FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK.…

As the end of the year approaches, there is no better time to reflect on just how far we have come in a relatively short period of time. January 2, 2009, will mark the third anniversary of our move to our new facility. During that three year period we have watched participation at The Center at Spring Street more than triple and utilization by other agencies serving area residents more than double. Our goal to assist people who are struggling, offer meaningful volunteer opportunities to those who want to give back to the community, provide an inviting gathering place where those 55 years of age and older can establish relationships, have a nutritious dining experience, and participate in social, recreational, and educational programs has exceeded our greatest expectations.

In the midst of this extremely difficult economic crisis, the community has continued to offer support to our mission both financially and through hundreds of volunteer hours; a testament to the commitment residents have made to keep this a strong, healthy community. It is fair to say that this organization could not exist without that support. Our programs are geared to improve the quality of life of all area residents and most would agree that senior services, meals on wheels, volunteer transportation, energy assistance, and an emergency food pantry serve an important role in the community; particularly at a time when the unemployment rate and the price of food, fuel and utilities have hit record highs. Every day we see people who are new to the struggle to afford day to day necessities. It is heartbreaking to watch and even more heartbreaking to experience. Thankfully, we have not seen an end to those wanting to help. Throughout this holiday season we have witnessed the generosity and kindness of our friends and neighbors and their willingness to help others even with their own economic situation is precarious. The current economic situation is new to many of us and all too familiar to others but there is one thing for certain; we are all in this together and we all need to decide what is important to us and act accordingly. There is no question that the year ahead of us will be difficult but please know that we will work very hard to continue to serve the community through quality programs geared to improve the quality of life.

Plans are underway to open the Richards Community Resource Center in January. The center is located on the second floor of the Multi-Service facility and is designed to provide information on services, community events, volunteer opportunities, etc. in the Boyertown Area. It will be open to the public from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please watch for a press release relative to the opening.

Thank you for believing in what we do and for helping us to help others. It is a partnership that has lasted more than thirty five years and we are looking forward to the next thirty five. The staff and Board of Directors of Boyertown Area Multi-Service want to wish you and your families a safe and happy holiday. May you receive some joy from knowing that you have made a difference.

2008 TAX ASSISTANCE NEEDED

Volunteers will be available to help with income tax preparation in February, 2009. If you need assistance with filing, please call in January to put your name on the list. A staff person will return your call to schedule an appointment. Please keep in mind that volunteers are trained to do State and very basic Federal Income Tax preparation. If you have investments involving capital gains and losses, you will need to go to an income tax professional even if a Multi-Service volunteer prepared your taxes last year. Tax preparation is limited to individuals and couples whose annual income (including Social Security) is $35,000 or less. Please review your 2007 income tax papers before calling for an appointment to make sure you meet the above criteria.

LIHEAP INCREASES INCOME GUIDELINES

The 2008-09 LIHEAP Season opened on November 3, 2008 and the original income guidelines have increased. The chart below indicates the new income guidelines based on gross annual income. The LIHEAP program helps pay the winter heating bills of low-income households and senior citizens. Call Lori Bernhard at Boyertown Area Multi-Service at 610-367-6957 to determine your eligibility, or if you simply have questions about the program.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY!

If you enjoy driving and meeting new people—we have a volunteer opportunity for you. Boyertown Area Multi-Service provides transportation for residents in the community who have no other means of getting to and from medical appointments. There is no obligation when asked to drive, and we do offer reimbursement for gas mileage. For more details please contact the receptionist at 610-367-6957.

If you enjoy answering the phone, greeting people, and working with a great staff, we have just the volunteer opportunity for you! Boyertown Area Multi-Service is looking for volunteers to cover the front desk when the morning or afternoon receptionist is on vacation or out sick. The morning hours are 8:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. and the afternoon hours are 12:30 to 4:30 P.M. If this sounds interesting to you, please contact Carol Dugan or Amy Wolf at 610-367-6957 for further details.

Multi-Service and The Center at Spring Street have a variety of volunteer opportunities available. For more info, please call or stop by.

Boyertown Area Multi-Service, Inc.
c/o Executive Director
200 West Spring Street
Boyertown, PA 19512

MULTI-SERVICE STAFF

Executive Director: Dana Eichert
Secretary/Bookkeeper: Kathy Murphy
Receptionist/Transportation Coordinator:
Carol Dugan/Amy Wolf
Over 60/Montgomery Meals on Wheels
(MOWS) Coordinator: Ginny Cox
Center Director: Karen Youse
Assistant Center Director: Patricia Petrauskas
Under 60 Case Manager: Amy Davies
Energy/Berks MOWS Case
Manager: Lori Bernhard
Food Program Manager: Nancy Kremm
Bus Driver: Joy Harner
Chef: Richard Mackey, Jr.
Prep Chef: Ursula Wieland
Evening Receptionist: Darlene Strubilla
Custodian: Russell Bouchat
Center Receptionist: Fran Doaty
MOWS Volunteer Coordinator: Elaine Bangs
Editor: Karen Youse
Typist: Kathy Murphy