June newsletter

Family Matters The Domenic Fund

Father Domenic Rossi founded Bethesda Project in 1979, and now, 37 years later, we are still going strong. To honor Father Domenic’s lasting legacy, the Board of Directors has set up The Domenic Fund to ensure the longevity of this organization, on which so many depend.

Ever wonder how Bethesda Project for its name? Watch this video to learn more about our name and the value of The Domenic Fund.

Since created, we’ve raised over $60,000 for The Domenic Fund. Help us raise our goal of $15,000 more by June 30th. Please click here to make a gift to the Domenic Fund today!

What’s Happening at Bethesda Project?

Mama and the Stops at Our Brother’s Place A band from New York state made their way down the east coast for an unusual tour—in addition to playing clubs and concert venues in each city, Mama and the Stops also played free concerts for populations in each city that wouldn't have been able to see them in a paid setting. The band played concerts in each city on their tour for organizations that provide services to the homeless, women, and the arts. Lead singer Leah Woods had this to say on her experiences on the tour: “I was lucky enough to grow up in a home that gave me more than I needed and with a loving family. I wanted to be able to give some of what I feel I was given in spades back in the best way I know how, and that is music. I love music for the way it can enrich people's lives in whatever form it takes, and as a tool it can raise awareness, as well as money, for certain causes and all kinds of communities. I was so enthusiastic to embark upon this tour because it was tying together two of my favorite things about music, my love of performing for new audiences and giving back to the communities that welcome us with open arms. I have met the most incredible people who have changed not only my life, but so many others. I learned so much about how to run a project such as this, and that kind of life experience is incalculable. The most amazing hearts and beauty in this world can be found in the most unexpected and unassuming places.”

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Generosity 5K Walk Run Time to start training because the Generosity 5K is back! Lace up your sneakers and meet us at the Art Museum on October 30th for this fun event. Last year we had more than 25 runners and raised over $12,000! Not a runner? Not to worry, this is a walker friendly event. This year, Generosity 5K features a professional pre-race warm-up and stretch, entertainment by "Philly Elvis," a professional announcer, t-shirt, and finisher medal. You can run solo or create a team and recruit your friends and family. There is a $200 fundraising minimum for all participants but you’ll have the support of Bethesda Project and we will provide tools for you to use!

Remember, reaching $200 is easy, just $10 from 20 friends or family members will do it. Don’t miss this great event! From now until June 30th use code EARLY for $5 off registration.

Click here to register today.

Annual Picnic Approaches!

The Bethesda Project Family Picnic is fast approaching, and the employee-led picnic committee is looking forward to the best picnic ever! A day of fun, sun, and food awaits us on July 20th at Ridley Creek State Park. The annual event is a celebration of and for our guests and residents, and we're able to pull it off each year with the support of our volunteers and Bethesda Project family. Community Life and the picnic committee are actively seeking donations of $5 and $10 gift cards to be used as prizes, from establishments such as Dunkin Donuts, CVS, Target, Walmart, Five Below, or Subway. To make a donation or volunteer at the picnic, please email Hannah Litvin, Program Coordinator of Community Life, at hlitvin@bethesdaproject.org.

Philly Farmers Returns!

Bethesda Project guests and residents enjoy recreation and respite at Cranaleith On the morning of June 2nd, Community Life and guests from Our Brothers' Place made the drive out to Bustleton Avenue in the northeast to participate in a gardening program at the Cranaleith Spiritual Center.

Groups from Bethesda Project, St. John's Hospice, and CATCH (Citizens Acting Together Can Help) attend weekly for a six month eco-therapy program. Participants don't just get out of the city for a day, they are involved in every stage of running this organic garden. Under the direction of a master gardener and supportive community volunteers, participants work on different projects as the season progresses, which include planning, weeding, planting, and ultimately harvesting fruits and vegetables. After some energizing work in the garden, all participants eat an organic farm to table lunch in the Spiritual Center's dining room. Community Life is looking forward to a fruitful summer season taking guests and residents to the Cranaleith garden.

Donor Spotlight: Malvern Preparatory School Every January, in the gym of Malvern Preparatory School, a group of people gather for a bowl of soup in handmade ceramic bowls. These bowls are made by the students of Malvern Prep, and this year, students of Villa Maria Academy High School and Academy of Notre Dame de Namur. The bowls are sold at the event and all the proceeds are donated to Bethesda Project. This year the students raised over $15,000! Bethesda Project’s Young Professionals Advisory Board Chair and Malvern Prep alum, Jonathan Sgro, spoke at the event and said this: “I challenge you today to continue the work you do in the community, leave your comfort zones, and, interact with those on the margins. In the words of Liberation Theologian Gustavo Gutierrez, 'So you say you love the poor? Name them.' That is my challenge to you tonight: seek out the poor, learn their names, listen to their stories.”

Thank you to all who came out to support this wonderful event and thank you to the students and faculty for creating such beautiful pottery.

Volunteer Spotlight: Santander team beautifies Mary House For the second summer in a row, a team from Santander Villanova visited Bethesda Project's independent housing site, Mary House, for a seasonal deep clean and beautification project. In 2015, the team made two rooms ready for new residents, and did a major overhaul of the common living space, repainting the living room and kitchen. This year, Santander brought plants and gardening equipment to create a relaxing backyard space for the residents.

The team also cleaned out the basement and made a second floor room ready for a new tenant to move in. Thank you Santander!

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Thank you Phillies

A big shout out and thank you to the Philadelphia Phillies for helping us beautify the backyard of Our Brothers' Place!

Filled to Capacity Some of the men from Bethesda Bainbridge ventured out to Shady Maple this month for some good food. After eating, they commented that they were “filled to capacity.�

Before After

About Bethesda Project

1630 South Street Philadelphia, PA 19146 Phone: 215-985-1600 Fax: 215-732-8214 Email: info@bethesdaproject.org www.bethesdaproject.org

Facebook.com/BethesdaProject

Since its inception in 1979, Bethesda Project has created caring communities for homeless and formerly homeless adults in Philadelphia. Bethesda Project is focused on reaching out to those who are not only homeless, but severely isolated from society, typically stemming from untreated chronic mental illness, medical conditions and addiction. Many of these men and women come to Bethesda Project after years of living on the streets, and are extremely reluctant to stay in any type of shelter. Supporting these vulnerable men and women requires long-term relationship building to address the underlying health and personal issues causing homelessness. What makes Bethesda Project unique is the dedication of the staff to treat these individuals as family and work through challenges to ensure that these men and women have a place to call home.

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Donor Choice #3936

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