I joined the board of Bethesda Cares over 3 years ago, and have been steadily learning about all that it does. Our servides focus on the individuals and families, filling several vital niches. Our lunch program serves a nourising meal, usually hot, every day at one of four churches. We maintain a daytime drop-in location for shelter, social work, a psychiatrist, telephone and computer, and a place for mail recieipt. Our social worker goes out to the street to encourage homeless people to use our services. Our eviction counselor provides short-term grants for rent and utility payments to stave off eviction and utility shut-off. The professional staff of 4 coordinates over 400 vounteers.
When I first encountered Bethesda Cares as a clinical social working for a local county Department of Social Services, I was blown away by the fact that such an agency was working on the street with the homeless in the Bethesda/Chevy Chase area. It has won my admiration and desire to continue as part of the professional team working at Bethesda Cares!
I have been on the Board of Directors since early 2010 and believe Bethesda Cares effectively performs a very important and valuable mission in Montgomery County. Its lean staff and over 450 volunteers help feed, clothe and assist the homeless on the streets and also help many disadvantaged persons avoid becoming homeless. It is dependent on its volunteers and charitable donations.
I started volunteering to serve the homeless a couple of months ago. I feel blessed to be able to offer my services for a well deserved program. The people that work at Bethesda Cares have very nice and have great concern for their clients. I plan on continuing my service for as long as they need me. It has been my pleasure to work with such a great staff.
I have been involved with Bethesda Cares for 20 years. I have served as a volunteer and board member. I have not seen an agency do so much with so little. The care and sensitivity that is shown to our clients is exemplary. Bethesda Cares has become an integral part of the structure of our community. Here is where individuals come for food, shelter, counseling and an opportunity to move from the cycle of homelessness. Bethesda Cares is an on the street program that clearly knows the needs of the less fortunate in our community and then goes to great extremes to help.
In January, 2010 I started volunteering at Bethesda Cares one afternoon a week. I felt very comfortable and safe at the same time. Not being a computer person I mainly handle the client's mail, answer phones and make sure everyone feels welcome . The clients are extremely respectful of their surroundings and know that once they walk through the door and sign in someone is more than willing to help them. Some come in for a cup of coffee, or just to receive their mail or just socialize with the other clients. I am so impressed with the permanent staff and how dedicated they are to helping the homeless. There should be more organizations like Bethesda Cares.
As Treasurer of Bethesda Cares I often find myself in the office. I am always touched by the consideration provided the clients to have a cup of coffee and cake, receive their mail, provide toiletries, and provide assistance by the social worker and psychiatrist. The needs are ever present. Ed
It has been my JOY to volunteer for Bethesda Cares since September 2009. Whether it is serving the delicous hot meals prepared by our Chef (a former Army Mess Sergeant) or watching the clients come in out of the cold to enjoy a steaming cup of coffee while they wait to talk with our Social Worker, it feels good to see the clients begin the process of getting the assistance they need. Bethesda Cares has a staff of dedicated and caring individuals evidenced by volunteers who have been with them over twenty years. Bethesda Cares is making a difference each and every day!
I have been working for Bethesda Cares since September of 2010. In that time, I've had the opportunity to find permanent houses for some of our clients. I was able to fill out the housing applications with my clients, help them through the interview process, and see their faces light up with joy when they heard that they would have a permanent place to live this winter. Bethesda Cares understands the importance of permanent, stable houses for all people and thus is on a mission to find permanent housing solutions for all its clients.