Bethany Children’s Home
In order to support CHHSM members’ efforts to help their employees and residents understand the risks and rewards of the COVID-19 vaccines, the UCC’s Council for Health and Human Service Ministries has launched a “Myth vs. Facts” campaign. Created by the Rev. Elyse Berry, D.Min., CHHSM’s associate for advocacy and leadership development, the campaign aims…
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With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting all aspects of social interaction and activities, many local school districts had difficulty developing safe plans for the new school year. Agencies serving children and youth — including several CHHSM members — felt the impact of that uncertainty. In the Womelsdorf, Pa., area, the local school district finished its virtual…
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For a dozen or so youth at Bethany Children’s Home in Womelsdorf, Pa., July 15 was extra special. The youth were treated to a special pottery-making day, thanks to Linda Aragon, Bethany’s art instructor, who hosted visiting artist Hadley Wiktor. Wiktor, who specializes in ceramics and fiber arts, led three groups of youth in pottery…
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Lauren, 19, had aged out of foster care. Without hope, she had drifted from place to place, living in various shelters or on the streets, sleeping at friends’ houses. Then, a therapist from TAYLRD — part of Seven Counties Services, a community mental health agency based in Louisville, Ky. — encouraged Lauren to go to…
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From phone calls, online chats and social media postings to Zoom, Skype, and Facebook video gatherings, CHHSM members are adapting to almost daily changes in health care requirements while serving their residents and clients. “The world changes overnight,” says Chris Cox, president and CEO of Hoyleton Youth & Family Services in Fairview Heights, Ill. “Plans…
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By Jennifer Koch, archivist at UCC-related Bethany Children’s Home in Womelsdorf, Pa. Koch recently sat down with former Bethany resident Betty Mull, her brother Edward, and their family. Betty came to Bethany at the age of 2, in 1927. Below are some of Betty’s thoughts and memories of Bethany. Edward also chimes in from time…
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Joseph T. Birli, Ed.D., LPC, NCC, has been named chief executive officer of UCC-related Bethany Children’s Home in Womelsdorf, Pa., following the retirement of Kevin Snyder, who served as Bethany’s CEO for six years. Birli previously served as president and CEO of the Children’s Home of York, Pa. Prior to his time in York, Birli…
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Imagine this scenario: you are 12 years old, and almost 2,000 miles away from the only home you’ve ever known. All you want is to be reunited with the family for whom you’ve traveled to the United States. To aid children like you, UCC-related Bethany Children’s Home in Womelsdorf, Pa., is providing shelter, resources and…
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Participants in the 2018 Over the Edge (OTE) fund raiser for the UCC’s Bethany Children’s Home in Womelsdorf, Pa., reached new heights at the Sept. 21 event as they rappelled down 18 stories to greet cheering fans below. The third annual event — which even drew Spiderman — was held at Abraham Lincoln Towers in…
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The Berks Arts Council board of directors has appointed Meggan Kerber its new executive director, effective August 8. Kerber succeeds Karen Haver, who is resigning to take on the role of full-time sailor and occasional blogger. Kerber has an extensive and varied background, primarily in development, fundraising, special events and marketing. She most recently was…
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