Bethany House Connection: June 2024

A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR  “The key to success is to focus on your goals, not your obstacles.”  ~Rifat Mahmud  And that is just what Bethany House guest, Allie* did! Allie arrived at Bethany House about a year and a half ago, unaware of what her next steps would be.  As a first time single mom, she remembers feeling scared and lost. With the encouragement and help from her Bethany House case manager, Allie was empowered to go back to school.  She enrolled at the Long Beach Adult Learning Center to complete her high school diploma.  I am proud to share that this June, Allie graduated with her high school diploma!  With her case manager and residential director by her side, Allie made a heart warming speech at her graduation about how Bethany House helped her.   In her speech she talked about all she has accomplished recently.  She shared how Bethany House helped her realize the importance of being mentally and emotionally stable, and how she has sought counseling to help with her emotions.  While she continues to work on her health, she is now on her way to completing a certification in Cosmetology at Nassau County BOCES, with a scholarship that Bethany House helped her apply for. Allie also worked hard on clearing up her driving record, something various judges in both Nassau and Suffolk County graciously supported her to do.  Allie credits the Bethany House staff and partnering agencies who believed in her, and motivated her to keep going, even when she wanted to give up.  She adds that she would not have been able to get to this point without the support of Bethany House, and declares that her daughter is the driving force towards her independence.   I am so proud of Allie, for persevering and demonstrating that goals can be achieved with the right people cheering you on.  I can’t wait to see what comes next for her, and all of our guests, as we continue to cheer them on this summer!  Katie Swanson, Executive Director *the guest’s name has been changed to ensure her privacy*    “THERE IS NO WAY TO BE A PERFECT MOM, BUT THERE ARE A MILLION WAYS TO BE A GREAT ONE” ~Jill Churchill  And our moms are on a path to do just that! Thanks to the Hispanic Counseling Center, our guests completed their eight-week Parenting Wisely Workshop.  This workshop has served as an opportunity for the guests to empower themselves as parents, and be confident when facing certain challenges as mothers.  Bethany House is proud and excited to provide this workshop to both of our women with children emergency shelters, and plans to continue to offer this important workshop to our guests.  3RD ANNUAL GARDEN TOUR BLOOMED WITH SUCCESS!  It was a beautiful day on Wednesday, June 12th, when Bethany House held its 3rd Annual Rockville Centre Garden Tour.  Five local gardens were offered for strolling through and admiring- each boasting beautiful blooms, quaint sitting areas, and charming garden features.  An adorable flower balloon arrangement by DSEID Balloons marked the start of each house tour.  Guests were greeted by one of our dozen docents- many of which were dressed in garden outfits provided by NYDJ.  Over 125 guests were delighted to view each garden, while enjoying time with friends and sharing gardening tips.   The morning continued at the Rockville Links Club, where guests were treated to delicious lunch sandwiches, a coffee bar and sweet treats. The tables were adorned with rose petals and featured a gorgeous sampling of wildflowers donated by Art Flower and Gift Shoppe.  The event guests were buzzing with anticipation while opening the Mystery Books they purchased- many left with some great new summer reads!  Also, in an effort to raise additional, much needed funds to support the important programming offered at Bethany House, there was a wall of great raffle prizes.  Also donated was an amazing grand prize offered by Maroney Landscaping for a custom perennial design and planting!  Thank you to the O’Rourke Family, Burke Family, Savarese Family, Maroney Family and Moyer Family for their generosity as garden hosts.  Thank you to all the sponsors and guests who made this anticipated event such a huge success! With all of your help, Bethany House raised over $8,000!

“SOCIAL” SUPPORT Social Threads, a carefully curated online boutique founded by two local moms and operated by an all woman team, chose Bethany House to receive a portion of profits over Mother’s Day weekend.  It is from the support of amazing local organizations, such as this, that allows Bethany House to do so much more than just “keep the lights on” for our guests.  Thank you, Social Threads!