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4th Grade Class Receives Award (2009-July 20)
The 4th grade class of Crown of Life Lutheran School recently received an award from Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services based on their efforts to make their school more inclusive to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

High School Student Receives Scholarship (2009-July 15)
Julia Schumacher, a recent graduate of Mankato East High School, has received the Developmental Disabilities Career Awareness Award for Lutheran Students from Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services.

University Student Receives Scholarship (2009-July 15)
Rebekah Reichardt, a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, recently received the Developmental Disabilities Scholastic Excellence Award for Lutheran Students in College. The scholarship, which is awarded to sophomores or juniors who plan to pursue a career related to the field of developmental disabilities, is given out annually by Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services.

Local Student Receives Scholarship (2009-July 15)
Michelle Naden, a recent graduate of Bozeman High School and member of Hope Lutheran Church, recently received the Developmental Disabilities Career Awareness Award for Lutheran Students in High School. Awarded by Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, the scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance to students who are interested in pursuing a career in the field of developmental disabilities.

Bethesda Announces Merger and Name Change (2009-July 13)
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services began business today as Bethesda Lutheran Communities. The change is the product of a year-long branding and identity study as well as the full and complete merger of Bethesda and Good Shepherd Communities.

Bethesda Honors Employees (2009-July 13)
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services has named its Employees of the Year for its corporate center, the Watertown campus and the Wisconsin Community Services region. These outstanding employees were each recognized at ceremonies designed to celebrate the excellent work of all Bethesda employees.  

