From JPrutzman Enterprises LLC
Pictured above, from left to right: Rosa Julia Parra, Rick Perez, Dr. Khalid Mumin, Ed. D, and John Weidenhammer. Photo courtesy of Lauren Adele Little
Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Berks (NHS of Greater Berks), in partnership with Tec Centro Berks, successfully hosted the Second Annual Berks County Luminary Awards: More Than a Job Workforce Development: The Key to Homeownership on Thursday, April 9, at Tec Centro Berks.
The sold-out, invitation-only event brought together regional leaders, financial institutions, and community advocates to address workforce housing challenges and celebrate those driving meaningful change. The program featured keynote speaker Joe Theismann, Super Bowl XVII-winning quarterback, who returned after attending last year’s inaugural event to celebrate firsthand the progress Berks County has made over the past year and deliver an inspiring message on leadership, perseverance, and community impact.
Honoring community leaders
The event recognized outstanding individuals whose contributions continue to shape Berks County:
- John Weidenhammer – Lifetime Achievement Award
- Dr. Khalid Mumin, Ed. D – Visionary Award
- Rick Perez – Community Impact Award
- Rosa Julia Parra – Community Catalyst Award
Major investments in homeownership
In addition to the awards, a highlight of the event was the announcement and celebration of significant investments supporting affordable homeownership across Berks County:
- Customers Bank – $3.25 million
- Ephrata National Bank – $3 million
- M&T Bank – $2 million
- City of Reading – $1.2 million
- Berks County – $300,000
- Community Workforce Fund – $500,000
Together, these investments represent a powerful, coordinated effort to expand access to homeownership and strengthen communities across Berks County.
Advancing workforce housing solutions
The event emphasized the direct connection between workforce development and housing stability. NHS of Greater Berks remains the only organization in Pennsylvania offering both financial education and second mortgage lending to support first-time homebuyers. Since 2017, the organization has helped more than 2,000 families achieve homeownership, with over 97% remaining in their homes.
“Workforce housing doesn’t begin with a mortgage; it begins with opportunity,” said Steve Gieringer, CEO of NHS of Greater Berks. “When we invest in people, we create pathways to sustainable homeownership and stronger communities.”
Tec Centro Berks Executive Director Violet Emory added, “When individuals gain the skills to earn, they gain the ability to own. That transformation creates generational impact.”
A collective impact
The success of the Luminary Awards reflects the power of collaboration among public, private, and nonprofit partners. Together, these investments and initiatives are helping to ensure that more Berks County residents can achieve the stability and opportunity that come with homeownership.
About Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Berks
Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Berks is committed to making homeownership possible for first-time, low-to-moderate-income buyers by offering financial education and lending solutions that empower families and strengthen communities. Visit nhsgb.org.
About Tec Centro Berks
Tec Centro Berks focuses on moving Latinos out of poverty by providing various tools, such as education, training, and workforce development, economic development, and empowerment to create self-sufficiency and opportunities in Berks County. Visit teccentroberks.org.
