Grants Allow Us to Go Above and Beyond

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.