Belief Statement

Connections Work believes that life changing success is possible for everyone,

when barriers are removed, and people are encouraged to believe in their future

and given the tools and opportunities to pursue it.

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At Connections Work, we believe everyone deserves a second chance and a pathway to success. Since 1975, we've been providing life-changing support and services to individuals in Berks County who are working to rebuild their lives, especially those impacted by the justice system.

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Since launching the first reentry workforce program in the Berks County Jail in 2010, we’ve grown into the county’s largest provider of workforce development services for justice-involved individuals. Our case-managed, wraparound model helps people overcome barriers, build skills, and connect with local employers who believe in second chances.

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We recently expanded our target population to include individuals who face similar barriers to success such as disconnected young adults, people in recovery, and others navigating systemic challenges. Today, we offer specialized workforce development programs for individuals on state parole, participants in Treatment Courts, young adults, and those living with serious mental health challenges. Our Reentry Works program is open to anyone in Berks County with current or past justice involvement, helping people find meaningful employment and long-term stability.

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We’re also proud to operate Rebuilding Reentrants and Reading (R3), Pennsylvania’s only registered pre-apprenticeship program in the construction trades exclusively for justice-involved individuals. R3 combines hands-on training with cognitive programming and case management, and it’s recognized across the state as a model for reentry success due to its impressive outcomes related to stable employment and recidivism reduction.

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We also provide supportive services, financial and digital literacy support, manage the county’s Pretrial Program, offer services to families and children impacted by incarceration, and operate both the Pardon Project of Berks County and the Mental Health Forensic Diversion Program.

At our core, Connections Work is about helping people move forward, reclaim their future, and contribute to a stronger, safer community for all.

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