Prospectus Berco is a private, non-profit corporation established in 1977 to provide services to men, women, and children with disabilities and to the elderly in Berks County. A volunteer Board of Directors comprised of family members, business leaders, and other community representatives governs the agency.
In March of 1977, Joseph Gousie and Jim Arnold, with a group of volunteers from the Berks County Chapter of the Association for Retarded Citizens, known as the ARC, founded Prospectus Associates, Inc.
When deciding on a name for the corporation, Joe and Jim searched for a meaningful name that would not bring attention to the disabilities of the individuals, but rather their abilities. In addition to its normal use within the business community and stock market, the word “prospectus” has an additional meaning of being able to see the potential in any circumstance. Berco Industries was chosen as the name for the corporation’s day program.
Prospectus Associates, Inc., Berco Industries became a provider of innovative services for people with intellectual disabilities. The organization grew and reached into five other counties besides Berks. Eventually, it became apparent that people are best served in a county-based system, so the services were turned over to local providers in all counties with Prospectus Berco.
Today, Prospectus Berco, under the leadership of Jody H. Wagner, Executive Director, provides many different programs and services for individuals with intellectual disabilities or other special needs, and the elderly in Berks County.
Prospectus Berco is located at 840 William Lane, Reading, Pa, home to our Vocational, Senior Day, and Adult Day Services Programs, as well as our corporate offices.
