My Volunteer Experiences

Hello All, 

   My name is Gabriella, and I volunteered at Bethany House for a semester. I am a senior at George Mason, and I’ll be graduating with a major in Communications and minor in Nonprofit Studies. With my Nonprofit Studies minor recently declared, I have found a great interest in Bethany House. I worked closely with Jenny, the development associate, who was in charge of coordinating my tasks and keeping me feel like an asset to their team. I have helped with events to promote awareness, helped out at the shelter house. In addition, I have been learning the administrative side of the organization.

    Furthermore, I have been given the opportunity to put my class work into real life experiences. I have been able to talk to Jenny about the organization’s yearly strategic planning, and she gave me more insight of how they organization organizes their budget with support from grantors, individuals, churches, and community groups. She helped me understand the in’s and out’s of the nonprofit world, and I am grateful she made the time to do so. I have gained valuable experience and hope to work in the nonprofit sector or even start a nonprofit of my own one day.

Thank you to Jenny, Naomi, and Rachel who guided me though this experience.

Read Full Post »

Get your haircut and help families at Bethany House

Salon Antoine announces ‘cut-a-thon’ for Bethany House

Salon’s doors on Sunday, December 5^th from 11am to 4pm

All proceeds assist women and children recovering from domestic violence

Need a haircut? Want a new style? Would you feel good about helping change the lives of     victims of domestic violence for the better as you change your look?  Then call and book your visit to Salon Antoine on this very special day of fundraising for a worthy cause.

Salon Antoine announces a special, one day ‘cut-a-thon’ with intentions of raising funds in support of Bethany House of Northern Virginia, Inc. (BHNV).

Anyone who has their hair cut at Salon Antoine on Sunday, December 5^th between the hours of 11am and 4pm will be contributing direct aid and encouragement for this cause. Every cent of earnings will go to BHNV and help combat domestic violence.

Salon Antoine and Spa ■ 11092 Lee Highway, #101-A ■ Fairfax, Virginia 22030 ■ 703.691.8878 ■ http://www.SalonAntoine.com

 

Read Full Post »

Making a difference together!

With your help and support, we’ve  been able to meet the needs of families in crisis.

Last year, we provided Helpline services to 886 women and children in need. With your ongoing support, we provided shelter and support services to 80 women and children in our shelters.

Through your ongoing partnership, we can continue to make an impact in the lives of women and children who are homeless because of domestic violence.

Our supporters have ensured families receive the necessary basics for everyday needs as well as hosted fun events like a Valentine’s Day lunch or a reading event for families.

Thus it is no surprise that because of our supporters Bethany House was selected as one of the top 70 non-profits in the DC Metro area by the Catalogue for Philanthropy.

Without your ongoing support, Bethany House would be unable to provide much needed services to those in crisis. Thank you for your support and continue to partner with us! We’re making a difference together!

Read Full Post »

In Volunteers’ Own Words

When asked what does Bethany House mean to our volunteers, here’s what we heard:

“Friendship. Laughter. Strong values. Living Christ. Improving lives without expecting anything in return.”

“The services Bethany House provides is incredible. I can see the effect your services have on the women and children an it is an honor to be a part of this organization.”

“A source of inspiration to me to watch the women who are able to use Bethany House services. It has been very rewarding to watch their confidence and skills grow – thank you Doris for having the heart for this worthy cause 30 years ago – seeing the need and doing something.”

“Bethany House is a sanctuary for women with open arms for all.”

“Bethany House is a safe haven for women to heal, re-group, gain new skills, and a new direction, with the blessing of Jesus.”

“Bethany House is a safe haven for the women and children. Bethany House offers hope and love, most importantly, by showing them our Father’s love.”

“A loving family opening arms and hearts to the families in the community.”

Thank you to our volunteers who partner with us to reach out to those in need within our own communities!

What does partnering together to eliminate domestic violence one family at a time mean to you?

Read Full Post »

Car Seats to the Rescue!

Bethany House of Northern Virginia (BHNV) was the gracious recipient of a $2,000 grant from BB&T bank to provide car seats and car seat training to our clients. 

On September 11, 2010 an event sponsored by the Fairfax County Police and the Fairfax BB&T branch, honored BHNV as the recipients of their grant. The event was held in the Fairfax Community Center.

The event attendees were clients of BHNV, their children and the Bethany House staff. After opening remarks of gratitude by Bethany House Director, Cathy Hassinger, the County Police took the floor, speaking to our clients on the importance of car seat safety and the proper installation of car seats.

After the brief presentation, each family was given a brand new car seat to fit the appropriate age and weight of each child. The trained car seat technicians then went to every client’s car, to personally install their new car seats!

The mothers were very thankful! Thanks to BB&T and Fairfax County Police, mothers walked away with a greater knowledge and importance of their child’s safety in the car and the children were excited to have a brand new colorful seat! 

