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Hope Rescue Mission serves as beacon of hope for homeless and hungry

Mackenzie Coombs
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Hope Rescue Mission serves as beacon of hope for homeless and hungry

Since 1894, Hope Rescue Mission has been helping men in Berks County have a place to sleep, something to eat, and get the help that they need. The organization offers four different residential programs for men to transition back into the world and become a productive member of society. They provide physical, emotional, and spiritual help for all of the homeless in the community and the greater Reading area.

“Hope Rescue Mission is a place to find the immediate physical needs that you have when life hits a critical point in crisis,” Executive Director Rob Turchi explains discussing the mission of Hope Rescue Mission.

At the mission, men come in when they absolutely need it most. For many, it’s like a last resort because they may have burned bridges between their family, friends, and those who’ve been in their lives. When they’re out of personal resources, men can come to the mission. In hard times, the mission offers them a place to sleep, somewhere to shower, three meals a day, and a variety of toiletries.

“If they come to the mission, then they’ve burned bridges elsewhere. It means they don’t have family or friends that are willing to take them in,” Turchi explained. “So, the mission is a temporary family, temporary home.”

Robert Turchi has been the Executive Director at Hope Rescue Mission for the past 11 years. In many ways, the mission has changed over the years that he’s been in the position.

In the 128 years that the mission has been open, their main goal has stayed the same; to feed the hungry, and shelter and clothe those in need. When Turchi first started, he was running the show. Always trying to make sure that everyone that walked through the mission doors got the help and support they needed.

“My role has really evolved. We’ve been able to up the mission up to the public, revitalize the facilities, and open our arms wide to volunteers that have brought in more support,” Turchi said. “Over the last several years, my role has developed into a fundraising role and focus. Also, I oversee the finances and our staff.”

Before they had professional staff, the men of the mission were the ones running the kitchen, the thrift store located out back, and more. Now, Turchi has brought in professional chefs, and many more professionals. By replacing the program’s participants with outside professional staff, it takes the pressure off of the men who are in the mission. These men can still volunteer with more appropriate roles under the professional staff.

“I’ve been able to develop the team and bring in specialized people. Like doctors, nurses, mental health providers and a professional chef.”

Turchi Say the public has many opportunities to get involved with the mission. At Hope Rescue Mission, they make it easy for volunteers to come in. By having volunteers, it brings in light and love through the facility. Students, families, and children of all ages come in and help serve meals for everyone that comes into the facility. Once people are more familiar with how the facility works, their skills and talents can be utilized throughout the mission.

“We try and make it an easy process for volunteers to come in,” said Volunteer Coordinator Jayme Eenigenburg. “They can contact us through our website to fill out a volunteer form, and then, I’ll get them set up!”

Although Hope Rescue Mission only sleeps men in their dormitories, they’re in the works of building a new division called “Lighthouse”. Lighthouse will be a women and children’s shelter.

As for right now, women and children are welcome to come to the mission to get a hot meal, take a shower, get clothing from the thrift store, and any toiletries that they may need. Starting in the summer, construction for the new shelter will being.

“The Lighthouse Shelter will consisted of private suites. We want to be able to keep families together, so that the mom and the children can have a private space of their own” said Turchi.

Jobany Bedoya: Entrepreneur, DJ and founder of Wednesday Diversity Mixers

Jason Hugg
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Jobany Bedoya: Entrepreneur, DJ and founder of Wednesday Diversity Mixers

It’s evident that Jobany Bedoya, the founder of the Wednesday Diversity Mixers, is not just an entrepreneur but also a community builder and advocate for diversity and inclusion in the Greater Reading area. His journey from starting a barber shop to navigating through various industries like retail banking, DJing, and event organizing showcases his resilience and adaptability.

Despite facing challenges such as lack of access to resources and cultural shocks, Jobany’s determination led him to establish the Wednesday Diversity Mixers, providing a platform for local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community members to connect and thrive. What sets his networking events apart is the emphasis on building genuine relationships rather than solely focusing on business transactions.

With over eight years of organizing successful mixers, Jobany has created a space where people from diverse backgrounds can come together, share ideas, and support each other’s endeavors. His commitment to fostering economic development and empowering minority business owners is commendable.