Local Seminarian Receives Scholarship (2009-July 13)
Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary student Daniel Lewig recently received the Developmental Disabilities Scholastic Excellence Award for Lutheran Seminarians from Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services.  
Wisconsin Preschoolers Receive Scholarship (2009-July 13)
St. Andrew Lutheran Early Childhood Campus recently received an award from Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services based on their efforts in educating students about inclusiveness.  
Watertown County Club Hosts Bethesda's Upcoming Golf Tournament (2009-July 10)
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services will host the 10th Annual Bethesda Foundation Golf Tournament in Watertown, Wis. on Thursday, July 30. The tournament, to be held at the Watertown Country Club, begins at noon with a shotgun start and four-person scramble.  
Werth to Join Staff at Bethesda (2009-June 23)
Rev. Charles Werth has been named Vice President of Religious Life and Church Relations for Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services.  
Major Gift Planner Added to Staff at Bethesda (2009-June 9)
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services recently announced the addition of a new staff member to their Development department.  
Thrift Store Undergoes Major Renovation (2009-June 5)
On Friday, June 5, 2009 the Sheboygan Bethesda Thrift Shop hosted a reopening ceremony at its new location at 2827 S. Business Dr. The thrift store, which is operated by Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, offers a new look and additional merchandise, due to increased square footage.  
State Budget Proposal Threatens Vital Supports for Wisconsin's Most Vulnerable Citizens (2009-June 3)
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services reacted with great concern to the proposed budget released on May 29, 2009 by the Wisconsin Legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance.  
Bethesda Announces Merger and Name Change (2009-May 16)
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services has announced its formal merger with Good Shepherd Communities. The decision was reached at a special meeting of Bethesda’s membership on Saturday.  
Bethesda Employee Receives Promotion (2009-April 20)
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. recently announced that Mike Minning will be promoted to Corporate Director of Financial Reporting and Internal Control Systems. Prior to this, Minning served Bethesda as accounting manager.  
Rev. Earl Bleke Honored Posthumously (2009-April 7)
Rev. Earl Bleke, former vice president of religious life and church relations for Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. was honored last week with the Crest of Christ award from the University of Concordia, Nebraska.  
Bethesda Holds Second Annual Golden Gala (2009-March 20)
Recently, Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services held its second annual Golden Gala. The Golden Gala, a fund raising event which included dinner, dancing and a silent auction, was held in the Miller room at Coast restaurant in Milwaukee.  
Bethesda Acquires Programs in Fort Collins (2009-March 6)
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. recently acquired several programs in the Fort Collins, Colo. area, including a group home, a Day Services program and supported living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  
Saginaw Thrift Shop Recession Proof (2009-March 3)
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services recently announced the relocation of its Saginaw thrift store to a larger facility. It now offers approximately 18,000 square feet of retail space. The reopening took place on March 1.  
Bethesda Appoints New Human Resources Executive (2009-March 2)
Dr. John E. Bauer, president and CEO of Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. announced recently that Michael Hoffman has been selected to serve as Vice President of Human Resources.  
M&I Bank Makes Donation to Bethesda (2009-February 17)
The Watertown branch of M&I Bank recently made a substantial donation to Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc.’s World of Hope campaign.  
Bethesda Hosts Annual Golden Gala (2009-February 4)
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. will hold its second annual Golden Gala on March 7, 2009. The Golden Gala, a semi-formal event to be held in the Miller Room of Coast restaurant in Milwaukee, consists of a dinner, raffle, auction and dance. The event will also feature entertainment by Milwaukee party band The Dirty Boogie.  
Inclusion Workshop to be Held in Rhinelander (2009-January 12)
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. will be holding a workshop on February 7 for individuals and congregations interested in developing an inclusive ministry for individuals with developmental disabilities.  
Bethesda Honors Employees and Activists at Annual Banquet (2008-December 16)
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. recently hosted its annual banquet at the Harley-Davidson museum in Milwaukee, Wis.  
Jody Sparks Receives Award from Bethesda (2008-December 3)
Jody Sparks, of Renton, Wash., has been presented with the 2008 Christian Service Award for Volunteers from Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc.  
Bethesda’s Former President and CEO Honored at Annual Banquet (2008-December 3)
Dr. David Geske, former president and CEO of Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. has been awarded the Pool of Bethesda Award.  
Kenyan Activist Receives Award from Bethesda (2008-December 3)
Rev. David Chuchu from Kisumu, Kenya has been awarded the Christian Service Award for Professionals from Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc.  
Oregon Rehabilitation Association Receives Public Policy Award from Bethesda (2008-November 20)
The Legislative Committee of the Oregon Rehabilitation Association (ORA), led by Tim and Jan Kral, recently received the Bethesda Voices Public Policy Award from Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc.  
Bethesda to Expand Community Options in Illinois (2008-November 18)
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc.’s Immediate Care Facility (ICF) in Aurora, Ill. will be closing in June, 2009. As part of Bethesda’s continual effort to provide the best environment for the individuals it serves and supports, the large facility will be closed and several smaller group homes will be opened in its place.  
Bethesda to Host Upcoming Annual Banquet at Harley-Davidson Museum (2008-October 30)
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. will host its Annual Banquet at the Harley-Davidson museum. The event, to be held on Saturday, Nov. 8, will honor those who have made a positive contribution in the field of developmental disabilities.  
Bethesda Hosts Camp in Colorado (2008-October 20)
Last summer, volunteers from Texas and Florida came to Woodland Park, Colo. for the 2008 Bethesda Mountain Builders camp. Hosted by Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc., Mountain Builders is a camp for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  
Eric Bates Elected President-Elect of IEHA (2008-September 29)
Eric Bates, Manager of Environmental Services at Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc., has been elected President-Elect of the International Executive Housekeepers Association, Inc. (IEHA).  
Growing Crisis in Illinois for Non-Profit Disabilities Services (2008-September 16)
