FE BRU AR Y 2 0 1 4
OCTOBER 2013
Family matters Save the Date!
Bethesda Project has been busier than ever during this relentless winter. The brutal temperatures and the endless snow all motivate our staff because we know that this is when Philadelphia’s most vulnerable men and women need Bethesda Project most. And on April 28, we need you to come support Bethesda Project as we celebrate 35 years of serving Philadelphia’s most vulnerable citizens. Our 17th Annual Gala & Auction is a time to get together and honor the hard work that has been done over the year, and raise money to keep it going. There are plenty of ways to get involved with this event from corporate sponsorships, to donating auction items, to coming to the event and having a good time with SNL alum Joe Piscopo and legendary Flyer Bernie Parent. If you would like to know more, or get involved, please email Tyler Hurley, our Development Associate, at thurley@bethesdaproject.org.
Thank you
A big thank you to the hundreds of volunteers who spent the night out in the bitter cold, counting the number of homeless people across Philadelphia on January 29. This Congressionally mandated search effort, known as the Point in Time (PIT) count, amounts to a national census in which communities must attempt to document the total number of individuals and families sleeping on their streets and in their homeless services system.
Bethesda Project Receives 2013 Best of Philadelphia Award Bethesda Project has been selected for the 2013 Best of Philadelphia Award in the Missions category by the Philadelphia Award Program. Each year, the Philadelphia Award Program identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Philadelphia area a great place to live, work and play. Bethesda Project has been recognized for the commitment to our mission, “To find and care for the abandoned poor and to be family with those who have none.� The Philadelphia Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Philadelphia area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value. Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Philadelphia Award Program and data provided by third parties.
Staff Changes Our beloved Tony Medwid has begun taking steps into semi-retirement. As of January 1, Tony has stepped down from his role of Director of Community Life and transitioned into a part-time position as Mission Development Facilitator. Tony will continue to mentor the Community Life Assistant, Emily, while focusing on nurturing and supporting a strong personal and communal sense of the Bethesda Project mission in staff, volunteers, residents and shelter guests. To reach the Community Life Office, please contact Emily at 215-236-7850 or via email at ebell@bethesdaproject.org. We thank Tony for his years of service and wish him well in his new position.
Superheroes abound at staff appreciation event Caped crusaders landed at Dave & Buster’s on January 11 for the annual Bethesda Project staff appreciation event. This year’s theme, Bethesda Superheroes, was aptly named in appreciation of the ongoing heroic efforts made by our wonderful staff of dedicated individuals. “Staff are the foundation of Bethesda Project’s work. They give of themselves every day to ensure our guests and residents have the tools needed for selfimprovement and, eventually, self-sufficiency,” said Sarah B., committee chair for the event. “Our staff deserve to know that their work matters and that they are appreciated beyond words for their selfless efforts.”
The (Social) Justice League aka the Staff Appreciation Committee led by fearless leader Sarah B!
SAVE THE DATE! Preparations are underway for the annual St. Norbert’s Parish fundraiser benefiting Bethesda Project. This year’s Mardi Gras-themed event will take place on Saturday, March 1. Last year’s fundraiser was a tremendous success, raising over $50,000 for Bethesda Project. This year’s celebration aims to be even better! Visit St. Norbert’s website for more details or contact Michele Howard at mhoward449@gmail.com.
Martin Luther King Day of Service at North Broad Upper Merion Martin Luther King National Holiday Committee celebrated the national holiday with a day on, not a day off. MLK Day of Service project took the local volunteers to Bethesda North Broad, where they brought, prepared and served brunch for the formerly homeless residents of the home on North Broad Street. The volunteers and residents read King’s “Letter From a Birmingham Jail,” sang songs, enjoyed brunch and shared personal stories. The local committee has been coming to Bethesda North Broad on the Day of Service for over 20 years and is a favorite tradition for our residents. Photo credit: David Broida
Malvern Prep students serve up ‘Empty Bowls’ On January 20, Martin Luther King Day, students, parents and supporters attended Malvern Prep’s annual Empty Bowls fundraiser benefiting Bethesda Project. More than 900 ceramic bowls were made by students and a variety of soups donated by local businesses were served by the students. Fr. Domenic Rossi, Bethesda Project’s founder and CEO, addressed those in attendance and spoke about the organization’s work in helping the homeless in Philadelphia. The attendees were able to choose a handmade ceramic bowl to take home. These uniquely decorated bowls – the work of Malvern students and some of the homeless men sheltered by Bethesda Project – are meant to be a reminder of those who frequently go hungry in our world. We are so grateful to Malvern Prep for their continued support!
Conor Glancy, Dan McGlinn and Jackson Connor, members of the Malvern class of 2014, spoke about their experiences in this project at Empty Bowls 2014.
FROM THE OFFICE OF COMMUNITY LIFE
Please contact Emily for more information: ebell@bethesdaproject.org
Building a sense of community
On January 15, residents of Bethesda Bainbridge along with staff visited Shady Maple Smorgasbord in Lancaster County for some authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cooking! This type of activity brings the residents together to form a sense of community, a crucial step to ensure successful relationships.
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1630 South Street Philadelphia, PA 19146 Tel: (215) 985-1600 Fax: (215) 732-8214 www.bethesdaproject.org