Bethany Christian Services

Today at Bethany, I had the opportunity to connect with clients in one of my favorite ways—through group work. As a clinician with a background in facilitating, I believe that if you give someone space and a safe environment, they can often come up with their own solutions. My clients are between the ages of 15-17, an age when opening up in a group can feel intimidating. I like to begin group sessions with an icebreaker to help everyone feel more comfortable and get the conversation started. Once the group begins engaging, we move into a planned activity focused on topics like coping with stress or identifying personal triggers. Many of the children and teens I work with come from countries and cultures where mental health is often stigmatized. As a result, I can see them being unsure about what they want to share or how to express it. But during group sessions, something powerful happens. When they hear other kids talk about similar symptoms or experiences, they begin to open up, slowly but meaningfully. While my clients are strong because of how much they’ve endured at such a young age, they’re also vulnerable because when they enter our program, they’re completely alone. In group work, I witness a powerful shift in my clients when they realize they’re no longer alone. When they hear others share similar feelings or experiences, it creates a sense of validation and connection. That shared understanding opens the door to deeper trust that carries over into individual sessions, where these teens begin to open up more fully with me. Every day, as I’m reminding my teen clients of their coping strategies, I’m reminding myself of my coping strategies, whether that’s taking a walk or listening to music or spending time with my kids. It can be hard, especially since I am a mother, when my heart aches for my clients and their experiences. At the same time, it makes me grateful and appreciative of every blessing. Like my clients, I need the reminder that I’m not alone in this work—and that’s exactly what my team provides. God has surrounded me with an incredible group to walk alongside, and I couldn’t do this work without them. — Erica Fernandez, UC therapist What will you do at Bethany tomorrow? --- Join our team today and you could one day see your #TodayAtBethany story featured! Go to https://lnkd.in/gXa2gwdR to learn more.

True change happens when families are given what they need to stay together. Preserving a family means investing in parents as the best caregivers for their children. It means protection without separation—and connection that lasts.

Would you pray with us today? Dear God, We give thanks for the gift of family and the hope that grows when we walk together. When parents feel weary, surround them with care so they know they’re not alone. When children face uncertainty, let them feel your presence and remember they’re deeply loved. Strengthen those who step forward to help—volunteers, staff, and communities—so their compassion reflects your steady and practical love. Guide us to be faithful with what you’ve entrusted to us and courageous as we advocate for children and families in need. May every child know safety, love, and connection through the families you place around them. Amen.

A plain wall became a picture of belonging.
At Hacienda de Luz, youth specialist Nadine Stowell turned her gift for art into a mural that now fills the room with color, meaning, and hope. Her creativity connected staff and youth, showing how art can heal, inspire, and strengthen community. For more than 80 years, Bethany has championed excellence rooted in faith—supporting staff who use their God-given talents to help children and families thrive.

When Vanessa lost her job and housing, she needed a safe place for her son. Hilary’s family stepped in through Safe Families, hosting him while Vanessa worked toward stability. With time, Vanessa found housing, employment, and daycare—and her son was able to return home without entering foster care. Four years later, the two families are still connected, celebrating holidays and even running 5Ks together. Hosting through Safe Families doesn’t just support parents in crisis—it shapes the families who step in. Hilary shares how opening her home changed her kids, deepened her faith, and reminded her that following Jesus often means serving in unexpected ways. Safe Families keeps children safe and families together—and it transforms the ones who volunteer too. Learn more about Safe Families for Children by visiting www.Bethany.org/Community.

Families deserve our best, and so do you. That’s why Bethany is honored to hold Candid's Platinum Seal of Transparency—the highest recognition for openness and accountability in nonprofits.

Today at Bethany, I had the joy of serving schools and families in the same rural communities that have been part of my heart for more than a decade. Before joining Bethany, I retired from a 25-year career in public education. I was still working at the elementary school when I met my now colleague, John Dizon, at our back-to-school night. We got to chatting, and he told me about Bethany and the support they provide through programs like Safe Families for Children. As a school principal and trusted adult, I received the same calls from families in need, but didn’t have the bandwidth to support them in the ways they needed. Now, as an outreach coordinator for Safe Families, my team and I support the school and receive referrals when a family is in need. I then reach out and meet the family—at their home or a community organization—and help connect them with resources like housing, therapy, or childcare. A couple of weeks ago, I sat with a family I knew as a principal, spending the morning on their porch. Together, we discussed their goals and how I could serve and support them. This mom, who I used to only see in carpool pick up and at after-school events, said, “Thank you for listening to me. I don’t have friends or family I can talk to.” Just last week, this same mom reached out to me when she was feeling overwhelmed and needed someone to talk to. We were able to come up with manageable steps to help her move forward. When I speak with a referral for the first time, they often ask, “Why? Why would a stranger help me?” I can say that, through Bethany—a Christian organization—we can do the work Jesus Christ calls us to do: to help whoever needs help, no matter their background. As a principal, I always wanted to do more than academics—I wanted every child to feel safe, supported, and surrounded. At Bethany, that dream has become a reality. Each day, I see the beauty of schools, families, and community partners coming together, and I get to be a small part of weaving that safety net of hope. — Jessica Megonnell, Safe Families for Children Coordinator What will you do at Bethany tomorrow? --- Join our team today and you could one day see your #TodayAtBethany story featured! Go to Bethany.org/TABonLinkedIn to learn more.

When parents face crisis without support, the stress can feel overwhelming. Safe Families for Children connects them with volunteers and resources so they know they’re not alone. Every family deserves a circle of care to help them stay together.

We’re excited to announce that Andy Russell, EuMBA, IMBA, CAP has joined Bethany Christian Services as our new chief development officer. Andy brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for our mission. He joins us from Compassion International, where he made a lasting impact. With a strong Christian faith and a personal connection to foster care and adoption, Andy is deeply committed to connecting the Church with children and families facing challenges. He shares Bethany’s vision of a world where every child is safe, loved, and connected. Please join us in praying for Andy and his family as they step into this new season.

Thank you for sharing your words of encouragement this week. Here are some of the messages you shared for the staff and caseworkers who show up every day for kids and families.