What We Do
Sharing the love of Christ with children and adults who have developmental disabilities is the main focus of Bethesda's ministry. We also provide resources to educate friends, families, congregations and other service providers about developmental disabilities.
Support Services
Bethesda supports people with developmental disabilities both in their own homes or in Bethesda-owned facilities. Support programs vary and are based on each person's needs. The people we support and their families take an active part in services by helping to create goals and objectives, in line with Person-Centered Planning. [More about support services]
Religious Education
From our inception, Bethesda's religious education programs have been the cornerstone of our ministry. Bethesda works with people with developmental disabilities to help them locate welcoming congregations in their community and provides Bible studies at its facilities and in the community as requested. We also work with people and congregations worldwide to help them educate others on the spiritual needs of people with developmental disabilities. [More about religious support]
IMPACT.
In August 2001, Bethesda became a member of IMPACT., an international alliance of four Lutheran-based organizations dedicated to helping people with developmental disabilities around the world. Current projects are located in Romania, Northwest Russia and Latvia. [Visit IMPACT.'s Web site]
Top
Church Affiliation
Bethesda is a recognized service organization of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and works cooperatively with LCMS on a number of national and international initiatives. Bethesda's Board of Directors is currently made up of men and women from the LCMS, Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS), Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
Resources
While providing direct spiritual and physical supports to people with developmental disabilities is important, Bethesda believes it is also necessary to educate others about developmental disabilities so they can provide a welcoming environment as well as religious education.
Bethesda reaches out to congregations and communities with an array of resources, including workshops, staff development materials, the Bethesda Institute and services from the Parish Ministry Consultants. [View a complete list of Bethesda's resources]
Funding
As a non-profit organization, Bethesda turns to people like you to help support its ministry. Each year thousands of people volunteer their time at Bethesda Thrift Shops or with the individuals Bethesda serves; donate goods to be sold at the thrift shops or to be given to individuals; and support Bethesda through financial programs. [Ways you can help]
Are you interested in learning what Bethesda has been doing since it began providing services in 1904?
Take a trip back in time and learn about our history with the Bethesda timeline.