New Journey Community Outreach: Building on Legacy, Creating Tomorrow

The establishment in 2014 of the nonprofit corporation New Journey Community Outreach, Inc. (NJCO) was a direct response to the closure of New Journey United Methodist Church, which merged with West Lawn United Methodist Church. NJCO assumed responsibility for continuing the essential food and clothing services provided by "the yellow church," which had served as a leader for social outreach programs in Southwest Reading for five decades

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NJCO proudly continues this rich legacy while expanding its impact to meet the growing needs of the community. Today's challenges are complex - many working families across Reading and the surrounding areas struggle to make ends meet, yet they earn too much to qualify for government assistance, creating a critical gap in available support.

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NJCO operates on a no-barrier, client-centered model that recognizes food insecurity as interconnected with broader social determinants of health. Our client-choice pantry empowers individuals and families to select foods that meet their specific needs, with special attention to those without traditional kitchen access. Our daily lunch program serves both individuals experiencing street homelessness and working families who stretch their limited budgets, providing consistent nutrition while fostering community connections.

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Complementary programming includes healthcare access through mobile street medicine, peer volunteer opportunities that build employment skills, integration of recovery services, benefits navigation, and career connections. These wraparound services address mental wellness, social isolation, and pathways to economic stability.

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Looking toward the future, NJCO is pursuing facility expansion that will enable enhanced programming, including extended afternoon services, formalized case management, and increased capacity. This evolution honors our five-decade heritage while building sustainable, dignity-centered pathways from crisis to stability for all community members.

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