 2008
24. MTFC - Multi-dimensional Foster Care

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

motorcycle run to benefit the Children's Home in Reading

The "BROS" Motorcycle Club held a motorcycle run to benefit the Children's Home in Reading.
Over 100 bikers participated in the event, which the group has been doing for nearly 30 years. The Children’s Homes wishes to thank all those who participated.  You can read more at  Toy Run For Children's Home