Berks County Supporting Families Collaborative

06/02/2026

Bring your friends and family out to The Neag Planetarium for our community-favorite event, Sensory Fireworks! This event is designed for the young and young at heart who are unable to enjoy the traditional firework show experiences due to the flashes of lights and/or loud boom sounds. There will be multiple crafts for families to enjoy before or during the fireworks shows, and staff will provide sensory bags for guests to borrow too!

This year there are 4 shows:
July 2 at 5:30pm and 7pm
July 3 at 5:30pm and 7pm

Reservations are required, as seating is limited! Tickets are available on our website, and ticket prices are as follows:
Adult- $5
Child- $5
Children 2 and younger- Free

06/02/2026

05/30/2026

05/28/2026

You're invited to the table!!!! What shapes inclusion, belonging, and opportunity for people with disabilities?

Join us as we explore how attitudes, systems, and expectations impact self-determination, community life, and the ability to pursue goals and dreams. Together, we can help create more meaningful, valued, and inclusive communities.

Monday, June 1st
6:00pm-8:00pm
Register Here: bit.ly/ForcesInSociety

Don't forget to register for part 2- The Power Of Valued Social Roles.

Monday, June 8th
6:00pm-8:00pm
Register Here: bit.ly/ValuedSocialRoles

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This work is made possible through funding from the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council (PADDC) Grant #:4100096302.

05/22/2026

🌟 Join us for a fun-filled, empowering day at The Empowerment Expo! 🌟

Connect with local ID/A resources, service providers, families, and community members from across Schuylkill County. This county-wide resource fair will feature:

🎤 Variety of speakers
🤝 Resources from Schuylkill IDD/Autism providers
🎶 Fun activities for all ages
🎁 Free giveaways

📅 Wednesday, June 17, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 St. Nicholas Hall, Pottsville, PA

With over 50 resource providers expected, this event is a great opportunity to learn about available supports, build connections, and celebrate our ID/A community together!

💙 Celebrating Abilities • Connecting Communities • Sharing Resources

For more information, contact Joseph Salem Jr. at 570-573-6626 or [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).

05/22/2026

We had our first IM FIT class at our new location at So Fit Club yesterday! 💪

Just look at all those smiles! We’re so excited to continue building a community of all abilities in our new space.

[Image Description: A group of 22 individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDDs) posing for a group photo after their IM FIT workout.]

05/22/2026

On May 18, the Berks County Employment Coalition, in partnership with Berks County MHDD, hosted its first Employment Expo at the DoubleTree in Reading. The event was organized by Kristin Rodriguez and Allison Bucks from the Berks County Administrative Entity.

The Expo had a great turnout of providers, individuals, and families, and it was wonderful to see so many people come together in support of employment opportunities and resources within our community.

A special thank you to Jen Woods for attending and representing SAM, Inc. at a resource table, where she spoke with individuals and families about eligibility services. Thank you as well to Autumn Weissert and Brenda Rivera Caraballo from SAM, Inc., SCO in Berks County, for volunteering their time and helping make the event a success.

05/21/2026