The state of Illinois is currently experiencing a financial crisis that is greatly affecting non-profit organizations that offer services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities, such as Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc.  
Our Hope Lutheran Church Partners with Bethesda (2008-September 9)
Our Hope Lutheran Church in Huntertown, Ind. recently became a partner congregation of Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc.  
Dr. John E. Bauer to be Installed as Bethesda President and CEO (2008-August 13)
Dr. John E. Bauer will be formally installed as president and CEO of Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. on Saturday, August 16 at the Schujahn Memorial Chapel of the Good Shepherd on Bethesda’s Watertown campus. The service of installation begins at 2 p.m. and will be followed by a reception in the chapel concourse. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.  
Mike Gosdeck and Andrew Casper Named Bethesda Employees of the Year (2008-August 05)
Mike Gosdeck and Andrew Casper, both employees on the Watertown campus of Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc., were recently named Employees of the Year.  
Bethesda Hosts Upcoming Golf Challenge (2008-August 04)
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. will host the 9th Annual Bethesda Foundation Golf Tournament in Horicon, Wis. on Friday, August 22.  
Bethesda Honored by Concordia Deaconess Conference (2008-August 01)
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. was recently recognized by the Concordia Deaconess Conference for contributions to the education and training of women hoping to become deaconesses.  
Good Shepherd Communities Nominated as Best Company to Work For (2008-July 17)
The Good Shepherd Communities, a program of Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc., was recently nominated as one of the best companies to work for in Shasta County.  
Bethesda Wins Telly Award (2008-July 14)
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. has won a Telly Award for their video Relationships and Intimacy. The video was written and produced by Bethesda staff.  
Faith Lutheran Preschool Given Award (2008-July 08)
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. recently awarded Faith Lutheran Preschool with its Developmental Disabilities Awareness Award for Lutheran Elementary Classes.  
Jennifer Becher Named Bethesda’s Corporate Employee of the Year (2008-July 02)
Jennifer Becher, Corporate Director of Management Development and Employee Relations at Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc., was named Bethesda’s corporate employee of the year at the recent Employee Recognition Ceremony, which took place at the corporate center.  
Bethesda Employee Connie Horn Wins Award (2008-July 01)
Connie Horn, an Educational Specialist at Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc., has won the Middle Management Award from Residential Services Association (RSA) of Wisconsin.  
Bethesda Awards Scholarship to Nicole Flygare (2008-July 01)
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. has awarded a scholarship to Nicole Flygare, a junior at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minn.
Bethesda Gives Award to Heather Gartzke (2008-July 01)
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. has awarded a scholarship to Heather Gartzke, a junior at Concordia University Wisconsin.
Bethesda Gives Award to John Harmon (2008-July 01)
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. has awarded a scholarship to John Harmon, a junior at Georgia College and State University.
Bethesda Awards Nursing Scholarship to Melissa Ulbricht (2008-July 01)
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. has awarded a scholarship to Melissa Ulbricht, a sophomore at Augustana College.
Bethesda Awards Nursing Scholarship to Sarah Wolford (2008-July 01)
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. has awarded a scholarship to Sarah Wolford, a sophomore at Olivet Nazarene University.
Bethesda Awards Scholarship to Katherine Campbell (2008-June 30)
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. has awarded a scholarship to Katherine Campbell, a recent graduate of Dime Box High School.
Bethesda Grants Scholarship to Justin Collopy (2008-June 30)
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. has awarded a scholarship to Justin Collopy, a recent graduate of Century High School.
Bethesda Awards Scholarship to Marcie Flygare (2008-June 30)
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. has awarded a scholarship to Marcie Flygare, a recent graduate of Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School.
Bethesda Hosts Upcoming Golf Challenge (2008-June-16)
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. will host the Good Shepherd Communities Golf Challenge in Oregon on Monday, June 30.  
Bethesda Hosts 8th Annual Golf Tournament (2008-June-02)
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. will host its 8th annual golf tournament in Lockport, Ill. on Friday, June 13.  
Bethesda Calls on State to Ease Financial Crisis Affecting Social Service Providers (2008-May-07)
Read about the meeting Bethesda representatives and a group of Illinios advocates had in Illinois to help support the people we serve.  
Honor the Past, Look to the Future (2008-March-01)
Dr. John E. Bauer is Bethesda's new President and CEO. Read about the history he already shares with Bethesda.  
Dr. David Geske Retires as CEO (2008-February-29)
After 10 years serving as President and CEO of Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc., Dr. David Geske has decided to retire.  Dr. Geske served Bethesda and its affiliation, Good Shepherd Communities (GSC) for nearly 30 years. 
Kelly Thran named South Division Operations Officer (2007-August-09)
Kelly Thran of Portland has accepted the South Division Operations Officer position at Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. Currently the Regional Director of Good Shepherd Communities (GSC) Northwest Region, Thran will assume the responsibility for services Bethesda provides in California, Colorado, Kansas, Western Missouri, Texas and Florida.
Zubke Promoted to North Division Operations Officer (2007-July-02)
Debborah Zubke of Watertown has accepted the North Division Operations Officer position at Bethesda. Currently she serves as the North Central Regional Director, but will take responsibility for services Bethesda provides in Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, Illinois, Eastern Missouri, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and New Jersey.
Bethesda Welcomes John Twardos as new Vice President and Chief Operations (2007-July-02)
John Twardos has accepted the position of Vice President and Chief Operations Officer. As COO, Twardos will be responsible for all of the operational support services of Bethesda, including those of Good Shepherd Communities (GSC), and international programs.
Chaplain Michael Schempf Honored for 25 years in Ministry (2007-June-25)
Bethesda recently honored Michael Schempf during a special chapel service for his 25 years in the ministry.
New Program Benefits Employers and People with Developmental Disabilities (2007-May-10)
Connecting the career dreams of qualified candidates with the employment needs of your business; this is the mission of the Community Job Placement Program, part of the ministry of Bethesda.
Honoring Bethesda's Volunteers (2007-April-26)
A blessing from above,” is how Lori Werth, Bethesda Area Volunteer Director for the Watertown, Wis. campus, refers to those who volunteer their time. April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month, and an annual luncheon is one way Bethesda shows its gratitude.

