Unsung Hero and His Art of Alliances
Let us meet Stephan Fains the Director of Community Engagement at Berks Community Action Program (BCAP). He is what we call an unsung Hero. He is so involved with our youth and gives back so much that the community should know about him and appreciate him as he is out there opening doors for the youth. I am glad to see that many are recognizing him for his service.
In 2022 his work at BCAP earned him the Excellence in Community Service. Last year he also received a Certificate of Recognition as a community leader from Manuel Guzman, Jr., Pennsylvania State Representative, for his work with Jordan Rodriguez and Deja Harris and the Olivet Boys and Girls Club in the creation of Teen Takeovers. Teen Takeovers were implemented in response to teen gun violence. In the hopes that these programs held at rotating Olivet locations would keep teens off the street and out of danger.
He also received the Humanitarian Award from TheRealDeal610 for their work together on many different events including taking local youth boxers to Fighters’ Heaven, Muhammed Ali’s training camp.
TLC Fore Reading PA honored him with the Crystal Gilmore Harris Community Superhero Award. BCAP helped provide the Reading High School cheerleaders with new uniforms and, together, TLC Fore Reading PA and BCAP partnered on many events throughout the pandemic and on. These events benefited the children of Reading, such as the “Santa Clause Train Ride,” the Education Series with visits to historical Berks County sites, and the Adventure Series with visits to locations beyond Berks for fun and learning.
Most recently, he received the CASA “Champions for Children Award” for his work founding the Teen Writing Club. Teen Writing Club is a partnership between BCAP, a local clothing brand “I’m So, LLC” and Francine Scoboria, Communication Coordinator at Safe Berks, and Former Reading Eagle Journalist along with The Reading Library and DoubleTree of Reading. This program brings in guests to teach the importance of writing within their respective fields. The teens can ask questions and interact with the speakers in a comfortable setting. They then receive writing prompts with as much or as little support as they want and are provided dinner. He also received the NAACP 2022 Image Award for his work in the community.
Along with these, Stephan has established partnerships with multiple other community organizations. His program has supported Mike Reese and The Million Youth Chess Club with food and grant support. He has partnered with the Reading Recreation Commission to provide Junior Staff positions for nine teenagers over the summer. He also partnered with Kenneth Miller, Training and Recruitment Coordinator for the City of Reading to support the postsecondary goals of students by touring colleges, universities, and major employment locations.
He hopes his work will show the community that there are many resources available to them. His goal is to decrease teen violence and to boost morale and confidence in all ages of the community. He credits his passion for the community to his mentor and employer, Lawrence Berringer. He has known him since a child and has been a father figure in his life. The passion Larry shows working with clients to meet their needs to the best of his ability and his leadership abilities demonstrated with his open-door policy exemplifies the qualities that Stephan wants to fulfill.
In his free time, Stephan enjoys time with his wife, six children, and two grandchildren. When he has time to relax, he can be found watching a basketball game or creating a custom resin coaster. Congratulations Stephan the community needs more people like you. If you would like to help in any way contact Stephan Fains, Director of Community Engagement at BCAP, (610)376-6571 ext. 31.
Palo Magazine
