Empowering Second Chances Through Food, Community, and Opportunity

Earthrise Enterprises, Inc. is a non-profit Schedule C business established in 1992 through the vision of the Berks County Juvenile Probation Office. Earthrise continues to be overseen by the Berks County Probation & Parole Office and is governed by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors that meets quarterly. Since its inception, Earthrise continues to provide a structured environment for youthful adult offenders to gain valuable employment skills and earn wages.

Our Purpose

Earthrise is a social enterprise that operates a café in the Berks County Services Center while serving as a workforce development hub. Our café serves fresh, locally sourced food and drinks and provides meaningful employment and job training to individuals (re)entering the workforce. Beyond food, we are a platform for growth, support, and transformation. We believe in second chances and the power of work. Earthrise offers participants an opportunity to experience the responsibilities of a real job by equipping them with valuable culinary and customer service skills in a real-world café setting. Earthrise positions participants for long-term employment in a growing sector that values experience, reliability, and resilience. This model not only addresses labor shortages but also creates a powerful narrative around second chances and self-sustaining economic growth.

Earthrise Café

Fresh Start Begins Here!

Located on the 2nd floor of the Berks County Services Center, the Earthrise Café is a full-time operation that serves breakfast and lunch, as well as catering for local meetings. Participants can work Monday thru Friday in two shifts: 

• Morning: 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM

• Afternoon: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

For many participants, the hands-on experience at Earthrise Café is their first job and an important steppingstone into the workforce. Participants earn competitive wages comparable to entry-level fast-food positions, with opportunities for performance-based raises and incentives. They receive evaluations that highlight strengths and areas for growth, while gaining exposure to essential business operations which will provide them with practical workplace knowledge and skills that support long-term success.

Mentorship & Supervision

Participants are guided by two dedicated full-time managers, each bringing a unique leadership style to the workplace. This dual-supervision model helps participants build adaptability by learning to meet varying expectations and navigate different supervisory approaches. These are skills essential in any job setting. Both Earthrise supervisors are trained in Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) and collaborate closely with the participants’ probation officer to ensure consistent support, accountability, and alignment with their supervision and re-entry goals.

Earthrise also partners with community organizations such as PA CareerLink to provide ongoing support and resources that help our reentry employees succeed both during and after their time with us.

Earthrise Catering

Nourishing People. Supporting Purpose.

At Earthrise Catering, we believe food is more than a meal, it’s a moment of connection, care, and community. As a branch of the Earthrise Enterprises initiative, our catering service blends culinary quality with social impact.

Whether you're hosting an executive meeting, staff training, or luncheon, Earthrise Catering delivers polished and delicious offerings designed to impress.

Beyond great food, Earthrise Catering is part of a bigger mission. Every meal served helps fuel someone’s path to purpose, stability, and community reintegration.

What We Offer

Our menu includes breakfast and lunch in customizable packages. Meal options are thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of professional settings from courthouse boardrooms to county trainings and other events.

We Provide:

• Fresh, quality ingredients
• Convenient, all-inclusive packaging (plates, silverware, napkins, beverages)
• Friendly and professional service
• Affordable, scalable pricing for groups large or small
• Delivery and setup

Sample Menus

Executive Breakfast Options

Light continental spreads or hearty hot breakfasts to start the day right. Includes lemon water, full place settings, and optional coffee service.

Executive Lunch Options

From gourmet deli sandwiches and hot entrees to themed buffets like taco bars and pasta spreads each menu is customizable, satisfying, and professionally presented.

To view are full selection of Breakfast and Lunch options follow the Earthrise Catering link below.

Lasting Impact

Most participants stay with Earthrise for 3 to 6 months, often fulfilling their probation requirements and moving on to external job opportunities. The skills they gain at Earthrise help pave the way to lasting and meaningful employment.

In 2006, Earthrise was honored as the "Outstanding Program of the Year" by the Juvenile Court Judges Commission of Pennsylvania.