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This Month's Highlight:
Financial Empowerment Coach Dan Rhoads
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From Upper Hanover Township, Dan began volunteering with our Financial Empowerment program last spring. A Copper Sponsor of The Open Link, Dan
is the owner of Dan Rhoads Health and Wealth, offering health insurance, Medicare, and investment advisory services to the Valley. He was invited by our organization to volunteer as a coach for the program. Dan didn't hesitate to sign up, as he is a "huge fan" of giving back to the Valley community!
As a financial empowerment coach, Dan helps program participants learn and practice financial tools like budgeting, managing credit, dumping debt, and cash flow discipline (his personal favorite!), tailored to each of their unique financial situations. He also addresses interconnected topics, like life stress and the challenges of living in survival mode, in his coaching. Dan brings a grounded and motivational approach to his guidance, encouraging participants to build positive financial habits and practice smart money management.
A former molecular biologist, Dan's second career as an investment advisor representative was inspired by his own past financial struggles. Motivated to establish financial stability for himself and his children, within his own financial journey, Dan recognized that "rolling with the punches of life and not giving up is hard, but it is eminently doable." Within coaching, his empathy and lived experience have helped him break down dense financial topics, relate to participants, and find ways to make financial change "fun and gamified" vs "a chore."
Dan firmly believes that everyone in the Valley deserves access to financial security and financial freedom. Even as adults, he emphasizes that it's ok for people to seek guidance, and that talking to a professional like himself helps. Whether participants are struggling majorly financially or just want to "turbo charge" their finances, Dan says that enrolling in our Financial Empowerment program is a "really smart thing to do!"
We are so grateful for Dan and for the passion and expertise he shares with our program participants. Interested in enrolling in our Financial Empowerment program? Our next sessions begin this fall! Contact Heather O'Donnell at 215-679-4112 or instructor@theopenlink.org to learn more.
| Join Us: 2026 Back to School Drive and Distribution | |
From now through Wednesday, August 12, we are collecting donations of backpacks and school supplies for Valley kids!
This year, we are in need of:
- New Backpacks (all sizes, but especially for middle and high school students)
- 3 Ring Binders (1” and 2”)
- Colored Markers (washable)
- Colored Pencils
- Crayons
- Dry Erase Markers
- Highlighters
- Scissors
- Glue Sticks
- Spiral Notebooks
- Composition Books
- Looseleaf Paper
- Pocket Folders
- Pens (black or blue)
- #2 Pencils
- Block & Pencil Top Erasers
- Hand Sanitizer
- Gift Cards (Walmart, Target, Amazon)
Items can be dropped off at 452 Penn Street, Pennsburg, M-F, 8:00 AM- 4:00 PM, with additional evening hours until 7:00 PM on Tuesdays.
Backpacks and supplies will be distributed on Wednesday, August 26, and Thursday, August 27, at the following Valley area locations:
Wednesday, August 26th
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10:00 AM-11:00 AM - Treichler’s Mill Park, Hereford
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11:30 AM- 12:30 PM - Bieler Park, East Greenville
Thursday, August 27th
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10:00 AM-10:30 AM - Isaac Smith Park, Green Lane
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10:45 AM-11:15 AM - Hope Valley Community Church Lot, Red Hill
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11:30 AM-12:00 PM- Pennsburg Commons Office, Pennsburg
For questions or additional information, please contact Laura Dzugan, Program Director, at laurad@theopenlink.org or 215-679-4112. Can't make it to one of the distributions? Contact us to arrange for pick-up.
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August is filled with many community events, fundraisers, and more! Click the Event Calendar button below or The Center's Newsletter button to see what other events are coming up soon!
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Summer High School Equivalency (HSE) Sessions are underway! Study for your HiSET exam, earn your diploma, and unlock your potential. Interested in signing up or learning more? Contact Heather at 215-679-4112 or instructor@theopenlink.org.
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UPV First Friday on Friday, August 7, from 5:30 PM-8:00 PM at the 200-300 block of Main Street in East Greenville. Visit our table and speak with The Open Link staff and volunteers about our organization, programs and services, and how you can become involved with The Open Link!
