Bethany Christian Services

Overview

Bethany Christian Services is a family-centered nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children and families. Founded in 1944 by Marguerite Bonnema and Mary DeBoer, the organization has evolved over the years to provide a range of family-focused services. Bethany operates in 28 U.S. states, with a strong presence globally, leveraging partnerships with churches and communities to strengthen and preserve families.

Mission

The mission of Bethany Christian Services is rooted in faith, inspired by the love and compassion of Jesus Christ. The organization aims to protect children, empower youth, and strengthen families through quality social services. This mission is driven by five core values: being motivated by faith, supporting one another, championing justice, pursuing excellence, and maintaining a long-term commitment to serving families.

Services

Bethany Christian Services offers a comprehensive array of services, including:

• Adoption Services: Support for expectant parents, infant adoption in the U.S., international adoption, and post-adoption services. Post-adoption services include navigating open adoption relationships and counseling.
• Foster Care and Kinship Support: Resources and services for foster and kinship families to provide stable environments for children.
• Trauma-Focused Programs: Specialized counseling programs like ADOPTS help families address past traumatic experiences.
• Family Preservation: Services designed to keep families intact, such as Safe Families for Children, a national ministry that supports families during crises.
• Refugee and Immigrant Services: Support for refugees and immigrants, providing critical resources during their transition.

Impact and Accreditation

Bethany Christian Services is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA), a designation that acknowledges the organization's commitment to providing high-quality services. This accreditation reflects Bethany's dedication to setting high performance standards and serving its constituents effectively.

Financial and Transparency Rating

Bethany Christian Services holds a Platinum rating from Guidestar, indicating transparency and accountability in its financial practices. The organization is also pursuing a 100% Encompass Rating from Charity Navigator, further demonstrating its commitment to financial transparency and governance.

Global Challenge

Bethany addresses the global challenge of vulnerable children lacking permanent homes. The organization emphasizes that 140 million (recently reported as 150 million) children worldwide do not have a permanent home, a situation it finds unacceptable. Bethany's core belief is that children belong in families and should be safe, loved, and connected. Through its services and partnerships, the organization works towards changing the world by strengthening families.

[1] https://bethany.org/about-us [2] https://formedfamiliesforward.org/provider/bethany-christian-services/ [3] https://bethany.org/resources/our-why-changing-the-world-through-family [4] https://bethany.org [5] https://bethany.org/about-us/our-history