Volunteers from Calvary Tabernacle joined Bethany House in celebrating Juneteenth. They generously donated not only a delicious soul food meal consisting of fried chicken, mac n cheese, collard greens, corn bread, and more. They decorated our homes with red, yellow, green, and black decorations to celebrate Juneteenth. Dawn West, of Calvary Tabernacle, led us in conversations about the history of Juneteenth, black culture, and black pride. We are grateful to them for helping make this celebration possible. 

As described in our first Bethany Connection newsletter of this calendar year, the Bethany House Board of Directors, staff and community volunteers have focused on building a continuum of services designed to help women resolve the issues that drove them into homelessness. Safe Ground for Families is a three-step continuum that starts with emergency shelter, moves into transitional services and housing, and culminates in ongoing support, permanent housing and greater self-sufficiency. 

These services for the women and children at Bethany House are above and beyond what Nassau County asks of emergency shelters.  We are able to do this by applying for grants from banks, corporations, other government sources and foundations.   During this fiscal year, we have received funding from four banks – Capital One, Santander Bank, NA, People’s United and Dime Community Bank – to support financial literacy, workforce development and an emergency assistance fund.  We have received supplemental government funding to strengthen staff training and enhance our therapeutic services through a legislative grant sponsored by NYS Assembly Member Judy Griffin; an Emergency Solutions Grant (federal funds channeled through Nassau County); and the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (federal funds administered by the Health & Welfare Council of Long Island).  And once in a while, we are pleasantly surprised when we receive recognition from other community members for our dedicated work.  This month Jaspan Schlesinger, Attorneys at Law, surprised us with a $1000 check and a plaque honoring Bethany House as a “Heart of the Community!” 

We are so grateful to all of these grantors and donors for their generosity and commitment to serving the needs of the women, and women with children, that turn to Bethany House in their time of need.

Bombas’ mission since day one has been to help those experiencing homelessness. The sock, underwear and teeshirt manufacturer donates one item for every item purchased, and to date they have donated over 50 million items!  Bethany House is proud to be one of over 3,500 Bombas Giving Partners in the United States that help distribute those clothing items.

In March of this year, we received and distributed over 1,200 pairs of Bombas socks to the women and children at Bethany House and to other organizations in the community who serve people who are experiencing homelessness, including American Veterans, Homeless Women Our Lady Of Lourdes, St. Anthony’s Outreach, St. Agnes, MLK- Martin Luther King Outreach, Long Island Coalition, Long Island Harvest, Five Towns Community Center and the Gurall JCC.  Thanks to our dedicated volunteer, Karen Alterson, and to the Bombas Giving Team, Melissa, Kristina and Sam, for coordinating this partnership.  And thanks to Bombas for giving Bethany House the opportunity to partner with other agencies to reach even more people in need.  You’ve warmed the hearts and toes of so many on Long Island!

Pickleball has become the latest sports craze over the last few years. A cross between tennis, table tennis and badminton, this sport has become popular nation-wide for all age groups. With the assistance of Frank Milillo, Long Island’s Pickleball ambassador and Rockville Centre resident, Frank has held two tournaments to fundraise for Bethany House. Both included free beginner instruction, paddles, light refreshments, and goody bags for the attendees. The two events attracted over 110 enthusiasts, who competed for more than three hours and enjoyed not only Pickleball, but Ping Pong and Cornhole, as well. Prizes were awarded for first, second and third place.  We are grateful for Frank and the Long Island NY Pickleball Pros for raising almost $3,000 towards our mission.

Our 19th Annual Fashion Show Fundraiser, held March 9^th at the Rockville Links Club, was sold out in just 10 days. Over 180 attendees were treated to a sit-down dinner, drinks, raffles and the big event for the evening—a fabulous fashion show! Casual, business and eveningwear fashions were provided by Bloomingdales, who also donated several raffles, free facials and store specials for our attendees.

Miss New York USA 2021, Briana Siaca, a Long Island native, attended the event leading off the fashion show on the runway. The models that followed included board members, friends and family, most from Rockville Centre.

Linda Lassiter, a social worker who has been with Bethany House for over 15 years, was honored for her service and the impact she has had on our residents and staff. Interior decorator, Lauren Geddes Duff, was also honored for her volunteer work decorating and furnishing apartments for our guests, who were transitioning out of our residences into their own homes.

Douglas O’Dell, Bethany House’s executive director, told the attendees, “I have never been involved with an organization where the community has given so much.”

Bethany House is indebted to our volunteers, board, committee members and donors. The event raised over $18,000.