Bethesda Among Agencies Reviewing Direct Support Professionals (2007-April-26)
The message of a 2006 Department of Health and Human Services report to congress stated lower wages, longer hours and often difficult working conditions for direct supports professionals (DSP) is an equation destined to fail. As a legislative response to this national workforce problem, representatives introduced H.R. 1279, the Direct Support Professionals Fairness and Security Act of 2007.
Two Bethesda Staff Members Selected to Attend 2007 Nurse Aide Skills Review and Standard Setting Meeting (2007-April-6)
Two staff members from Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. have been selected to represent the state of Wisconsin at the 2007 Nurse Aide Skills Review and Standard Setting Meeting in Bala Cynwyd, Penn., April 24-27, 2007.
New Bethesda Resale Store Opens (2007-April-2)
Bethesda announces the opening of their newest resale store in Rochester, Minn. on March 19, 2007.
Bethesda’s Options Day Service Program 2007 Community Builder Award (2007-March-30)
The Options Day Service Program was recently awarded the 2007 Community Builder Award. The annual award is one of two presented to organizations who create community-based inclusion opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Philip Gruenbaum and David Morstad guest lecturers at conference in Latvia (2007-March-28)
Aurora Central Region Chaplain, Rev. Philip Gruenbaum and Bethesda's Chief Communications Officer, David Morstad, will be guest lecturers at a conference in the cities of Riga and Liepaja, Latvia in April, 2007.
Norma Speckhard receives Bethesda's 2006 Christian Service Award for Professionals (2007-March-15)
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. recently awarded the 2006 Christian Service Award for Professionals to Norma Speckhard, Ph.D.
Rejoicing Spirits Ministry receives Bethesda's 2006 Christian Service Award for Volunteers (2007-March-15)
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. recently awarded the 2006 Christian Service Award for Volunteers to Rejoicing Spirits Ministry from Exton, Penn.
Timothy P. Shriver receives Bethesda's 2006 Pool of Bethesda Award (2007-March-15)
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. recently awarded the 2006 Pool of Bethesda Award to Timothy P. Shriver, P.H. D.
Gwen Gillenwater receives Bethesda's 2006 Bethesda Voices Public Policy Award (2007-March-15)
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. recently awarded the 2006 Bethesda Voices Public Policy Award to Gwen Gillenwater.
Bethesda announces scholarship winners (2006-October-11)
Bethesda begins services for people with developmental disabilities in Rhinelander (2006-October-4)
On October 1, Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. began providing services for people with developmental disabilities in the Rhinelander area by officially gaining ownership of the Peterson Health Care of Wisconsin facilities.
Chicago-based Natzke Trust presents Bethesda with $200,000 donation (2006-October-4)
On September 13, Richard Treptow, trustee of the George and LaVerne Natzke Trust of Chicago, presented a donation of $222,520 to Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc.
Brown honored with Bethesda Follower of the Lamb Award (2006-June-23)
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. has announced that the Bethesda Board of Directors recently awarded Mary Jane Brown of Fort Wayne, Ind., the Bethesda Follower of the Lamb Award.
Club of Alexandria presented Bethesda Follower of the Lamb award (2006-June-23)
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. has announced that the Bethesda Board of Directors recently awarded the YES Club of Alexandria, Minn., the Bethesda Follower of the Lamb Award.
Bethesda offers ‘Building a Disability Ministry” workshop in Marietta, Ga. (2006-June-23)
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc., a leader in the field of developmental disability services, would like to invite you to attend the one-day workshop “Building a Disability Ministry” on Saturday, October 14, at Faith Lutheran Church in Marietta, Ga.
Bethesda’s Indiana Services Receive Two-year Accreditation (06-January-26)
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. announced that its annual Christmas service featuring individuals who receive services at its Watertown Campus will take place on Saturday, December 10 at 2:00 p.m.
 
 

 

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