Two Partners, One Purpose:
Pottstown Foundation and ACLAMO rally community support after storm damage strains Pottstown Center budget
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The Pottstown Regional Community Foundation (PRCF) is announcing a partnership with ACLAMO to raise community support for emergency repairs at ACLAMO’s Pottstown Center, 515 Walnut St., after severe water damage last spring led to major unbudgeted expenses. Through a time-limited community giving campaign hosted by PRCF, donations made through April 30, 2026, will be collected and disbursed to support ACLAMO’s weather-related building repair needs, including remaining roof work that leaders say is now the biggest priority.
Last April, ACLAMO’s building sustained severe water damage, including significant basement flooding that compromised the foundation. Because the building was originally a church, ACLAMO said extensive excavation and structural reinforcement were required, including drainage improvements, underpinning, structural shelf installation and waterproofing. Their quick response allowed ACLAMO to proceed with summer programs without disruption, but the costs have placed strain on the organization’s budget, leaders said.
How to give:
Community members can support ACLAMO’s repair needs through PRCF’s time-limited community giving campaign. Donate online through April 30, 2026 at: https://PRCF.short.gy/ACLAMO.
Donate by mail (check):
Make checks payable to Pottstown Regional Community Foundation and write “ACLAMO Repairs” in the memo line.
Mail to:
Pottstown Regional Community Foundation Attn: ACLAMO 152 East High Street, Suite 500, Pottstown, PA 19464
Full press release here.
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Celebrating Valentine’s Day at our Senior Community Center
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Our seniors enjoyed a joyful Valentine’s Day celebration at the Senior Community Center filled with laughter, love, and sweet moments. The room was beautifully decorated in festive reds and pinks, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
Beyond the festivities, our Senior Community Center continues to be a very special and safe place where our seniors feel heard, valued, and supported. It is a space where friendships flourish, stories are shared, and everyone feels a true sense of belonging.
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Welcome to ACLAMO World’s Fair
As part of our Mentoring Program, our seventh and eighth graders proudly presented the ACLAMO World’s Fair, a wonderful celebration of culture, research, and creativity. Students selected landmarks from around the world, explored the history and significance of each monument and country, and wrote persuasive paragraphs explaining why others should visit. They then brought their learning to life by designing and building impressive models for display at the Fair.
Younger students toured the exhibits with their own “passports,” collecting a sticker from each destination they visited. This engaging project not only strengthened research and presentation skills, but also sparked exciting conversations about global cultures and the places our students dream of exploring one day.
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Vaccination clinics at our Norristown and Pottstown locations
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Vaccination clinic in Norristown
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Vaccination clinic in Pottstown
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Last month, during our food pantry event in Norristown, we hosted a vaccination clinic, administering a total of 43 vaccines to community members. This month, our Pottstown location also held a vaccination clinic during its food pantry event, providing a total of 29 vaccines, including MMR, Flu, Tdap, and COVID-19 immunizations.
By offering vaccinations in familiar and trusted settings, we help families access essential healthcare and reduce care barriers. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to be healthy, and events like these reflect our ongoing commitment to supporting the well-being of our community.
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Healthy Thursdays spring season kicks off in Pottstown
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The spring season of Healthy Thursdays officially began this month at our Pottstown location, bringing together community members for learning, connection, and wellness. Our kickoff session featured Nelly Jiménez-Arévalo, Director of Immigrant Affairs for Montgomery County, who provided important updates and information on immigration.
Healthy Thursdays continues to be a space where participants can learn, ask questions, and engage with topics that matter most to their well-being. We look forward to a season full of education, health, and community connection!
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A New Season of ESL and Art classes
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ESL and Art classes officially began at Pottstown this month. These programs are already bringing together community members of all ages to learn, connect, and grow in a welcoming and creative environment.
Our ESL classes are helping participants build confidence in their English language skills for everyday communication, work, and community engagement, while children are enjoying hands-on Art classes, where they can explore their creativity, experiment with new materials, and express themselves in fun and imaginative ways.
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Empowering our community through Digital Literacy
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Digital Literacy classes for both beginner and intermediate levels began this month at ACLAMO! These classes are designed to equip participants with essential technology skills for today’s digital world.
Beginners are learning foundational skills such as basic computer use, navigating the internet, setting up email accounts, and understanding online safety. At the intermediate level, the course focuses on preparing participants for the workforce by strengthening skills in document creation, email communication, online job applications, and other professional digital tools. It is encouraging to see participants gaining confidence and independence as they strengthen their digital skills, opening new doors for employment, and everyday success.
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Celebrating a historic moment with SHARE in Lansdale
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Last month, ACLAMO was proud to join our amazing partners at SHARE as they celebrated the opening of their new Lansdale food warehouse, a historic moment for our community. The event highlighted fresh, healthy food, brought together local food pantries, and offered a powerful sense of hope for the future.
We were honored to hear from speakers including George Matysik, CEO of SHARE, and Montgomery County Commissioners Jamila H. Winder and Neil K. Makhija. This milestone represents a major step toward ending food insecurity in Montgomery County, and we are grateful to stand alongside SHARE as close partners in this vital work. Text Link
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Jacob McCrea from ACLAMO with Carla Clanagan, Deputy Chief Program Officer, and George Matysik, Executive Director, at SHARE Food
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Thank You to Our Partners
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Standing With ACLAMO: Partner of the Month
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We extend our sincere gratitude to the Pottstown Regional Community Foundation for standing with ACLAMO during challenging times. As our Pottstown location faces urgent repairs due to water damage sustained last spring, the PRCF’s support has been invaluable in helping us address the facility’s deterioration and continue serving our community without interruption. Their commitment demonstrates the power of partnership and community solidarity, and we are deeply thankful for their steadfast support as we work to restore our space and maintain the services our neighbors rely on.
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Vote for ACLAMO as Best Charity of the
2026 Montco Happening list
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We are excited to share that ACLAMO has been nominated for Best Charity in the 2026 MONTCO HAPPENING LIST! This recognition is thanks to the outstanding work you do every day, along with our partners and volunteers.
Please take a moment to cast your vote for ACLAMO, and make a difference in recognizing the impact we make together.
Vote here or scan the QR code. The last day to vote is Feb. 28th.
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Thank you to everyone who helped make a positive impact!
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If you enjoyed reading this, help us keep making a difference. Your support powers our programs and strengthens our community. Click the button below to make a gift today!
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