Furthermore, Jobany’s innovative approach to networking, incorporating elements of education and community engagement, has contributed to the success and growth of the Wednesday Diversity Mixers. His dedication to providing valuable resources and opportunities for local businesses demonstrates his passion for uplifting the community.

As the Wednesday Diversity Mixers approach their eighth anniversary, Jobany is gearing up for a significant project to celebrate the milestone. His continued efforts to promote diversity, inclusion, and economic empowerment make him a standout entrepreneur in the Reading area. With his vision and leadership, Jobany Bedoya is truly making a difference in the local community.

Marc Goldstein: Blankets of Hope Berks

Jason Hugg
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Marc Goldstein: Blankets of Hope Berks

Mark Goldstein, the founder of Blankets of Hope, is making a significant impact in the community through his inspirational work. Ten years ago, amidst negative news about Reading, Mark, a longtime resident of Berks County, felt compelled to make a difference. With his extensive knowledge of the promotional products industry, he had the idea to repurpose blankets purchased by a customer into donations for those in need. This sparked the beginning of Blankets of Hope.

Initially focusing on distributing blankets to organizations like the Salvation Army and homeless shelters, Blankets of Hope soon expanded its reach. Mark and his team realized that the need extended beyond just blankets, leading them to provide beds and even cribs to families in need. Through strategic partnerships with local businesses like Fecera’s Furniture, they were able to source quality mattresses and box springs at affordable prices.

One of the key principles of Blankets of Hope is its minimal overhead costs. Mark’s background in business taught him the value of efficiency, and he applied this ethos to the nonprofit sector. By eliminating unnecessary expenses like office space and warehousing, Blankets of Hope ensures that nearly every dollar donated goes directly towards their mission of providing warmth and comfort to those in need.

The impact of Blankets of Hope goes beyond just providing physical warmth. Mark and his team understand the emotional significance of their donations, particularly for vulnerable populations like cancer patients, hospice patients, and children in foster care. By offering colorful blankets and beds, they aim to bring a sense of comfort and dignity to those facing difficult circumstances.

In addition to their core mission, Blankets of Hope also hosts fundraising events like their annual chili cook-off and golf tournament. These events not only raise funds but also foster community engagement and support for their cause. With each successful event, Blankets of Hope is able to expand their reach and serve even more individuals and families in need.

Mark’s dedication to transparency and accountability is evident in Blankets of Hope’s financial practices. With a commitment to keeping administrative costs low and maintaining clear financial records, donors can trust that their contributions are making a direct and immediate impact in the community.

Over the past decade, Blankets of Hope has donated over 71,000 blankets and expanded their services to include beds and cribs. Through their innovative approach and unwavering commitment to serving others, Mark Goldstein and Blankets of Hope continue to inspire hope and make a difference in the lives of countless individuals and families in Reading and beyond.

Lt. Lance Lillis: Reading Police Community Response Coordinator

Jason Hugg
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Lt. Lance Lillis: Reading Police Community Response Coordinator

We’re diving into a fascinating discussion with Lieutenant Lance Lillis from the Reading Police Department today on the Reading Magazine Live Podcast. As the Community Resource Coordinator, Lieutenant Lillis plays a pivotal role in connecting law enforcement with the community, ensuring a cohesive and collaborative approach to public safety.

With over two decades of experience in law enforcement, Lieutenant Lillis brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to his role. Starting his career in 1998 as a patrolman, he has navigated various roles within the department, from undercover work to supervisory positions. His journey led him to oversee the K9 division, manage food distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic, and serve as the department’s quartermaster, responsible for essential resources like vehicles and uniforms.

Lieutenant Lillis’s transition to the role of Community Resource Coordinator came at a pivotal moment, coinciding with the gradual recovery from the pandemic. His expertise in engaging with the community has been instrumental in revitalizing outreach efforts and strengthening partnerships with local organizations and nonprofits.

In our conversation, Lieutenant Lillis sheds light on his motivations for pursuing a career in law enforcement and the challenges and rewards of his profession. From his early aspirations sparked by a college course in criminal justice to his decision to serve in the bustling City of Reading, Lieutenant Lillis’s journey is one fueled by passion and commitment.

