Since 1967, through interfaith cooperation, PCRC has been providing tangible services, support, and spiritual guidance to address the basic needs of persons within and beyond the Greater Pottstown area, coordinating programs and referrals to help clients improve their overall stability.
We currently provide Food Security, Housing Stability, and Supportive Services and Education.
History begins with the formation of the Cluster under the driving force of Father Wilfred Penny, Rector of Christ Episcopal Church.
“Local Council of Churches Okayed” was the headline in The Mercury. Thirteen congregations had agreed to take steps toward the formation of a Pottstown Cluster of Churches.
Probably the best known of the early projects was the Pottstown Interfaith Emergency Service, or “PIES.”
Hazel Nettles was instrumental in organizing a food pantry.
Local Public Welfare Office Advocacy — an office accessible to Pottstown residents — was opened.
Pottstown Area Senior Center becomes a reality through efforts encouraged by members of the Cluster.
Trinity United Church of Christ invited other worship centers to share in what is now the Community Meals program.
The Cluster begins sponsoring the annual CROP Hunger Walk to raise funds for local and world hunger.
The search began for a location where the functions of PIES could be consolidated under one roof.
Patricia Von Bing was hired part-time as the Cluster’s first paid employee.
The Cluster rented the location at 137 Walnut Street and opened the Cluster Outreach Center. PIES was officially dissolved and its functions were absorbed and expanded by the Center.
Alden Lanphear is hired as the Interim Executive Director.
Barbara Wilhelmy is hired as the first full-time Executive Director and staff member for the organization. Staffing consisted of one full-time and six part-time employees.
PCRC buys the former American Legion building at 57 North Franklin Street.
The Grand Opening and dedication of the building occurs.
PCRC Pantry opens its doors as a Choice Food Pantry.
The first workshop series for the Getting Ahead initiative, now call Understanding Poverty, to Plan and Persevere, or UP3.
PCRC is awarded a $1 million+ contract with Montgomery County to become one of three county Housing Resource Centers as part of Your Way Home Montgomery County.
The Wise Food Shopper Nutrition Education program begins.
Purchased property at 61 North Franklin Street to serve as PCRC’s educational and administrative building.
PCRC signs an agreement with Philabundance to become Montgomery County’s first Redistribution Organization (RDO).
PCRC celebrates 50 Years of Service to the Pottstown community.
HealthSpark Foundation grant facilitates three new innovative pilot programs with partners Philabundance and Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County; MAHN; and Leadership Tri-County.
