Whitewater’s Bethel House, a local ecumenical nonprofit organization focused on homelessness prevention, is marking 30 years of service within the community in 2024.

In celebration of that achievement, information released by the nonprofit’s organizers announced, a video, highlighting the nonprofit’s work, has been released and can be found on the organization’s website: www.bethelhouseinc.org.

The organization has additionally announced several fundraising efforts, including the launch of a 30th anniversary campaign donation page, according to the release.

“We’ve set a goal of $3,000 for our 30th anniversary, which we hope can be achieved by 100 community members donating $30 towards our mission.” Megan Hartwick, executive director of Bethel House, was quoted as saying in the release.

Further, the release noted, over the next six months, community members will find features on the organization’s founding members, quotes from current board members, and success stories from clients shared on the Bethel House social media pages.

The organization also has plans to release a new website later this summer, which, the release stated is designed “to communicate its programs and support options more effectively.”

“We’re really eager to spend this 30th anniversary year better messaging our work, both to our supporters and potential new donors and to families who can benefit from our services. We look forward to recognizing the key stakeholders who have played a crucial role in developing the version of Bethel House we all know today and will share details about how our support is truly changing the lives of children and families in our community. We hope our communities learn more about what we do and consider lending their support through a donation and/or investing in our upcoming Fall Dinner fundraiser,” Hartwick stated within the release.

The release noted that the organization’s second annual spring raffle fundraiser “increased fundraising efforts by over 40% from the (first) annual event.”

The organization’s leadership is likewise focused on increasing fundraising levels when it engages this fall in its annual fundraising dinner.

“The Bethel House Fall Dinner has become a critical fundraiser for our organization and is considered a must-attend event amongst our supporters. Last year’s event raised just over $27,000 to support our mission and local impact. Our event committee has set an ambitious goal to raise $30,000 at this year’s dinner, as we’re hopeful our already generous community of givers will lend additional support during this celebratory year,” Bethel House Board of Directors Chairperson Jessie Dugan was quoted as saying in the release.

This year’s fall dinner will be held Friday, Nov. 1, at 6 p.m., at Staller Winery.

More information about the dinner will be released at a later date, according to the release.

The organization has a wish list of supplies it also accepts through donations, including supplies for its in-office toiletry pantry, and household and furniture items for use within its seven housing units used to support clients.

Those interested in donating items are encouraged to contact Bethel House Director of Case Management Sydney Johnson by email: casemanager.bethelhouse@gmail.com or phone: 262-473-2715.

The organization also is seeking volunteers, the release read.

“Volunteers provide invaluable support in helping prepare our houses for new children and families and turn them into furnished, comfortable places for them to call home. Those interested in lending a few hours for light cleaning, moving furniture, painting, and more can simply complete our online volunteer interest form to be added to our outreach list,” Hartwick stated. Volunteers will find the appropriate forms here: http://www.bethelhouseinc.org/volunteer.html.

Within the release, Dugan said: “For the past 30 years, Bethel House has provided unwavering support to prevent homelessness for children and families in the greater Whitewater area. As a small, grassroots nonprofit supported through the generosity of local individuals, businesses, churches, and organizations, Bethel House has epitomized the impact of the collective power of a community. To celebrate these influential 30 years, we’ll reflect on who and what brought us here, highlight the strength of our critical work today, and look ahead to strategically plan how we can continue to support families for the next 30 years.”

A story about last year’s fall fundraiser dinner is here: https://whitewaterwise.com/bethel-houses-annual-fall-dinner-fundraiser-to-be-held-in-november/.

About Bethel House

According to the release, Bethel House uses seven private housing units where families can live for up to one year while working on the issues that led to their homelessness. Case management services include budgeting, debt repayment, job searching, resume creation and building, life skills and decision-making, accessing other community resources and services, and much more.

Bethel House services are provided to clients free of charge and with understanding and compassion. Clients are always treated with the dignity and respect we all deserve.