A Special Thanks To…

• BB&T of
• The Fairfax County Police

 

For all your help and support! We couldn’t do it without you!

Read Full Post »

Back to School

It is that time of year again, families are getting in that last vacation,  teachers decorating their class rooms and going over lesson plans, while department stores are busy advertizing the “latest fashion” for the new school year. The time of year when a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils would be preferred over blossoms. Yes, it is back to school time!

On August 24th – 26th Bethany House of Northern Virginia hosted its annual Back to School backpack giveaway! For three days, past and present clients along with their children, arrived at the office  to receive their very own backpack filled with school supplies! 

 Of course, none of this would have been accomplished if it were not for the generous donations of organizations and churches throughout the area. As donations poured into our center they were redistributed just as quickly, into the hands of a grateful child, preparing for their first day of school. Just when it seemed we were getting low on supplies, in walked another dedicated donor to deliver more school supplies and backpacks! The Lord surely does provide!

To our donors we say “Thank You!” we couldn’t have done it without you!

• Mom’s Club of Alexandria
• St. Mary of Sorrow Church
• Aglow Woman’s Ministry
• Burke United Methodist Church
• St. Albans Episcopal Church
• First Baptist of Merrifield

Read Full Post »

Those Who Made it Possible

Last week on August 10th Bethany House of Northern Virginia hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation event. The occasion celebrated our volunteers who have left a fingerprint on the lives of many woman and children connected to the Bethany House.

We are grateful for their dedication to help eliminate domestic violence one family at a time.

In conjunction, we would like to take this time to thank the many organizations who made this event possible, for without your benevolence this event would not have been possible. Thank you for your service to our community, and for your partnership with the BHNV.

The organizations who donated their time, resources, and services to whom we are grateful:

• American Café
• Annandale Florist
• Bertucci’s Restaurant
• Cheesecake Factory
• Clyde’s Restaurant Group
• Coyote Grille
• IHOP Restaurants
• Let’s Dish
• Noodles & Company
• Olive Garden
• Panera Bread
• Real Mex Restaurants
• Total Wine & More
• Giant
• Marshall’s Corporation
• The Town’s Inn
• First Baptist Church of Alexandria
• International Spy Museum
• National Museum of Crime and Punishment
• “O’ Be Joyful” Historical Tours & Entertainment
• Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
• Kristen Merten Photography

You are greatly appreciated! Thank you for blessing the women and children!

Read Full Post »

Pampering women

This past weekend, current and aftercare clients received a day of pampering. Women had the opportunity to receive manicures, pedicures, massages, facials, make-up, relaxation, spiritual counseling, and food. The children participated in separate activities in order to give the women a day to relax and be pampered.

“I haven’t had someone take care of me in a really long time,” said a Bethany House client.

Indeed, all of the women who attended the event were pleased for the chance to relax and have someone pamper them.

“I feel lovely!” said a former Bethany House client after receiving some of the services.

A huge thank you to Duffy House, Burke United Methodist Church, the organizations who donated their time, resources, and services, as well as all the volunteers who made this special event possible!

Thank you for blessing the women and children!

Read Full Post »

Celebrating our volunteers

This week is National Volunteer Appreciation Week. BHNV is thankful for the time and energy volunteers pour into the lives of the women and children who come through our shelter doors.

This week BHNV celebrates our volunteers and is grateful for their dedication to help eliminate domestic violence one family at a time. Our volunteers often go the extra mile to provide care and support to the families in our shelters. Our volunteers are a valuable asset to our organization, to the families in our programs, and to the community.

Without our volunteers we would be unable to provide the quality of care, service, and support families in crisis need.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTNERSHIP BHNV VOLUNTEERS!

Read Full Post »

Celebrating new life

As Easter approaches, evidences of spring is on its way. As we take a walk, we can see little flowers spourting up from the ground, some flowers starting to blossom, grass turning green, and little bunnies chasing each other through the trees. Winter is fading and spring is rising.

Our office has filled up with baskets of Easter bunny candy, toys, candy eggs, lotion, and anything else you can fit into a basket. The baskets serve a two-fold purpose. First, they remind the families people do care for and think of them. Despite the chaos they left behind and the uncertainty about the future, they are reminded someone cares. Second, the baskets remind the families to reflect upon why Christians celebrate Easter.

Christians celebrate Easter because Christ rose from the dead – He conquered sin and death! He provided a way for those who confess Him as their Lord and Savior, a way to  have new life. Indeed we have much to celebrate all year around, but spring is a great example of this truth.

Bethany House would like to thank the following groups and churches for providing Easter baskets and goods to the families we are serving and have served over the last couple years:

– Saint Mary of Sorrows

– Columbia Baptist Church

– Elks Auxiliary

– Clarendon United Methodist Women

Have a blessed Easter!

Read Full Post »