Bethany Christian Services

They fought with all they had for the ones who needed them most. Now, we need YOU to join the fight for kids. See Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot in theaters this July 4. Pre-order tickets now and help us support this life-changing work: www.bethany.org/CSZXNKKI.

Each of us has a unique ability to contribute to transforming the lives of children and families in our neighborhoods and around the world. In 12 cities across seven states, you can help refugees and their resettlement process. We collaborate uniquely with volunteers to ensure refugees thrive while seeking to guide, advocate for, protect, and support refugees in key resettlement locations.  There’s no telling what kind of impact you can make. Get in touch with your local branch to start volunteering today: https://lnkd.in/gRedvCPp

"The Ashleys said fostering is rewarding and difficult, but that they are proud of what they are doing.” We’re grateful for and proud of families like the Ashleys who are making a real difference in the lives of kids in their community. 👏 Read more on Yahoo. ⬇️

At Bethany, our heart beats for family. We want to see families strong, supported, and together. If you’re reading this, then that means you’ve got a heart for children and families—both in times of joy and moments of challenge. Through the steadfast commitment of our donors, we’ve helped change the lives of so many. We want to invite all of you to consider a donor-advised fund (DAF), a way to give strategically and efficiently. And DAFs help include your family in your philanthropy, instilling the next generation with a tradition of compassion and giving. Sustain your philanthropy, ensuring you’re there for those who need you for the long haul: https://lnkd.in/gDUR25un

April Henderson, our senior director of refugee and immigrant services, received the first Georgia branch "You Rock" award. She was nominated as she displays all five of Bethany’s values. April embodies exceptional leadership qualities characterized by leading through example and humility, making her an invaluable asset to our team. One of the most inspiring aspects of April’s leadership is her unwavering reliance on her faith. When faced with difficult situations, she turns to prayer and calls upon divine intervention. Her faith-driven approach not only provides comfort and strength to herself but also inspires and uplifts the entire team. She’s truly deserving of the "You Rock" award for her outstanding contributions to our team and organization.

Cynthia Todd was honored as "Recruiter of the Year" at the Wendy's Wonderful Kids Summit in Columbus, Ohio, in April.   The warmth and optimism Cynthia exudes to everyone extends to the youth she serves, enabling her to create lasting bonds of support for them. Whether it’s answering an unexpected phone call or traveling across the country to reunite a youth with family, Cynthia has pushed past her recruiter title by becoming one of the most trusted relationships in these kids’ lives. Watch her story to see how she is helping to bring permanent families to children lingering in foster care: https://lnkd.in/gQ98eXNe The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is a national nonprofit public charity dedicated to finding permanent families for the thousands of children waiting in North America’s foster care systems. Created by Wendy’s® founder Dave Thomas, who was adopted, the Foundation implements evidence-based, results-driven national service programs, foster care adoption awareness campaigns and innovative grantmaking.

“Sometimes I ask myself why I’m doing this, especially at the age of 76. But these children need somebody. It’s important for children to have the stability of staying somewhere safe and feeling like someone cares about them, like they belong. I know that feeling. I was in foster care from the age of about 6 or 7, and I was there until I aged out.    “So yes, I have wondered if I was too old, if I’d be able to work with children in foster care, especially if they had more significant needs. But working with my own grandchildren gave me confidence that I could do it.     “There are a lot of children out there that need somebody. If you like children, and you know how to treat children, I would say do it. You might be happy that you did.”    Read more myths and truths about foster care here: https://lnkd.in/ghiCBG6s

At Bethany Christian Services, we're proud to be part of the Statewide Adoption Permanency Network (SWAN) in Pennsylvania. SWAN's consistency across counties is helping more children find forever families. This year alone, SWAN facilitated 2,000 adoptions! Read more about SWAN's impact here: https://lnkd.in/gRnK4vKP

These children have faced challenges, and your loving home can be a safe haven as their families get the support they need. Watch Amanda's interview on "Inside Indy" with Kelly Vaughn to discover how YOU can be part of a child's comeback story. ⬇️

Last year, we introduced Jennie Cullen and her generous work. She refurbishes 18” dolls for kids in foster care. She collects the dolls from around the U.S. then gives them a makeover with beautiful dresses, clean hair, and like-new packaging. She’s donated hundreds of dolls to Bethany Christian Services and we’re grateful for the way she supports children in foster care. National Foster Care Month can seem like it’s all about fostering—and sometimes it is. Right now, there are more than 400,000 kids in foster in the U.S. And they need love and support more than ever. But this month is also about showing kindness to a family when they need it most by giving a child something to help during a hard, scary time when they’re away from home. And that’s exactly what Jennie does with her dolls. Thank you for what you do! 🤍