
Safe Berks
Safe Berks in Reading, PA, offers comprehensive support and advocacy for survivors, including trauma-informed counseling and empowerment programs, in a clean and welcoming facility. Dedicated staff like Maria, Stephanie, and Marilyn are commended for their compassionate assistance.
What people love about Safe Berks
Dedicated Staff Members (Maria, Stephanie & Marilyn)
These individuals are repeatedly named and celebrated for going above and beyond in their support.
Comprehensive Empowerment Programs
Clients highlight the shelter’s focus on long-term independence through workshops, support groups, and counseling.
Trauma-Informed Counseling
Survivors praise the qualified, empathetic counselors for understanding their trauma and delivering effective care.
Clean & Welcoming Facility Environment
Several reviewers explicitly commend the shelter’s physical setting and atmosphere as comforting and supportive.
Key Themes from Reviews of Safe Berks
Staff Professionalism & Attitude
MixedSome clients praise specific team members for dedication and compassion, while others describe staff as rude, disrespectful, or on “power trips.”
Responsiveness & Follow-up
NegativeMultiple reviewers report unanswered calls, abrupt case abandonment, and delays in booking appointments or legal representation.
Facility Cleanliness & Environment
MixedOpinions diverge between reports of a dirty, disorganized shelter and others finding the site clean, safe, and welcoming.
Service Offerings & Program Support
PositiveClients value the breadth of services—counseling, support groups, resource coordination—and credit the organization with empowering survivors.
Legal Assistance & Advocacy
MixedWhile some survivors commend the in-house legal team for securing PFAs, others feel their cases were dropped or stalled indefinitely.
Safety & Trust
MixedSeveral clients express fear and distrust, citing safety lapses and administrative inaction, whereas others feel genuinely protected and heard.
Intake & Eligibility Process
NegativeReviewers describe restrictive or unclear qualifying criteria, feeling dismissed or forced to plead for support during intake.
About Safe Berks
Overview
Safe Berks is a premier social services organization, corporate office, and crisis center located in Reading, PA. For individuals and families facing domestic violence, homelessness, or other personal crises, Safe Berks delivers compassionate support backed by deep local expertise. Nestled in the heart of Berks County, our facility offers a secure haven where every survivor can access life-changing resources—from emergency shelter to legal advocacy—under one roof. Our goal is simple: to restore safety, dignity, and hope by guiding each person toward lasting independence.
Our Mission & Values
At Safe Berks, we believe that everyone deserves to feel safe, heard, and empowered. Grounded in trauma‐informed care and guided by respect, our mission is to intervene in moments of crisis and propel survivors onto a path of healing. We champion transparency, continuous improvement, and accountability—embracing feedback from our community to strengthen responsiveness and streamline intake procedures. Whether you’re reaching out at 2 a.m. or in broad daylight, our commitment is unwavering: to listen first, then to act swiftly and decisively on your behalf.
Comprehensive Services
Safe Berks brings together a broad spectrum of programs to address the complex needs of survivors:
• Emergency Shelter & Crisis Intervention: 24/7 access to safe rooms, hot meals, and immediate crisis counseling.
• Trauma-Informed Counseling: Licensed therapists provide one-on-one sessions and support groups designed to process trauma and build coping skills.
• Legal Assistance & Advocacy: Our in-house legal team specializes in securing Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders, navigating family court, and ensuring your rights are upheld.
• Resource Coordination: From childcare referrals to job readiness workshops, we connect you with the tools you need to rebuild.
• Support Groups & Workshops: Peer-led groups and educational series on topics such as financial literacy, healthy relationships, and self-care.
Clients consistently emphasize the positive impact of our multifaceted approach: “It not only provides shelter… but also offers support groups, legal support, resource coordination, counseling and much more.”
Dedicated, Compassionate Team
Our strength lies in our people. Survivors routinely single out team members like Maria, Stephanie, and Marilyn for going “the extra mile,” embodying dedication and genuine compassion. Behind every call answered and every case managed, you’ll find professionals who treat your story with the respect it deserves.
• “My counselor is amazing!”
• “I personally deal with Stephanie, Marilyn, and Maria. I love them for their dedication…”
We also acknowledge areas of growth—some clients have experienced delays in appointment scheduling or felt uncertain during intake. In response, we are enhancing our follow-up protocols, expanding staff training, and refining our eligibility guidelines to make the process clearer and more supportive from the very first contact.
A Clean, Safe & Welcoming Environment
Safe Berks prides itself on providing a facility that feels secure and inviting. Many survivors describe our shelter as “clean, welcoming and friendly,” highlighting the importance of a calm, organized space when navigating trauma. Although a few clients have cited occasional disorganization, we proactively enlist additional custodial support and conduct regular safety audits to maintain high standards of cleanliness, privacy, and comfort.
Empowerment Through Programs
Beyond immediate crisis care, Safe Berks is committed to long-term empowerment. Our workshops—ranging from financial planning to parenting skills—equip survivors with practical knowledge for self-sufficiency. Support groups foster a sense of community, enabling participants to learn from each other’s experiences. As one client shared, “They empower all those struggling and guide them to find a way out of pain to independence.” This holistic model helps individuals rebuild confidence, restore trust, and chart a hopeful future.
Why Choose Safe Berks?
• Proven Impact: Our legal team has helped secure numerous PFAs, while counseling staff deliver consistent, trauma-informed expertise.
• Personalized Support: From intake to aftercare, you’ll work with a dedicated advocate who knows your story.
• Broad Network: As a corporate office and social services leader, we maintain partnerships across Berks County to streamline referrals for housing, employment, and health care.
• Continuous Improvement: We listen to every piece of feedback—positive and critical—to sharpen our responsiveness and refine our processes.
Whether you’re a survivor seeking shelter, an agency looking to collaborate, or a donor wishing to make a difference, Safe Berks stands ready to serve with professionalism, heart, and unwavering commitment.
Contact Information
Safe Berks – Crisis Center & Corporate Office
200 W. Second Street, Reading, PA 19601
Phone: (610) 373-1206
Email: info@safeberks.org
Website: www.safeberks.org
Reach out any time—our doors and lines are open around the clock. At Safe Berks, you’re not just another case file: you’re a valued individual on the path to safety, recovery, and renewed strength.
Unique Details About Safe Berks
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Alternative Local Businesses in Reading, PA
Contact Information for Safe Berks
Reading, PA 19602
United States of America
County: Berks County
Phone: +1 610-373-1206
Website: Visit Website
Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Based on 55 reviews
Review data
5 star reviews
- 67%
4 star reviews
- 5%
3 star reviews
- 5%
2 star reviews
- 7%
1 star reviews
- 15%
Working Hours / Hours of Operation
- Monday:
- Open 24 hours
- Tuesday:
- Open 24 hours
- Wednesday:
- Open 24 hours
- Thursday:
- Open 24 hours
- Friday:
- Open 24 hours
- Saturday:
- Open 24 hours
- Sunday:
- Open 24 hours

