BETHANY HOUSE
by Christie McKittrick
Contact Information:
If you need to contact Bethany House Services, you can send email to Debbie McGarry dmcgarry@bhsinc.org
, or log onto the web at www.bethanyhouseservices.com.About the Organization:
Bethany House Services provides a full range of housing, education, and assistance programs to homeless and low-income women and children in the Greater Cincinnati area. The Bethany House Services staff consists of 33 employees and a dedicated core of approximately 200 volunteers.
Programs and Services for Bethany House Participants:
Emergency Shelter is provided for 500 women and children at a 14-room home on Fairmount Avenue as well as at various offsite locations. The Shelter Program provides a safe, secure environment, supervised meals, enrichment programs and laundry facilities. Daily case management services include on-site access to physical and mental health professionals and regular program evaluation to assess the guests' growth in personal dignity, responsibility and independence. They also provide Post Shelter Support, Nurse Aide Training, Counseling Services, Family Transitional Housing Program, Child/Parent Program, Bethany Place, Bethany Homes, Bethany Housekeeping Basics, and a Family Shelter Partnership Program.
BAPC Involvement:
In 2001 BAPC hosted a brunch for 25 people currently staying at Bethany House.
In 2002 the BAPC Festival Committee donated 50% of their profits from the festival (nearly $1,300) to Bethany House. The Youth Group also raked their leaves in the Fall.
In 2003 – Congregation members cooked and provided a full Thanksgiving Dinner for people staying at the shelter on that holiday.
In 2004 – How can you make a difference to Bethany House?
How to Volunteer:
Contact Debbie McGarry at 921-1131 or dmcgarry@bhsinc.org with the volunteer opportunity that you are interested in.
Here are a few of the many areas in which volunteers are needed:
Childcare at the Emergency Shelter during the evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Helping to stain the Administration Deck or Bethany Place Fire Escape. These projects require good weather. Supplies and lunch will be provided.
Yard work and landscaping at various locations, including two children's playgrounds and a small garden. Dates and times are open.
Hosting a weekend Brunch at the Emergency Shelter by preparing food for 25 people. Arts and crafts or Story-time can be done with the children in the Shelter after the brunch.
Hosting an ice cream or dessert social at the Emergency Shelter for 25 people.
Preparing and serving dinners at the Emergency Shelter for 25 guests.
Cleaning the woodwork, windowsills and hallways, craft room and laundry room in the Emergency Shelter. Can be a one time commitment or monthly commitment.
Helping with our Annual Children's Carnival that will be held in July. We are looking for Committee members for publicity, securing food donations and prizes, ticket sales, booth sponsors, entertainment, set up and clean up.
Decorating, painting and cleaning up rooms for guests and program participants. "Adopt-a-Room" projects are available throughout the year.