Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Cepeda-Freytiz announces over $1.2 million award to 129th District

Cepeda-Freytiz announces over $1.2 million award to 129th District

Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz    December 16, 2025 | 11:24 AM

READING, Dec. 16 – Through the Neighborhood Assistance Program, seven projects in the 129th Legislative District have received more than $1.2 million in state funding, announced state Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks.

“From combating food insecurity to ensuring that victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault have the support and safety they need, these projects will make a meaningful difference in our community,” Cepeda-Freytiz said. “I am grateful for the dedication of these organizations to helping our neighbors, and I am proud to continue supporting their important work.”

The organizations that will receive funding from this program include:

  • $459,000 to Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank to support year three of five in their renovation to add a community kitchen and annex to their building, which will produce frozen meals and provide space for nonprofits and affordable apartments. They will also receive $109,850 for food purchasing and distribution costs.
  • $414,000 to Our City Reading Inc. to support the development of the Helping Harvest Annex, including two Head Start classrooms and a playground for 34 children.
  • $81,000 to Safe Berks for upgrades to their confidential safe house to ensure security for domestic abuse and sexual assault victims. This includes improved video surveillance and access control, installing solar film on all windows to deter abusers, and repairs to a patio.
  • $76,500 to Reading Hospital to launch a “Food as Medicine” project to help 1,195 food-insecure patients receive healthy food and nutrition education.
  • $54,000 to United Way of Berks County to employ 225 high school students to tutor 360 elementary students to combat low literacy.
  • $39,000 to Centro Hispano Hispanic Center to cover the cost of 81,000 eight-ounce cartons of milk for children and the purchase of a commercial freezer to use for Meals on Wheels.

These are seven of 37 awards from the Neighborhood Assistance Program supporting the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania, which includes Berks and five other counties.

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