Lieutenant Lillis’s dedication to community engagement extends beyond recruitment efforts. He actively seeks feedback from residents, encouraging them to report any concerns or issues they observe in their neighborhoods. Whether it’s suspicious activities, noise complaints, or safety hazards, Lieutenant Lillis emphasizes the importance of timely reporting to enable law enforcement to respond effectively.

In addition to addressing immediate concerns, Lieutenant Lillis is passionate about fostering long-term solutions to community challenges. He collaborates with local nonprofits, faith groups, and other organizations to promote after-school and summer programs for youth. Recognizing the need for safe and constructive outlets, especially after the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, he advocates for accessible recreational facilities and organized activities to keep young people engaged and away from potential trouble.

Despite the constraints of a busy police department, Lieutenant Lillis makes it a priority to dedicate time to engage with residents directly. He attends community events, conducts tours for schoolchildren at the police department, and welcomes feedback and suggestions from all members of the community. By fostering open communication and collaboration, Lieutenant Lillis embodies the proactive approach needed to build trust and strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the community.

Dan Hoch: Leading with empathy to create a positive work culture

Mackenzie Coombs
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Dan Hoch: Leading with empathy to create a positive work culture

The DoubleTree in Reading is the hotel chain’s highest rated hotel—for the second year in a row. Established in 2011, the award recognizes the exceptional team members and employees who follow the Hilton company vision and their mission. The members and staff are the heart of the hotel chain and represent the great success of the company.

Dan Hoch is the Director of Business Development for Reading Hospitality Management, the company which manages the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading.

In his position, Hoch is in charge of making things happen, but most importantly, he’s the driving force behind the scenes. He has been at the hotel since the day it opened and has been a big part of making things happen ever since.

“I grew up spending every summer down in Bethany Beach, Delaware. My family had a little home. I worked every summer, so I was the only kid that wasn’t tan at the beach because I worked all day,” Hoch said, explaining how he got into the hospitality business in the first place.

“I worked at every restaurant that you could imagine down in Rehoboth, Ocean City, Dewey, all over the place. I loved being in hospitality. I loved pleasing and serving people to make them happy and have a great experience.”

So, what does his average day look like? Well, he prioritizes his staff and team member, making sure they’re well informed and ready to start each and every day. He explained that it’s important to have a good relationship with each member. Also, to make sure that things will go according to the day’s plans.

“Every morning, I come into our daily morning meeting with all of our staff. We talk about the guests, the culture of the hotel, our staff, and hospitality. It’s very important way to start our day and a positive thing for our hotel moving forward,” he said. Hoch strongly believes that these meetings help for a positive outlook on the day and brings everyone together.

“My day could start with interviews with local artists who want to put artwork on our walls. It could be a band that wants to perform in the bar area.”

He makes the point to gather artwork and performers from those in the Reading community, because he believes that it’s important to incorporate influence from those in the surrounding areas. At the hotel, they don’t ask for anything from the artist, he wants to make sure that they’re getting the opportunity to be exposed by the public.

“All of the artwork on our walls and the bands that perform are local. We support the arts, locally,” Dan said, showing off the different pieces of artwork that can be found on every wall of the hotel. “Our hotel is filled with stories of great people, whether it’s our staff and where they come from or whether it be an artist that has found their passion for art late in life.”

It’s important to management to support everyone. Whether it’s their employees or their guest, they’re main goal is to make sure that everyone is having a great experience. Over the past two years, Hoch has recognized the hardships on his staff and their families.

The DoubleTree has a thrift store. This was up and running pre-pandemic, and the staff and the community can come in and look through if they cannot afford to buy new clothing. Most importantly, he emphasizes on the fact that everyone deserves a good meal, and his staff is always offered one every day.

“We feed our employees a meal every day in the cafeteria, because we know that people need a good meal. From management down to the dishwashers, we all eat a meal together,” Hoch said, making note that it’s important to be one with your staff and make sure that everyone has a meal.

“But there’s also a huge eviction problem that’s happening. The real estate prices are skyrocketing and it’s affecting some of our staff. So, right now, we’re housing them to help them get back on their feet. We do this because our staff is our family, and it’s important to make sure that everyone is doing okay.”

Those who work in hospitality know that it’s important to make sure that everyone is taken care of. They’re the ones who are working through all the hardships and are happy to come to work because they know that they’re going to be supported by management. Dan Hoch and the rest of the DoubleTree staff make sure of that.

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