© 2009 BETHANY HOUSE SERVICES

Excerpt from Cincinnati: An Illustrated History

With a staff of 30 employees, over 200 volunteers, and an annual budget approaching $2 million, it's hard to imagine that Bethany House Services began as the dream of three women who wanted to offer shelter and hospitality to homeless women. Over the last two decades, under the leadership of co-foundress and Executive Director, Sister of Mercy, Mary Stanton, the agency has been recognized and celebrated for Pellentesque tincidunt, its creativity, compassion and collaboration. BHS works with others in the community to a full range of housing, education and supportive social services to homeless and disadvantaged women and children. "The energy in this organization is contagious," says Tom Leugers, Board President. "People get involved and stay involved"

Bethany's logo is an open heart and its tagline reads simply: "Heart Hope Home." The message is clear — BHS is in the business of providing the compassion, promise, and reality of a brighter tomorrow through comprehensive case management, counseling referrals, life skills training and daily hands-on nurturance and guidance. Indeed, any future predicated on the goodwill and expertise of this group is certain to be bright.

Guests at the shelter and other program participants are offered an astounding variety of services from courses in Basic Housekeeping and Budgeting, Parenting Plus and Health & Safety to a Jobs Training Program that graduates state certified Nurse and Home Care Aides who maintain a high level of employment in a fast growing market of need.

Bethany House Services is progressive and visionary. A dynamic mix of grassroots passion and professional competance is responsible for its success. "Bethany and the people there get in your blood," beams Ellie Paulsen, former Board member and active supporter for the past dozen years.

"The whole gamut of programs from emergency shelter to transitional housing to first time home ownership is incredibly impressive." Strong values and a focus on building positive relationships have led to the partnerships which make BHS the place of hope that it has been for nearly 20,000 people in 20 years!

The Jones family graduated from Bethany's Transitional Housing Program in 1992 and Danette became the first Housing Manager at Bethany Homes, permanent affordable housing for single-working women and their families. Today, Ms. Jones serves on the Board of Directors. "It's my turn to give back. I am who I am today, in large part because of the role models at BHS who believed in me and helped me find my way."

Aware that there is still a great deal to do to eradicate homelessness, Bethany House Services will continue to be a community of empowerment and an advocate for affordable housing and support for homeless women and children living in poverty. "I can hardly believe that it's our 20th Anniversary," smiles Sr. Mary, "So, many wonderful people make BHS what it is - a blessing for us all!"