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National Night Out on Saturday, August 8, from 3:00 PM-6:00 PM at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 3104 Main Street, Green Lane. Hosted by the Marlborough Township Police Depart, the event will feature safety demonstrations, kid-focused events, and more. Visit us at our table for more information about The Open Link and how you can help our neighbors in need!
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Marlborough Elementary's Meet the Staff Night on Wednesday, August 26, at 1450 Gravel Pike, Green Lane! We'll be there from 5:30 PM-7:00 PM to speak with parents about our organization and resources to help students and families.
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With Pennsburg UCC, we are hosting a Shoe Drive now through Saturday, August 15. Donate your gently worn, used and new shoes at our donation boxes throughout the Valley! Proceeds will help support our Code Blue Shelter. Drop donations off at the following locations:
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Pennsburg UCC - 775 Main Street, Pennsburg
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The Open Link, Penn Street - 452 Penn Street, Pennsburg
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The Open Link, The Center - 517 Jefferson Street, East Greenville
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Tribe Nutrition - 841 Main Street, Pennsburg
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Falk Funeral Homes - 163 Main Street, Pennsburg
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Back to School Backpack and Supply Distribution. For questions or more information, please read our Back to School Drive and Distribution section above!
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Both locations will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observation of Labor Day.
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Community Day is on Saturday, September 12, from 10:00 AM-3:00 PM on Main Street in Pennsburg. Stop by and visit our carnival-themed booth with games, prizes, crafts, and to opportunity to chat with a staff member or volunteer!
| The Center's Events | These are just a few of exciting August events happening at The Center this month. Programming is aimed at the interests and needs of those over 60, but adults of any age are welcome! For a complete list, check out The Center's newsletter by clicking the button below. | |
Getting Old Is Not For Sissies • Tues., August 11 - 12:45 PM. Join us for a panel discussion on the challenges of aging. Hear from local experts in the fields of insurance, Medicare, real estate, elder law, funeral planning, and more! There will be a Q&A, plus time to speak directly with the experts. Receive a raffle ticket, ice-cold sweet treat, and a bag to collect resources from the experts from Gerhard, Hartman, & Ritners, the sponsors of this event. No cost. Space is limited.
CAADC Weatherization Program • Mon., August 17 - 12:45 PM. Learn how this free state-funded program helps income-eligible households reduce energy usage and save on utility costs. See the flyer in The Center's newsletter for services and income qualifications. No cost.
Red Carpet Bingo • Fri., August 21- 1:00 PM. On National Senior Citizen Day, play with special guest host Marianne Lynch, Executive Director of The Open Link. Doors open at 12:30 PM for refreshments and fun! $1 to play the whole time.
| Please call 215-679-6550 or email center@theopenlink.org to RSVP for all events or for additional information. We hope to see you there! | |
Summer Kids Meals Program (SKMP) Wraps Up August 21! | |
There are just a few weeks left in SKMP 2026, and we're overjoyed to share that this summer has been a record-breaking season!
So far this season, we have served 17,052 meals to Valley kids. In summer 2025, we served 20,012 meals throughout the entire season and are on track to break our seasonal record!
Thank you to each of the packing and distribution volunteers who have made this possible!
From now until Friday, August 21, we're providing up to 8 free meals per week to all Valley kids 18 and under.
Important Information
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No registration is required, and all meals are served grab-and-go style.
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Each child may receive one bag, containing two breakfasts and two lunches, per visit.
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We distribute meals each week at 5 Valley area locations. The schedule is the same each week:
Mondays and Thursdays
• Treichler’s Mill Park, Hereford - 11:30 AM-12:00 PM
• Bieler Park, East Greenville - 12:15 PM-12:45 PM

Tuesdays and Fridays
• Isaac Smith Park, Green Lane - 11:30 AM-11:55 AM
• Hope Valley Community Church, Red Hill - 12:00 PM-12:25 PM
• Pennsburg Commons, Pennsburg - 12:30 PM-1:00 PM
Unable to make the site visits yourself? Send a family member, neighbor, or friend in your place!
For questions or for more information, please contact info@theopenlink.org or 215-679-4112.
| Our Programs, Their Stories: Nancy, Rent and Utility Assistance | |
Starting this month, you'll meet one of our agency's participants and learn how our programs and services have positively impacted their lives.
