Success Stories

Showing Thanks by Giving Back

People supported by Bethesda in Sturtevant, Wis., hosted a Lenten soup supper at their congregation, Living Hope Lutheran. The event, attended by more than 60 people, showcased the faith and abilities of these people with developmental disabilities.
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Wisconsin Disability Adovcates Gather in Madison

More than 400 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, advocates, and family members descended on the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison to meet with legislators and discuss issues that impact their daily lives.
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Bethesda Program Enhancing Lives Through Community Jobs

Previous students of Muskego High School were participants in the school's Transitions Program. This program was designed to provide job skill training, gave the men an introduction to the retail business.
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Hiring Initiative Offers Platform For Success

Through hard work and determination, Lee Rozinski is achieving his goals at Bethesda’s Baraboo, Wis. Thrift Shop. Rozinski has made the most of his an opportunity through a Bethesda initiative to hire people with intellectual and developmental disabilities at its thrift shops.
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Bethesda Thrift Shop Provides Long-Awaited Opportunity

Bethesa's Saginaw, Mich. Thrift Shop has given Michael an opportunity to thrive personally and professionally. Embracing his role at the shop, he has grown into an integral part of the team.
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Disability Ministry Transforms Congregation

A chance meeting with a Bethesda ministry consultant helped the Rev. David Wiist and his congregation, Concordia Lutheran, Evansville, Ind., discover an enriching outreach opportunity that gave the congregation a new focus.
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Journey to Independence

After eight years of home ownership Ken Larson, Dick Servatius and John Zidlicky are living lives that amaze their families, inspire friends and energize Bethesda Lutheran Communities’ staff.
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Joey's Community Job

For the past nine years, Joey Herk, who receives supports and services from Bethesda Lutheran Communities in Fort Collins, Colo., has been employed at Albertsons grocery store.
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Meaningful Employment Through Adaptive Technology

Brad Nordone's employment would not be possible without assistive/adaptive technology.
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Finding Fulfillment

For the last four years, Nick Jochim has been working on the USS LST 325, a 328-feet-long, 4,800 ton, World War II, "Landing Ship, Tank" amphibious vessel.
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F.A.C.E.S. Enhances Congregation

The class, F.A.C.E.S.—for faith, activities, conversation, expression and service—began in 2010 with three participants at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran in Centennial, Colo.
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Making Healthier Choices

When Ruth arrived at Bethesda, she struggled with weight and relied on a wheelchair. Find out how Ruth got hooked on walking and is on track to lose 100 pounds.
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Robert's Story

Robert Bertrand’s connections to his community underscore the truth that we all grow better when we grow together.

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F.A.C.E.S. Program Grows

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Centennial, Colo., has witnessed rapid growth in new program that strengthens ministry to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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Good As Gold

Mary Lou Nachtwey brought home a gold medal from the 2011 Special Olympics Summer Games in Greece.

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Going for the Gold in Greece

No one could have imagined that nearly sixty years later Nachtwey's path would lead her to a crowded Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece.

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First Home, First Family

Last January, six children with intellectual and developmental disabilities moved in the Good Shepherd Lutheran Home in Palmar Arriba.

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New Van Welcomes Bethesda to Racine

Bethesda was awarded a $30,000 grant from St. Luke’s Hospital’s Trustees, which has allowed Bethesda to purchase a van with a wheelchair lift for one of the three new homes in Sturtevant, Wis.
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Satisfied by Sharing the Good News

Josh Robledo receives services from Bethesda Lutheran Communities and is a volunteer at Trinity Lutheran Church in Klein, Texas. "You name it, I can do it," declares Robledo.

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Using God's Gift in the
Great Outdoors: A Diary

Experience camp through Anna's eyes.  She shares her thoughts as she prepares for and attends Camp Matz for the first time.

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Brothers in Christ Find a Home

Foster brothers for fifty years is great, but being brothers in Christ is much better.

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Driving the Winters

The Winters have been able to count on people from church, other Christian people.

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Love of a Lifetime: Eric and Klara Get Married

Both families wanted to assist Eric and Klara in any way possible to make their dream of marriage a reality.

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Moving Day: Aaron's Transition
Into the Community

There is a lot that the house mates will need to get used to in the first few weeks in their new home.

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Supporting Bethesda from the Start

Esther was first introduced to Bethesda Lutheran Communities' ministry when she was only seven or eight years old.

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