In the early 1980s, a group of clergy
members on the south side of Bethlehem, all
newly appointed to their congregations,
banded together to launch a thrift store,
soup kitchen, mentoring/counseling programs
and housing assistance to meet the needs of
many local residents. Concurrently, the
Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem acquired
buildings in the 300 block of Wyandotte
Street, and, after funding was secured, New
Bethany Ministries was born in 1985.
Rev. David DeRemer was appointed NBM’s first
executive director in late 1985 and led the
organization during a 10-year period of
profound growth. To meet the ever-increasing
population of chronically poor, homeless and
mentally ill individuals, the agency first
began a transitional housing program
followed shortly by a meal center staffed by
volunteers, many from faith communities, to
serve hot nutritious noontime meals. In
1988, long-term housing for families was
begun at the Wyandotte Apartments.
The
next phase of NBM’s evolution was the
implementation and expansion of programs
designed to help many clients live
successfully in the community. The
Representative Payee Program helps people
manage their disability income. The
Employability Program offers assistance to
clients in their quest for suitable and
sustainable employment. The Pantry Program
provides groceries to individuals and
families with an immediate need for food.
The Drop-In Center, now known as the Mollard
Hospitality Center, offers day shelter,
socialization and spiritual support in
addition to showers, clothing, telephone
access and 12-step support groups as well as
meals.
Additional housing was acquired in the
early 1990s. Restoration House was opened
and now houses low-income families on a
transitional basis. Although most New
Bethany Ministry programs and facilities are
located in South Bethlehem, Columbia House
in Copley was acquired as a single-room
occupancy shelter.
A period of decreased funding and a lack
of organizational performance led to losses
in the mid 1990s at New Bethany Ministries.
A Blue Ribbon Committee of community leaders
was convened to analyze the downward trend
and make recommendations for renewal. Its
analysis based on feedback from clients,
staff and the community at large indicated
that New Bethany Ministries was considered
vital to the fabric of South Bethlehem and
essential to the clients it serves.
New Bethany Ministries has greatly
expanded its fundraising, initiated and
sizably grown its endowment fund, and
established a reputation for advocacy and
care of the Lehigh Valley’s chronically
poor, homeless and mentally ill citizens.
The Souper Day fundraiser in October
features a simple soup-and-salad lunch and
presentation by a community leader, which
always attracts 400 or more supporters.
Early December’s Luminaria Night is
supported by more than 2,300 households that
create neighborhood lighting events and
fellowship to “Be the Light in Your
Neighbor’s Darkest Hour.”
New Bethany Ministries’ highly qualified
staff and its strong, engaged Board of
Directors continually evaluates the agency’s
response to its clients, its effective
delivery of services and its outreach in the
community. In the future, New Bethany
Ministries will be seeking additional
opportunities to serve its clients and
further engage the community in support of
its essential programs. |