Nancy*, a senior from Pennsburg, experienced a life-altering accident 5 years ago that has negatively affected her health and ability to work. Since her accident, Nancy has been unemployed and has struggled to afford her utility bills. As a single adult without others to help pay for expenses, she has often felt "stuck in the middle of the ocean" financially.
In her search for assistance, Nancy was already aware of The Open Link through her professional experience. She also received information about our Rent and Utility Assistance Program by calling Your Way Home.
Over the past 2 years, Nancy has participated in the program twice to help pay for her water bills. Once she contacted our organization, Nancy was also connected to our additional programs and resources, like our Pantry, to wholly support her as she faces her financial and health challenges. Because of these programs, Nancy can continue to focus on her health, healing, and finding gainful, disability-friendly employment.
Nancy says that her experience with the Rent and Utility Assistance Program has been excellent, supported by "kind and understanding" people. She emphasizes that while unexpected things happen to many people throughout life, resources like this program prove that there is "hope out there."
Nancy encourages those struggling with rent or utility expenses to reach out to The Open Link for assistance. She also reminds them to remember that their situation is "not forever."
At The Open Link, we are proud to assist community members like Nancy. Interested in learning more about our Rent and Utility Assistance Program? Email laurad@theopenlink.org or call 215-679-4112.
*Name and image have been changed to protect participant privacy.
| August Volunteer Opportunities- We Need You! | |
Volunteering is a great way to make a positive impact on our Valley community! Here are our top volunteer priorities in August:
Summer Kids Meal Program (SKMP) - SKMP signups are almost full, but there are a few packing, passenger, and distribution assistant slots available!
*Important Announcement: Due to the increased volume of summer meals distributed, meals are now packed back at our 452 Penn Street location. For more information, contact us at the email below!
NEW: Tabling Team - Act as an ambassador out in the community by joining our new volunteer tabling teams! Events are scheduled August-November and need tabling coverage. Training provided.
Meals on Wheels (MOW) - Deliver meals as a MOW driver or substitute driver.
Food Pantry - Produce sorting and general donation receiving assistants needed during weekday mornings.
The Center - 1 weekly lunch helper opportunity with 3 subs needed. Craft volunteers, activity volunteers, and program presenters always welcome too!
HSE Prep Courses - 1 Tuesday and Thursday evening volunteer tutor opportunity to help teach language arts to adult learners in our HSE courses.
Penn Street Front Desk – 1 bi-weekly Tuesday evening volunteer and daytime lunch shift coverage needed.
Center Front Desk - 1-2 hour shifts to cover meetings and 2-3 hour shift or sub spots for staff days off available.
Hope Grows Here Garden- Gardeners needed throughout the growing season. Daily signups are sent monthly. If you are already a volunteer but didn’t receive the monthly signup link, contact us at the email below!
Community Day - Several volunteers needed on Saturday, September 12, to set up and break down tabling, unload our van, and deliver unused prizes and games to our basement storage area. Lifting 30-40 lbs. necessary.
Back to School Drive and Distribution - Volunteers needed to sort school supplies and fill backpacks for distribution during the week of August 24.
Interested in volunteering? Contact Katherine Foster, Volunteer Coordinator, at volunteers@theopenlink.org to get involved, and fill out our Volunteer Interest Form below!
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Help feed our neighbors in need by donating items on our Summer Pantry Needs Wishlist!
This summer, we are most in need of:
- Canned chicken
- Canned tuna
- Condiments (mayo, mustard, ketchup)
- Fruit juice
- Fresh produce (bags of apples, oranges, potatoes, onions, etc.)
- Pasta and rice sides
- Kids’ cereal
- Baking mix
- Granola bars/breakfast bars
- Pet food
- Personal care and cleaning supplies (Most needed: shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, body wash)
- Diapers
You can bring donations to the Pantry at the 452 Penn Street location, Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM-4:00 PM, with extended hours on Tuesdays until 7:00 PM. Please ensure all items donated are within a good expiration date.
Want to shop online or see other items our Pantry and organization need? Visit our wishlists by clicking the Our Wishlists button below and have them sent right to us!
| P.S. Did you know that alongside our Walmart wishlist, through the Walmart Spark Good Program, you can round your online purchase up and the difference will be donated directly to The Open Link? Click the Walmart Spark Good button below and search "The Open Link" to learn more! | |
