Opportunity House will host its annual Garden Party on Thursday, September 18, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 430 N. Second Street in Reading. The event will celebrate the garden harvest and recognize the volunteers and participants who make it possible.
Food will be provided by members of Reformation Evangelical Lutheran Church, and guests will be able to enjoy the wide variety of produce grown in the Opportunity House Garden this year. Crops include broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, tomatillos, bell peppers, banana peppers, squash, herbs, lettuce, celery, radishes, watermelon, and onions.
The garden is maintained with the help of Penn State Master Gardeners and participants from Berks County Treatment Court, who work together to grow vegetables, herbs, and fruits for the Opportunity House kitchen. Clients also participate in the S.M.I.L.E. Program, a life skills initiative that teaches gardening techniques, fosters teamwork, and builds confidence for when they transition into stable housing.
The Garden Party will serve as both a celebration of the year’s harvest and a recognition of the volunteers and clients who contribute to the garden’s success.