Wyomissing, Pa. – Customers Bank is proud to announce that Berks County veterans have a new resource for physical and social support at the Veterans Social Center of Berks County. Members of the community including Robert J. DeSousa, State Director for U.S. Senator Pat Toomey, celebrated the Social Center’s grand opening today at the Hope Rescue Mission in Reading.
“For the past three years, we have worked with community and business partners to identify the specific needs of Berks County’s veterans, and how we can meet those needs,” said Richard Ehst, President & COO, Customers Bank. “The outcome, thanks to the generosity of the Hope Rescue Mission and money raised as part of an annual Veterans Day fundraising event sponsored by Customers Bank, is the Veterans Social Center of Berks County – a safe, welcoming place where veterans can find fellowship and support, starting today.”
Berks County is home to nearly 12,500 veterans, of whom more than 12% are unemployed. The Veterans Social Center of Berks County offers food, clothing, toiletries and daytime shelter, as well as free professional counseling services. The center is open daily at the Hope Rescue Mission, at 645 N 6th St, Reading, PA 19601.
“These Americans sacrificed to protect our country – they are our family, friends, and neighbors, and it is important to support their patriotism and service,” said DeSousa, who also serves as a Colonel in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. “The U.S. Senate congratulates Customers Bank for their commitment to veterans in this community, and thanks all who made the Veterans Social Center of Berks County possible.”
