Family Matters July 2014

J ul y 2 0 1 4

OCTOBER 2013

Family matters Gearing up for the annual picnic!

Each year, Bethesda Project hosts a family picnic for all residents and guests. This annual event, taking place on Wednesday, July 16 at Ridley Creek State Park, is a favorite among residents and shelter guests. We look forward to a day full of games, fun activities and plenty of food where all of our residents and guests can partake as members of the Bethesda Project family.

We thank all the supporters who donated money, gift cards, food and other supplies and all the volunteers who take time out of their busy schedules to make this day possible.

Giving Back to Our Philanthropic Family On Saturday, June 21 Bethesda Project recognized the generosity of its philanthropic family with a donor appreciation reception at the residence of Tip and Sheri O’Neill. Sixty guests gathered to enjoy the beautiful day with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, music and networking. This event was hosted by the O’Neills and John and Carol Toland, both families are long-time supporters of Bethesda Project.

Tip O’Neill and Bethesda Project CEO Domenic Rossi (right), addressed the crowd with messages of compassion, impact and plans for the future.

Father Domenic spoke of a one-stop-shop model to most effectively address chronic street homelessness in Philadelphia.

But one main theme ran through, and that message was of thanks—without the support of Bethesda Project’s caring family, we could never continue changing lives for the better. Thank you to those who invest in our important work!

Update on Major Gifts Initiative Earlier this year Bethesda Project embarked on a major gifts campaign to raise funds to immediately increase the organization’s financial resources to address long-overdue facilities and equipment-related needs. Because providing clean, safe accommodations and facilities is a core value of Bethesda Project’s mission, the board committed the organization to rectifying three chronically underfunded facilities-related areas: air conditioning for Bethesda Project residences; renovations or the replacement purchase of major equipment or systems; and replacement of worn and unusable guest furniture and residence appliances.

We’re happy to report that we’ve raised $807,869.55 of the $850,000 goal. These funds have made significant proactive facilities maintenance changes possible. The upgrading of electrical systems and a new air conditioning unit has been installed at Bethesda North Broad residence, a critical step to ensure the safety of our residents with compromised health issues. A new high-efficiency boiler will be installed at Bethesda Sanctuary residence this summer, replacing a relic 55-year-old heater. We’re also planning the replacement of the roofs at Bethesda Bainbridge, Bethesda Sanctuary and Domenic House residences.

For more information about the major gifts initiative, please download our Case for Support or contact our development office at 215-985-1600.

Domenic House

Bethesda Sanctuary

Bethesda North Broad

Bethesda Bainbridge

We love our volunteers!

From the very beginning, Bethesda Project has depended on the caring and commitment of volunteers to transform our houses into homes and to be family with those who have none. Today, Bethesda Project facilitates more than 4,350 volunteer visits totaling nearly 12,500 hours of service each year. Volunteers cook and serve meals, take residents to medical appointments and shopping, and celebrate birthdays and holidays together to demonstrate that they are one compassionate family. If you’re interested in volunteering, visit our website, www.bethesdaproject.org and click on “Get Involved.”

This spring, students from Friends Central School volunteered their time to clean the garden and put out the lawn furniture at Bethesda Spruce Street’s residence.

In the past, this group of students have also helped clean up the house taking on chores like dusting, sweeping and mopping. Thank you to Friends Central School for their continual support!

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Out and about It’s been a busy summer here at Bethesda Project.

On June 13th, a group of men from Bethesda Bainbridge residence learned about America’s early history with a trip to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.

The men were accompanied by Senior Case Manager Lauren T., volunteer Kevin M. and case manager Ginny W. The group enjoyed a picnic lunch while learning about America’s past and present struggle to fulfill the Founders’ declaration that “all men are created equal.” (Left) The gentlemen at My Brother’s House had their own excursion on June 2. The fellas, accompanied by case manager Hilary C. and program coordinator Larry R., went on a picnic at Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) Park in South Philadelphia. The group enjoyed a cook out, played Frisbee and whiffle ball as well as card games and checkers. My Brother’s House alum Harry A. also joined in the group’s festivities.

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FROM THE OFFICE OF COMMUNITY LIFE

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1630 South Street Philadelphia, PA 19146 Tel: (215) 985-1600 Fax: (215) 732-8214 www.bethesdaproject.org