On Wednesday, Dec. 20, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) returned to the Olivet Boys & Girls Club in Reading to meet with staff and the youth who benefit from the club’s programming, which includes four core pillars. The pillars focus on academic success, good character and citizenship, specialized initiatives for at-risk youth, and sports fitness and recreation. The Olivet Boys & Girls Club programming covers mental health, college prep sessions, juvenile justice, and intramural sports, just to name a few.
Houlahan’s visit included a tour of their facilities and a reading session with students.
“It’s always good to be back at the Olivet Boys & Girls Club in Reading,” said Houlahan. “Especially this time of year, we are reminded that so much good comes from supporting the youth in our community. The staff here are doing incredible work, and I’m equally inspired by the students! As a former teacher, I loved hearing about the special programming they have throughout their seven locations in Berks County. I’m thankful the Reading community continues to support such an integral institution that provides a positive environment for our kids to learn and grow.”
According to the Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading and Berks County’s website, [their] “programs address the region’s most pressing and immediate youth issues of education support, after-school programming, and mentoring – all of which are provided by caring and knowledgeable staff.” Moreover, the club’s services focus on educational support and the development of healthy practices for children and adolescents, as well as encouraging community service projects and civic responsibility.
“We were thrilled to welcome back Congresswoman Houlahan to one of our club locations in Reading,” said Kat Royer, Interim CEO, Olivet Boys & Girls Club. “During this holiday season, Olivet Boys & Girls Club is especially grateful for the volunteers, community partners, and youth advocates like Congresswoman Houlahan who support and elevate our mission. This support is critical in order to continue to provide impactful programs, services, and positive role models for youth, especially those who need us most.”
In 2021, Houlahan recognized one of the club’s student members, Princess Lovett, who was named Pennsylvania’s Youth of the Year.
Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award, which “recognizes members who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership and constructive governing necessary to move our country forward,” and the Congressional Management Foundation’s 2022 Democracy Award for best Constituent Services in Congress.
