Illumination Foundation

10/23/2026

Join us! All are welcome

🙌🔥 WORSHIP NIGHT IS BACK!!! 🔥🙌

After an AMAZING first Worship Night, we are so excited to do it again!

Saturday, October 24th at 6PM, we're coming together at Sun and Shield Coffee Co. for another night of worship, prayer, fellowship, and seeking the presence of God! 🙏

What we experienced during our first Worship Night was something special, and we can't wait to see what God has in store for this next gathering!

Our coffee shop hasn't officially opened yet, but one thing we've said from the very beginning is that Sun and Shield is about so much more than coffee.

We want this to be a place where people feel welcomed, loved, encouraged, and most importantly, where Jesus is lifted up!

And we don't have to wait until the coffee shop opens to start doing that! ❤️

So whether you were with us for our first Worship Night or this will be your first time joining us, YOU ARE INVITED!

Come as you are. Bring your family. Invite a friend. Let's fill this place with worship and praise to the One who deserves it all! 🙌🔥

📅 Saturday, October 24th
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 Sun and Shield Coffee Co.
314 Penn St., Reading, PA

No pressure. No expectations. Just people coming together to worship Jesus!

More Than Coffee. A Place of Hope. ☕💚

"For the LORD God is a sun and shield..."
Psalm 84:11

See you Saturday!!! 🙌🔥

10/23/2026

💜

Just 2 weeks until our Seasonal Shelter opens for the winter!

On Nov. 4, we will once again open our doors to provide a safe, warm place to stay for adults in our community experiencing homelessness. Our shelter will operate every night through April 30, providing 176 days of emergency shelter and support.

During their stay, guests receive a safe place to sleep, evening and morning meals, transportation, and access to showers on designated days. Just as importantly, we build relationships, connect guests with community resources, and walk alongside them as they work toward greater stability.

Since 2020, PBOH has served nearly 600 individuals and provided more than 20,000 nights of safe shelter. Today, approximately 60% of the individuals we serve move to a more stable living environment.

Behind every number is a person with a story, and we believe everyone deserves the opportunity for a safer, more stable future.💜

NEED SHELTER?
Open nightly Nov. 4 - April 30. Intake and check-in: 5:15–6:30 PM

Location: Christ Episcopal Church
316 E. High Street, Pottstown (rear of building)

After check-in, guests are transported to our Seasonal Shelter location for the evening.

For information about the Seasonal Shelter and eligibility requirements, visit:
https://www.pottstownbeaconofhope.org/programs/seasonal-shelter

WANT TO HELP?
It takes an entire community to keep the shelter open every night, and there are several ways you can make a difference this season!

Volunteer: Sign up to serve alongside our team.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D44A4AE22AAFDC70-66626733-our2026 #/

Prepare a meal: Help provide dinner or breakfast for our shelter guests. (sign up through volunteer link above)

Donate: Your financial gift helps cover shelter operations and essential needs throughout the winter.
https://pottstownbeaconofhope.networkforgood.com/projects/308405-seasonal-shelter-campaign-2026-2027

Spread the word: Share this post to help connect neighbors in need with shelter resources and encourage others to get involved.

Questions about volunteering or providing a meal? Contact us at [email protected].

Whether you’re new to Pottstown Beacon of Hope or have supported us for years, thank you for being part of this mission. Together, we’re building a stronger, more caring Pottstown. 🫶

10/23/2026

Resources in Reading, PA!

Berks County Resources: If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness or needs housing help, you're not alone. These local services can help.

Berks Coalition to End Homelessness: coordinated entry for shelter and housing programs across Berks County. 610-372-7222, Mon–Fri 8 AM–3:30 PM, 600 Penn St, Reading. bceh.org

PA 211: free, confidential help finding shelter, housing and other services, 24/7. Dial 211. For a Berks homelessness screening, call 211 or 855-567-5341, Mon–Fri 7 AM–5 PM. pa211.org

Opportunity House: 24/7 emergency shelter for men, women, children and veterans, 430 N 2nd St, Reading. 610-374-4696 (ext. 247 after 4 PM on weekdays and on weekends). opphouse.org

Hope Rescue Mission: emergency shelter for single men, with meals, showers and clothing, 645 N 6th St, Reading. 610-375-4224. hopeforreading.org

LightHouse Women & Children's Center (Hope Rescue Mission): 715 N 6th St, Reading. 610-484-4495. hopeforreading.org

Opportunity House and Hope Rescue Mission also run Code Blue programs in the winter.

In an emergency, call 911.

10/14/2026

10/01/2026

So grateful to have Cathleen Collins Kabakci part of Illumination Foundation !

💙 THANKFUL THURSDAY: Meet the Board! 💙

Today we’re thankful for Cathleen Collins Kabakci, Treasurer of the Spring-Ford Chamber of Commerce and Branch Manager at Phoenixville Federal Bank & Trust in Limerick!

Cathleen’s commitment to our community goes well beyond the Chamber. She is also a co-founder and Treasurer of the Illumination Foundation, which grew out of her previous involvement as Treasurer of Illumination Community Outreach. At Phoenixville Federal, she also serves as Assistant Treasurer, COCC Branch Coordinator and Implementation Specialist.

When she’s not working or volunteering, Cathleen loves traveling, the beach, being anywhere near the water, trips to the Poconos, concerts, local bands, comedy shows, and spending time with family and friends!

We’re grateful for Cathleen’s time, leadership, and dedication to the Chamber and our community. Thank you for all you do! 💙

09/04/2026

Our founder Claire Rivera introducing the mission of Illumination Foundation at Meet the Author.

Our new brand and website are officially live! We’d love for you to take a look and feedback is always welcome.

09/04/2026

Grateful to Robyn Pavone Hart, Cathleen Collins Kabakci, Tom Rivera, and Claire Rivera for taking the Illumination story to The Pyramid Club yesterday evening. Big thank you to Theresa Hummel-Krallinger for leading Meet the Author - this month reaches 13 years - and allowing us to be the sponsored charity for the event.

09/03/2026

Tonight, Illumination Foundation is honored to be the sponsored charity for Meet the Author at the Pyramid Club in Philadelphia. Standing 52 stories above Market Street, I am reminded where this all began: a folding table, a few volunteers, and a willingness to show up.

So much has changed since 2018. The mission has grown, the organization has changed, and the work has taken different forms. But the heart of it is still the same and the Light has held.